District News

Prayers of the People

 

We continue to pray for the denomination as the February Special Session of General Conference approaches. The Council of Bishop is encouraging United Methodists to participate in the Praying Our Way Forward Initiative. On Feb. 23, the bishops will gather with the delegates in the St. Louis America's Center for a time of prayer from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visit umcprays.org. 

 

Save the date: on Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling is calling the people of the BWC together at the Mission Center and via live streaming to pray and share information following the Special Session. 

 

We celebrate and welcome Rob Morgan who joins us as the new Chief Investment Officer for the Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation. In this new position, he will take an active role in managing church portfolios and in the development of new investment client relationships. Learn more about the Foundation. 

 

Clergy appointment season has begun. We pray for Bishop Easterling, the Cabinet, and all those who are appointed to new churches in the coming year.  See the appointments. 

 

 

We offer praise and thanksgiving for our partnership with Zimbabwe. Last week, a new swimming pool was dedicated at Africa University in honor of Bishop Marcus Matthews. Funds to build the pool were contributed by the people of Baltimore-Washington Conference to honor Bishop Marcus Matthews when he retired in 2016.

 

 

While in Zimbabwe, Charlie Moore, of Community UMC in Crofton and a member of the Board of Africa University (left, in photo), was present with Barbara (center) and Bishop Marcus Matthews. Moore also participated in a Volunteers in Mission trip, whose work culminated in the dedication of the new Early Childhood Development classroom building in Hanwa, Zimbabwe.   

 

Learn more about the BWC's Global Partnership with the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area.

 

Clergy are invited to the
Feb. 20 Lenten day apart 

 

Bishop LaTrelle Easterling invites the clergy of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to a special Lenten Day Apart, which will focus on contemplative practices. Some of the experiences will involve 

a contemplative labyrinth, sacred writing, meditation,

prayer and contemplation, prayer beads, a mission project, and singing songs in the key of Lent. 

 

The day apart will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Glen Mar UMC, 4701 New Cut Road in Ellicott City. The cost, which is $35 for active clergy and $25 for retired clergy, includes a catered lunch. Retired clergy must enter a special code to receive the discounted rate. Enter "RETIRED" (all caps) when you register.  Register online.

  

Advocacy Day is sponsored by the Conference United Methodist Women and the BWC Action and Advocacy Network. For more information and to register, contact Judy Smith or the Rev. Stacey Cole Wilson. 

Southern Region Advanced SPRC Training Saturday, Feb. 23.

The Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee is the administrative unit in the local church where staff/pastor and congregational interests are integrated to focus on the mission of the church.  The SPRC has more components to operating that personnel and clergy compensation issues.  This is a critical Committee in the life of the local church. 

This advanced training will prepare local church SPRCs not only regarding personnel and clergy compensation, but the role of the District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Certified Lay Ministers and Certified Lay Servants, how to conduct a comprehensive and effective evaluation, how to resolve conflicts, and what to do when an area needs improvement.  It will also address the role of the District Superintendent and when to involve them in areas of unresolved conflict or concern.

The class will be held on February 23, 2019 at Centenary UMC, 6248 Shady Side Rd., Shady Side, MD 20764 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. You are strongly encouraged to attend this training as a Team. The cost is $5 per person. One person should be assigned to register each team. Registration is now open Register.

Southern Region Annual Leadership Day April 13, 2019

The Southern Region will host our annual training for clergy and laity on April 13, 2019 at Nichols-Bethel UMC, 1239 Murray Rd, Odenton MD.  This year our keynote speaker will be Matt Lake, Lead Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Williamsport, PA—an urban congregation that consists of a mix of traditional and contemporary worship experiences.  First Church also currently hosts a network of fresh expressions of ministry called the Acts Network in which people meet in places such as homes, gyms, and coffee shops. Registration is now open.  To register please click here.

A Way Forward Resources 

At our regional gathering on October 28, Bishop stressed the importance of staying informed, attending listening sessions and praying daily at 2:23 pm for five minutes for those who will meet at the General Conference on February 23. The Bishop referenced three resources during our time together to gain understanding and stay informed:

• A Word from the Bishop: We Can Remain Together - Why I Support the One Church Plan 
• Plans - At - A - Glance: A Summary and Side-by-Side Comparison of the One Church Plan
• Browse Resources on A Way Forward and Connect with the BWC Delegates 

Featured this Week

 

 

The BWC's United Methodist Women will celebrate their 150th anniversary of United Methodist Women with an "Honor the Legacy -- Hope for the Future" event Sunday, March 24, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the BWC Mission Center in Fulton. The most senior UMW members will be honored and new leaders will be recognized. There will be music and entertainment. A contribution of $18.69 is requested. For more information, contact Daisy Farmer at 240-533-6448.

 

 

Discipleship Opportunities

 

Celebrate Excellence at Annual Conference 2019! Applications and Nominations are now being accepted for a wide variety of awards including:

• Congregational awards for Abundant Health or Advocacy and Action, with $1,000 given for reinvestment in ministry;
• United to Love Moral Courage Award for Young and Older Adults who do the right thing, even in the face of their fears;
• Youth Group Leader of the Year who grow and multiply disciples in middle and high school;
• The Harry Denman Evangelism Award for laity and clergy who many people credit for helping to start or reignite their faith journey. 
• Applications are due on April 1. Learn more and apply for these Annual Conference Awards. 

Leadership Development

• The Laity Fix workshop, with presenter Lynda Byrd, will be offered twice: this Friday, Feb. 15, and this Saturday, Feb. 16. Both sessions will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm at the BWC Mission Center in Fulton.  Learn more and register. 

Young People's Ministry  

• College scholarship applications are now online. The deadline is March 7. Learn more.

• Christians Engaged in Faith Formation is a resource group for all local church Sunday School teachers and other Christian Educators. On the morning of Feb.14, they will meet at Silver Sprig UMC to discuss worship bags and resourcing families for Lent.
   
• The CCYM Stress Less Project offers resources to help youth battle the many sources of stress in their lives. The project was created by youth for youth. Learn more. 

View local church classifieds

 

 

Mt. Zion UMC, 3592 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel, have three 8-foot pews and one 6-foot pew to give away. Each pew has orange cushions and space on the back for books. Pick-up needs to be arranged by the purchaser. Contact Mary D. Gibson at 301-498-9431 before Feb. 14.

 

John Wesley-Waterbury in Crownsville needs a musician for its 9 a.m. Sunday worship service. Contact Mrs. Pope at 301-404-1587.