District News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Saint James UMC Seeks PT Organist/Accompanist
Saint James UMC in Marriottsville, MD is looking to fill a 12-month position, 8-10 hours per week.  The musicians will work closely with the Pastor and the Director of Music Ministry in providing music on the organ and piano for Sunday services of both traditional and contemporary (praise band) styles, for in-person and virtual worship, in alignment with St. James UMC’s principles and church mission and goals. Read the full job description and contact Ann Moxley at with questions.

Manidokan Work Projects
As we get ready for summer, it will not be possible to have a large spring clean up day. However, if you would like to help with any of these projects or inquire about other general camp cleaning, program set up, or offer other help in getting ready for summer, please reach out to Kirstin the director or Rev. Scott Bostic our maintenance director.  See the flyer for volunteer opportunities.

• Kirstin --
• Scott --

FEMA Offers Funeral Assistance
In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, for deaths related to COVID-19, to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. Learn more about their policy and how to apply -- https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance. 

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EventS

APRIL EVENTS

 April 17 (10am) -- Register for UMVIM 101 today!
Class will be taught via ZOOM. Rev. Jeff Childs will equip and orient those who are planning to journey forth as volunteers, and volunteer leaders, in God's mission. Topics to be covered include theological and Biblical foundations for mission, intercultural considerations, planning, budgeting, logistics, health and safety, and how to build a mission relationship. Sign up here -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5945

April 18 -- Native American Ministries Sunday 
See a number of leader's resources to assist you in supporting this important ministry. Watch the video with Richard Church, a member of the BWC's Committee on Native American Ministries.  Share the virtual donation card -- https://www.resourceumc.org/-/media/umc-media/2020/10/06/11/16/2021_nams_pew_card.ashx?la=en&rev=a9386184cc384b43b24bf16c3addaa35 

April 20 (7pm) -- Administrative Year in Review/Annual Fund Balance Report (Training Tuesday Webinar)
Are you involved with any of the administrative reports generated by a local church each year?  Many local church administrative reports will be reviewed with a focus on locating helpful online support materials. Special attention will be provided for knowing how to fill out the upcoming Annual Fund Balance Report that is due June 30th.  A short conversation will also clarify the difference between the Fund Balance Report and a Local Church Annual Audit.  Reserve your space now --  https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5953 

April 20-21 (11am-3pm) -- Leveraging Communications
Identifying how to best deliver messages effectively and efficiently can be a challenge for any local church. In response, United Methodist Communications is launching a series of virtual communications learning conferences aimed to assist all who seek to share the Gospel. The event offers 20+ learning opportunities facilitated by professionals and leaders of innovative church communications. The cost is $50. Learn more and register -- https://www.umctraining.org/product?catalog=Leveraging_Communication_2021 

April 22 -- Earth Day
Celebrate with a number of worship resources -- https://umcmission.org/worship-resources-for-earth-day-2021/ and learn more about the denomination’s creation care ministries -- https://umcmission.org/areas-of-impact/#creationcare

Beginning April 26 -- Equity 2.0 - A SPACES Project
You are invited, and all members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to join the EQ 2.0 Cohort to help co-create a vision of a world as it should be. A world rooted in belonging without racial bias and different forms of othering. Equity 2.0 seeks to build community and provide participants with tools and accountability structures to become an IDEA (Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Antiracist) leader, using evidence-based strategies for building beloved communities.  If you'd like to register or learn more, please refer to the following:

• Access to Our Registration Form 
• The Informational Page & Video Introduction 
• For additional questions, email Jodi Iyamu at

April 27 (7pm) -- Grant Writing Basics (Training Tuesday Webinar)
This webinar will provide basic steps to research and write a grant with Scheherazade W. Forman. Register now -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5952 

April 30 (registration deadline) -- Board of Child Care Auxiliary Meeting
On May 13 at 1pm, join the keynote speaker, L.A. Spagnola, president and chief executive officer of the Board of Child Care.  Register at https://form.asana.com/?k=ZKmFXlaFzGIr_vn9Sv_vTQ&d=7950860481472 and the Zoom contact information will be sent to you.


MAY EVENTS

May 1 (Deadline) -- Annual Discipleship Awards
Christ-followers are light and we are called to shine. It's time for the annual discipleship awards to celebrate those among us who are willing to dare to live out their faith in amazing ways.  Awards will be given to congregations in the areas of abundant health and advocacy, and to individuals for evangelism, youth ministry, and moral courage.  Visit bwcumc.org/awards -- https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/grants-and-awards// 

May 1 (10am) -- ACES Training 
Free, online training on understanding and support children facing adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and trauma. Sponsored by Retreat and Camping Ministries and Wellness and Mission. Learn more and register -- https://www.bwcumc.org/event/2026788-2021-05-01-trauma-informed-and-responsive-care-with-young-people/ 

May 4 (10am) -- Next Level Leader Academy
Evaluating, Eliminating, and Energizing: Making Ministry Matter presented by Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol. Get more information and sign-up -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5950

May 15 (1 pm) -- Deacon Exploration Session
Provides an overview of the Deacon's role and ministry within the life of the church. Register online -- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItfu-srTIuE9JpZtSjE2lZRJWcrnXJUElw or contact the Rev. Leo Yates ( ) for more information.

May 16 (Deadline) -- Mustard Seed Migration Grant
50 churches across the United States will be able to further help refugees and migrants living in their local communities thanks to a new grant program from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded. Learn more and apply -- https://umcmission.org/migration/mustardseed/ 

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RESOURCES
 

BWC's Racial Justice Committee has been committed to shining a light on systemic racism within our churches and within our society at large.  We Rise United Bi-Weekly Prayer Call – We all must look to God for help, guidance, and support during this time and as we journey forward towards reaching the goal of being an antiracist Church, let's lift our voices and be heard so that together, We Rise United. To join the prayer call and for more information, visit https://www.bwcumc.org/event/1946656-2021-02-03-we-rise-united-prayer-call/. The prayer call is held the first and third Wednesday every month until December 16, 2021.

Prayer in a Time of National Crisis – In this prayer from The United Methodist Church's Book of Worship, 517, we seek God's direction and enlightenment for our nation as it experiences turmoil and conflict. Take a moment to say and reflect upon the prayer, and then share it with your congregation -- https://www.umc.org/en/content/prayer-in-time-of-national-crisis?utm_source=thesource&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=resourceumc&utm_content=01/26/21paid 

Lay Servant Ministries Grace Period Extended – The Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries has extended the grace period begun in 2020 for those who cannot take necessary courses during the COVID 19 pandemic. Download the form.

 New Certified Lay Minister
Class applications are now being accepted: Applications for the next class of Certified Lay Ministers, the Baltimore-Washington Conference Class of 2021-2023, are now being accepted. Visit the BWC website to learn more about the pre-requisite requirements. (Click "Learn More" under "Certified Lay Minister" for information and application package, as well as a pastor information package.) Prospective CLM students must currently be a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker. The application process includes meeting with one's pastor, church Staff-Parish Relations Committee, and the district superintendent before the July 1 deadline. The next class will start in September and is a two-year commitment. Questions can be directed to Linda Flanagan ( ), the Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries.  

Download a 12-month schedule of Health & Wellness topics to keep your congregation and community safe and well year round.

 

Free 2021 Worship Bundle Package – Download the Discipleship Ministries’ 2021 Worship and Music Planning Calendar and the 2021 Revised Common Lectionary Sundays and Special Days Calendar -- https://store.umcdiscipleship.org/product/2021-worship-planning-bundle/ 

  Who Are We?  An 18-week small group journey from head to heart explores our identity as children of God, United Methodists, and the people of the Baltimore-Washington     Conference. This study is an outstanding resource for churches seeking to grow deeper in their understanding of identity, faith, and discipleship. See the Study and begin your  exploration of "Who Are We?" -- https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/who-are-we/ 

 The next annual session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be held Oct 25-27, 2021. 

  Improving Your Church's Web Presence 
  Sometimes we're overwhelmed by all that's involved in (re)building or maintaining a church website. Because a site requires a mix of time and skills, it's hard to know
  where  to begin. In part one of three screencast sessions, you'll learn how to improve your web presence by identifying the ministry needs and the multiple audiences
  served by your church's website. Take the first step -- https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/improving-your-churchs-web-presence-part-1 

  Re-Entering Well Resources
  • Find the Re-Entering Well Guidelines (https://www.bwcumc.org/article/re-entering-well-guidelines/)
  • View the Re-Entering tip sheets (https://www.bwcumc.org/article/re-entering-well/)  

BWC News
• Find current BWC news and share your stories at https://www.bwcumc.org/news/ 

Church Resources
• Where do you go to get a grant or loan for your church? There are resources to help you and your church. Visit https://www.bwcumc.org/administration/local-church-resources/

Coronavirus Resources 
• A number of resources are available to assist local churches in their response to the Coronavirus—https://www.bwcumc.org/article/coronavirus-resources/