News and Views

Postcards Home from Zimbabwe – Day 4

Posted by Melissa Lauber on Jun 16, 2016

“Are they dancing in the house of the Lord?” This is the provocative question posed by God in a song by the Africa University choir.

OLD MUTARE, Zimbabwe — In the largest graduation ceremony since its inception, Africa University celebrated 841 students during the commencement exercises at its campus in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, June 11.

Friends: While in Zimbabwe, the news of the mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., reached us. Like you, I am devastated by this act of hatred and struggling to make sense of the horrific tragedy. In times like this, we, as the body of Christ, must lift our voices in prayer for the friends and...

The Rev. Harry Campbell Kiely, 80, a retired Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, died June 11, 2016. A memorial service was held July 9, at Riderwood, the retirement home where he lived in Silver Spring.  He was born Jan. 23, 1936, in Waco, Texas, to the late Edward Douglas and...

The Rev. Ronald R. Winterberg, an Associate Member who served in the Baltimore-Washington Conference from 1965 to 1989, died June 10, 2016. The Rev. Ken Hughes officiated at a celebration of his life Aug. 13, in the Guild Chapel at Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg where he...

Ancient church mothers and fathers often greeted one another with the phrase, “Give me a word.” This greeting led to the sharing of insights and wisdom. Today we continue this tradition with this monthly column.

What good could you do with $100?

Posted by Alison Burdett on Jun 09, 2016

Young adults were creating conversations and encouraging creative thinking at this year’s Annual Conference Session. Through INSPIREDC’s “Mission Possible” initiative, members and guests to Annual Conference were put to a challenge. Those who accepted the challenge were asked to pick an issue...

Family and friends filled the ballroom of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C., for the worship service of ordination and commissioning that is the highlight of the Annual Conference Session for many people. The occasion is the culmination of years of preparation and a lot of prayer.

The Rev. John Storer Park, a retired Elder, died June 7, 2016, three days after his 83rd birthday. The Rev. Matthew Paugh officiated at his funeral June 11 at St. Paul’s UMC in Oakland. John “Jack” Storer Park was born June 4, 1933, in South Cumberland, Md., the son of the...

The Rev. Roland "Bud" Brown III, 68, a retired Elder, died June 7,2016, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His funeral service was held June 13 at St. Paul's UMC in Sykesville with the Revs. Terri Rae Chattin, Douglas Tzan and Vivian McCarthy officiating. Brown was born Sept. 12, 1947, in...