AN District News......UMC Buzz....February 10, 2022
Speak a word of faith as you enter into a weekly study for Lent featuring prayer-poems by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. This six-week small group study delves deeply into reflections, for individuals or groups, on truth, of trust, healing, hope, love, of humility, journey, joy, service and more. See the study.
Summer camp registration is now open
Lives change at summer camp. This summer, the BWC's Retreat and Camping Ministries offers a vast array of experiences for those entering third grade through adults in residential and day camps.
You'll be surprised at all that's available -- all crafted in a perfect balance of fun, friends and faith. Explore this years experiences:
- Residential camp at West River near Annapolis
- Day camp at West River near Annapolis
- Summer camp at Manidokan near Harpers Ferry
Join the conversation on gun violence
Gun Violence Prevention webinars Feb. 8 and 15 at 6 p.m.: To help congregations hold courageous conversations on gun violence, the BWC’s social action team will hold two webinars.
The Feb. 15 webinar will be on gun violence interruption programs. The panelists are Greg Jackson, head of InvestinusCoaltion.org and co-chair of Maryland Violence Prevention Coalition; Dana McDaniels, Deputy Director, Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement in D.C.; and a speaker on the ghost gun bill in the Maryland legislature. Learn more and register.
New and Featured
The BWC offers Congregational Development Grants, through the Unified Funding Task Force, to assist churches with launching new ministry initiatives, new or renewed congregation development, leader development and reaching new people. The procedures for this year’s applications have been revised. Online applications must be completed by March 20. Learn more and apply.
Those interested in applying for one of the four Congregational Vitality Pathways need to request their link to Readiness 360 today. The pathways include the Launch Initiative, the Catalyst Initiative, the Readiness Initiative and the Legacy Church Conversation Initiative. Learn more and apply.
Doctrine of Discovery Series: Stealing the Earth -- Centering and Othering, on elevating white normativity and suppressing racial and indigenous identities, will be held Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. The five-part discussion series on the Doctrine of Discovery is sponsored by the BWC and Pen-Del Native American Ministries. Register online.
A small membership churches forum will be held via Zoom Friday, March 18, 1:30 to 3 p.m. The second offering of the forum will be held that evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Rev. Rick Oursler. Register.
First Aid for Mental Health: One in five Americans experience mental illness each year. A 2021 Clergy Well-Being Survey found that United Methodist clergy are increasingly struggling with mental health. To address some of the issues and stigmas around this issue, Wespath is offering first aid training for mental health in March 10 and 24. See the toolkit with details on the First Aid for Mental Health event page. Register.
The Catalyst Initiative Team of Chews Memorial UMC (Harwood, MD) invite you to a virtual event:
"Loving Your Heart", Thursday, February 17 from 7-8 pm. Guest speakers will discuss the role of
the Cardiologist and Family Practioner in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease; and ways
to the heart strong. Online Registration:https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sy3IJjksRzGx1fAIWpDFeg . For further
information contact: Rev. Valerie A. Barnes (202) 903-3355