The dream of Bridges was to create a program that would help congregations grow in their cultural competency so that they could Bridge the Gap between their church and the community around them. Over the past 2 years, 150 leaders …
A Conversation with Rev. Zach Hopple, UM Earthkeeper
From the comfort of air-conditioned offices on one of the hottest days of summer, the Rev. Zach Hopple and I chatted about the UM Global Ministries’ Earthkeeper program and how the church can be better stewards of creation. This interview …
Sharing God’s Love at Christmas Begins Now
Can you imagine being separated from your family and friends at Christmas? Those who are incarcerated suffer this isolation and other deprivations on a daily basis, but at Christmas, those losses can be particularly difficult. Though the EPA Conference’s Christmas …
A Day of Joy and Service: Highlights from Sayers Memorial UMC’s Community Day
Sayers Memorial UMC celebrated its third annual Community Unity Day in West Philadelphia on August 17. This celebration originated from a vision that the Lord gave to Pastor Washington in 2019, leading to the creation of an event called Youth …
Stirring up Love and Good Deeds: Reflections on the 2024 Laity Academy
The Laity Academy of Eastern Pennsylvania (EPA) met from August 2-3 at Eastern University to equip lay leaders with the tools they need to lead well in their contexts. The theme for this 40th year of equipping lay leaders came …
Building Bridges and Sharing Joy: Outreach Event Connects Cultures & Communities
On Sunday August 11th El Buen Samaritano UMC hosted their annual outreach event. El Buen Samaritano regularly hosts community events in the park to create opportunities for new connections. People don’t have to step through the door of a church …
Faith Lessons from Gretna Glen
This summer Gretna Glen welcomed 1,269 campers to a time apart, when they could play, grow, and learn about faith. Here are a few of the lessons learned from campers both big and small. Jesus connects us with God. Cameron …
Mosaic Ministries retreat helps incoming pastors find their feet
On July 25, a group of pastors gathered at Princeton Theological Seminary’s Farminary, as the final activity of their three-date retreat. At first glance, one might wonder, what does farming have to do with pastoral ministry? A lot, as it …
New Life UMC’s Prayer and Praise Service Lifts Spirits
New Life UMC at Drexel Hill celebrated its 6th annual Prayer and Praise Celebration on July 13 welcoming all commuters for prayer, praise and worship at SEPTA’s 69th Street Terminal Transportation Center Station in Philadelphia. The celebration was a hands-on …
Connectionalism brings new life to VBS ministry
Salem UMC hosts first VBS in 20 years In 2023 Palisades Community Bible Church, asked Salem UMC if they could host a bible club for children in the community. Salem UMC gladly opened their doors, and the bible club reached …