AN District News.......UMC Buzz.......February 11, 2021
Lenten Resource focuses on acts of justice to build Beloved Community
"Reclaiming and Living Covenant" is a new Lenten experience of Scripture, United Methodist Social Principles, and antiracist action to build Beloved Community.
This Lenten resource explores ideas about social and racial justice through the lens of the Bible and the United Methodist Social Principles. It contains a wealth of information for learning, reflection, and action and makes a perfect online study for you and your church during Lent. Learn more.
During Lent, the Rev. Neil Christie, one of the denomination's leaders in justice and the Social Principles, will lead Zoom sessions of Reclaiming and Living Covenant on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Christie is one of the co-authors of this curriculum, which was also written by Jennifer Kidwell of Silver Spring UMC.
Read a story about the study and see an interview with the authors.
Join the adventure: camp registration opens today
Summer camp registration for Manidokan and West River opens today.
Summer camp is a unique and powerful ministry that uses experiential learning and communal Christian living to help young people discover love of God, self, neighbor, and nature.
Visit the website for the camp schedule and online registration:
Manidokan, in the mountains near Harper's Ferry, W.Va.:
https://www.bwccampsandretreats.com/manidokan/summer-camp/schedule-descriptions/
West River Residential Camps, along the river near Annapolis:
https://www.bwccampsandretreats.com/westriver/summer-camps/residential-camps/
West River Day Camps: https://www.bwccampsandretreats.com/westriver/summer-camps/day-camp/
Safety is our top priority at camp. Find the latest info on our COVID-19 safety plans.
Discipleship Opportunities
Webinar offers churches insights into the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
The next online Training Tuesday, on Feb. 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., will introduce the federal security grant program that is available to BWC churches. The Federal Emergency Management Association will soon announce the details of this year's Nonprofit Security Grant Program. These grants are available to all churches to invest in additional security measures to safeguard their places of worship. Once the FEMA announcement is made, we believe all applications for this year's grants will be required before the end of March.
The webinar, which will include advice from experts on how churches can best submit an application, is being held to help BWC churches learn more about this security grant opportunity, including information on what type of security measures can be taken to safeguard a place of worship and how churches should conduct assessments of their security needs. The Finance Office will also have updates on the PPP2 church loans and the Employee Retention Credit opportunities.
The following Training Tuesday will feature the Rev. Karin Walker of Fallston UMC, who will lead a session on "Managing Conflict In a Sea of Change."
Webinar on General Conference: On Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m., delegates and other United Methodists will meet in a webinar to hear about the Episcopal Fund, General Conference options, and the Jurisdictional Study Committee report. Delegates have been invited to a Zoom call. Everyone else can view the live stream. Bookmark this page or URL -- www.ResourceUMC.org/USJurisdictionalWebinar -- for viewing the webinar.
February is Black History Month. Deepen your exploration of African-American culture with these resources. Share with us how you and your church are celebrating Black History Month (include photos).
Disability Awareness Sunday: Churches within the Baltimore-Washington Conference are invited to observe Disability Awareness Sunday during the month of February. See a complete order of worship for the observance.
United Methodists are called to advocate for the Trust Act (SB88/HB304), an immigration bill now being addressed by Maryland lawmakers. The Trust Act seeks to restore trust between law enforcement and the immigrant community by stopping the partnership between the state and ICE. Learn more.
Additional opportunities to work for immigration justices are on the BWC's Hispanic-Latino Ministry page.
The West River Center is offering carry-out family dinners. Meals are offered Tuesday through Friday. Order by noon by emailing for pick up the following day. Check out their Facebook page for the current menu and pricing.
Wellness and Missions
February is American Heart Month: Hypertension is a major preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are the first and fifth leading causes of death in the U.S. Tens of millions of adults in the United States have high blood pressure. The Surgeon General's Call to Action recognizes disparities in hypertension control. Learn how everyone can play a part in addressing social factors that influence overall health.
Classifieds
The West River Center is hiring a full-time, year-round Assistant Director. The Assistant Director position is focused primarily on the creation, development, and execution of programming for both summer campers and retreat groups. The ideal person for this position must be equally adept at planning all aspects of the program experience and firsthand facilitation of adventure activities, training and managing paid and volunteer leaders, and mediating conflict resolution. For more information email .
Manidokan and West River camps are looking for program staff, day camp staff, cabin counselors, nurses, lifeguards, drivers, maintenance workers, cooks, and kitchen aides to staff our summer camp programs in 2021. Find out more on our website and apply online.
