This is W.E. 5_31_2022
Editorial - Statement concerning Racially-Motivated Acts of Violence
To Whom It May Concern,
One week ago, two instances of horrific violence occurred with racial/ethnic animosity as its root cause. One occurred in Orange County, CA at a Taiwanese Church, the other in Buffalo, NY at a grocery store in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Both atrocities appear to have been motivated by anger and hatred toward a particular class of people and the perceived “threats” that they represent. As a result of these shootings, eleven innocent lives were lost, and many others were wounded.
The Calvert Interfaith Council denounces such acts of violence. The teachings and religious principles that the Interfaith Council advocates lead us to love others, live peaceably with all people and respect the inherent dignity that God has given to each person. This principle is aptly expressed in Leviticus 19:18, “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” And as Jesus Christ teaches, we are to do more than merely love our neighbors, we are to “love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High” (Luke 6:35).
In addition to denouncing the actual acts of violence, we also denounce the attitudes, rhetoric, and vilification of others that incite such violence. Too often, these types of aggressions are spurred by religious language seeking to preserve a certain national morality or cultural identity. While there may be legitimate differences in values, public policy, and social morals, we do not condone the imposition of hatred and bloodshed to address these differences. As stated in the Qu ‘ran “If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given each of you. So, compete with one another in doing good” (Surat al'Ma'ida, 48). Concerning hostile actions against others, the Apostle James states, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
We firmly believe that the Kingdom of God is inclusive of people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. It is not exclusive to any one race or ethnicity. Nor is the Kingdom of God something of this world that can be achieved through political, nationalistic, or militaristic means. It is a Kingdom of the heart, dependent upon each person’s relationship with God and the unity that we receive through His Spirit within us. Attempts to intertwine religion, nationalism, and violence to elevate a particular race, culture, or people group should not be accepted among people of faith.
By the Grace of God,
Rev. Dr. Dana M. Jones, Pastor, Mt. Olive United Methodist Church
Rev. Charles Harrell, Director of Pastoral Care, Asbury Solomons
Rev. Dr. Ben Holland, Pastor, Dunkirk Baptist Church
11275 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk, MD 20754 (301) 855-3555
Changes to Washington East District Blog Postings -The Washington East District Blog will be posted on the 1st and 15th of each month. The deadline to submit information for the posting will be the 28th for the 1st of the month's posting and the 12th for the posting on the 15th of the month. This information should be sent to Christol Medley at
We continue to address COVID: This can be a challenging time as faith communities encounter contradictory messages and advice as they continue to address COVID-19. Ella Curry, Ph.D., MTS, RN, a consultant in infectious disease, offers timely, in-depth, and important facts and resources to shape your decision making. Read her What We Know Now – March 28, 2022, COVID Update.
Maryland Tax Exempt Renewal- All current Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificates held by non-profit organizations expire on September 30, 2022. Information regarding the 2022 renewal application, including instructions to complete your renewal application online, will be mailed to the organization beginning May 2, 2022. Their online renewal service will be available for the 2022 renewal period starting May 9, 2022. Upon a successful renewal, your organization will receive a new Maryland Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate valid until September 30, 2027. To learn more about the process go to https://interactive.marylandtaxes.gov/bServices/EOR/Home.aspx
Seeds of Security (SOS) is the initiative of Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling to support survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), which is also known as "domestic violence."
IPV Education has been a hallmark of the Baltimore-Washington Conference. In addition to serving as a member of the SOS Committee, Emmanuel UMC's pastor, Rev. Dr. Andrea M. King has been an IPV Education instructor for BWCUMC for over 20 years and is a founding member of the Howard County Coalition to Prevent Intimate Partner Violence (2014), and a member of the Maryland Governor's Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition (since 2013).
The SOS Golf Tournament is a Spring fundraising event, and the SOS Gala and Silent Auction will be held in the Winter.
Responding to Community Needs A family of 10 was in desperate and immediate need of assistance after being displaced from their home. Emmanuel UMC (Beltsville) coordinated securing donations from Montgomery, PG, Howard, and Baltimore Counties within days to deliver to the grateful family!
The community members were happy to donate mostly furniture and household items to help the family get back on their feet.
June 9th: Ethnic Local Church Forum 2022: Thursday, June 9, 1:30-3:00 pm or Thursday, June 9th, 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm. To learn more and to register, click here.
March For Our Lives - June 11 in DC
Students and youth organizers with the March for Our Lives gun violence prevention movement are planning nationwide actions following the Texas elementary school shooting, including a march on Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 11. Organizers and activists also plan to meet with lawmakers in the Capitol from June 7 to June 10 to push for a universal background checks website. March For Our Lives is a youth-led movement advocating for an end to what they say is an “epidemic of gun violence,” which was formed in the wake of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting in 2018. Click here to learn more about what the UMC says we can do to take action.
Mark Miller Concert at Severna Park UMC The churches of the Baltimore-Washington Conference have a unique opportunity to bask in the inspirational songs of justice, equality, and grace from acclaimed musician and songwriter Mark Miller. In a rare appearance in our area, Mark Miller and Friends will perform in a live concert, “Love and Justice for All,” at 3 p.m. on June 18th at Severna Park UMC. Admission is free.
Miller is a musician, songwriter, and professor of sacred music at Yale University and a Professor of Church Music at Drew University in Madison, NJ. His hymns and anthems are sung by communities of faith throughout the world. Many of you are familiar with Miller’s harmonious melding of music, social justice, and belief in the beloved community.
Come help us DRAW THE CIRCLE WIDE. A freewill offering will be taken.
For more information, please get in touch with Rev. Dr. Marvin Wamble at 240.766.9057 or .
June 25th: Understanding Your Congregation & Community through Your ComparativeInsite Report: Your District Missional Action Planning (dMAP) team is working to ensure that your church has the data it needs to develop meaningful relationships and ministry with your community using the ComparativeInsite report from MissionInsite. One of the first steps in this process is to upload resident, active participants to run the ComparativeInsite report–the most ministry-impacting MissionInsite standard report. Click here for a step-by-step guide. Registration will open soon.
The recording and accompanying resources for the Stay or Go Information Session are now available and can be accessed via the following link: https://www.bwcumc.org/resources-for-united-methodists-discerning-our-future/. Please share this resource with your congregation.
BWC Ministries Grants & Awards | Baltimore-Washington Conference UMC - bwcumc.org
Advocacy & Action. Advocacy & Action partners with communities so that we join in advocating to
transform systems that disenfranchise, marginalize, and oppress and to create a BWC presence on urgent policy matters at local, state, and national levels. Advocacy & Action Award $1,000 given to one faith community that exemplifies partnering with their communities in advocating to transform ...
Re-Entering Well | Baltimore-Washington Conference UMC
CURRent Updates. As we enter the third year of the CoVID-19 pandemic, the Omicron variant and other developments present challenges for public health that require churches and other community groups to stay well-informed about the virus’ spread and the vaccination rates in their areas. www.bwcumc.org
Certified Lay Ministers | Baltimore-Washington Conference UMC
Certified Lay Ministers serve in local churches assisting pastors. Sometimes, they are assigned by a district superintendent to provide pastoral leadership in small congregations. The idea of the laity serving as lay preachers, exhorters, and class leaders goes back to the early day of Methodism. www.bwcumc.org
Applications for the 2022-2024 CLM class of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are now being accepted. Learn more. The application process includes meeting with the pastor, local SPRC, and the district superintendent before the July 1 deadline. The class starts in September and is a two-year commitment. Questions may be directed to Linda Flanagan, Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries.