The Eastern PA Conference Economic Justice Council invites all to join and support EPA congregations in celebrating Juneteenth 2024, especially two of our historic Black churches. Mother African Zoar UMC in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 15, 11 am to 3 pm …

July book study to explore Healing Fractured Communities
“How can congregational leaders be both healers and agitators at the same time?” That “both/and” question is one of many addressed empirically in the new book Healing Fractured Communities (2024), by F. Douglas Powe and Jessica L Anschutz. The Eastern …

Laity Session highlights lay leadership, ministry, Fresh Expressions
At their annual Laity Session, May 21, Eastern PA Conference lay members learned about how both the conference and the emerging Fresh Expressions movement are inviting and helping church laity to grow in discipleship through community engagement.

EPA treasurer Jo Fielding to retire Sept. 1, after 26 years
Jo Fielding, the Eastern PA Conference’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since March 2023, as well as Executive Director of Benefits and Director of the EPA&GNJ Mission Data Team, will retire September 1, 2024. Fielding, who has worked for the …

Consider EPA’s Loan Fund for loans, investments
The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Loan Fund helps United Methodist churches finance capital projects such as new construction, roof replacements, air conditioning projects, and the like. And it can only do so because of the assets provided by investors in the …

Pathways guides steps toward ministry growth, progress
On a Sunday morning after worship 25 church leaders are gathering around tables to set goals and action steps that will lead to a successful pastoral transition. At a weekday church council meeting leaders are meeting to move beyond the …

Historic conference offers healing and hope
The Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference, meeting May 21-23 in Wildwood, NJ., made history twice with two actions—one offering a redemptive healing of its past; the other offering a resilient hope for its future. John Coleman reports.

You are INVITED! Summer Camp 2024
Hey there, adventurers! Summer’s knocking on the door, and guess what? We’ve got the ultimate invitation for you! Calling all kids, teens, and grown-ups alike to dive into the thrill of our fantastic summer programs. It’s not just a getaway; …

Neighbors enter church pickleball courts with praise
Believing that churches should be places to play as well as pray, two United Methodist churches in EPA & GNJ are providing indoor pickleball courts as inviting gifts to their communities. West Lawn UMC in Reading, PA, and St. Paul’s …

Use Breakthrough’s ‘On Purpose’ Summer Worship Series
“Why was I born?” begins Oscar Hammerstein II’s poignant lyrics to a 1929 classic torch song. “Why am I living? What do I get? What am I giving?” All good questions for anyone deeply searching for their raison d’etre (reason …