Washington East District News & Updates 2_28_2019
A brief word from Bishop Easterling
Beloved,
As the Special Session has drawn to a close, we are all in need of time to process a whirlwind of an afternoon. I invite us to center ourselves in God's deep and abiding presence.
May the words of the Epistle to the Romans found in Chapter 8 strengthen us for the days ahead. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
We will reflect upon the outcome of the Special Session on Saturday, March 2, in a live-streamed town hall meeting, beginning at 9 a.m. Until then, may we hold one another in prayer.
Blessings and peace,
Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling
BWC Scholarship application closes March 7, 2019!
Once again, the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be awarding scholarships for qualified students currently attending college, as well as high school seniors who plan to attend college in the fall of 2019. The application process opens on Jan. 3 and closes March 7, 2019.
A variety of scholarships are offered to fit the diverse needs of our students. To be considered for a scholarship, students must complete the full online application which includes uploading their current transcripts. In addition, the student must provide contact information for their pastor and one additional church reference. The pastor and reference will be contacted and asked to submit information on the student’s participation in the local church. The entire process will be done online for ease of the student, pastor, and reference.
For details about the individual scholarships or to apply for a scholarship, please visit http://www.bwcumc.org/administration/local-church-resources/scholarships/.
BWC Legislative Advocacy and Action Day in Annapolis - March 7, 2019, 8:30 -3PM!
Join us in Annapolis for our Annual Legislative Advocacy and Action Day co-sponsored by the BWC Advocacy and Action Board and The United Methodist Women. Newbies and interested advocates, join us as we address aspects of: Health Care Reform, Criminal Justice Reform: From School to Prison Pipeline, and Immigration Reform. To register or for more information, please contact Judy Smith at . The cost for this event is $10.
Youth Leader Retreat and Training Mar 22-24, 2019
The BWC will host a weekend of training and renewal for youth workers Mar 22-24, 2019 at Wesley Freedom UMC in Eldersburg, MD. Whether you are new to youth ministry or a seasoned veteran, there will be training and classes appropriate for any stage of your ministry and time for restoration and renewal. Registration and additional information available at https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3439&eventID=4122. For questions, please contact Cheryl Cook.
Lay Servant Class - Meditate Like Jesus
Meditative practices exist in every religious tradition. Although many are familiar with techniques such as mindfulness, few are aware of the meditative practice of Jesus. In this dynamic, thought provoking class, you will learn The Hebraic meditative tradition that shaped Jesus, Unique principles of Jesus’ meditative approach, Practical meditative methods, which will deepen one’s personal life and spiritual community. This course will count as an Advanced Lay Servant course for Certified Lay Servants and Certified Lay Ministers, but is open to all persons who are interested.
Instructor: Rev. Kendrick Weaver
Place: Union UMC, 14418 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
When: Friday, March 29 6:30-8:30 p.m. AND Saturday, March 30 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fee:$35
How to register: https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3439&eventID=4186
United to Love Moral Courage Young Adult and Adult Awards, Applications Open!
The United to Love Moral Courage Awards celebrate people who put their faith into action especially when doing so is uncomfortable or unpopular. If you know YAs and Adults who are boldly living their faith in ways that exemplify/advance discipleship, amplify our Social Principles, exemplify the love of Christ and illuminate God's call for justice, please invite them to apply. Applications are open now and will be accepted through April 1, 2019. For more information and/or to apply, please visit http://www.bwcumc.org/moral-courage-awards/. Applications are toward the end of the page. Awards will be presented to finalists at Annual Conference 2019.
Resolutions to the 235th Session of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference
All resolutions set to come before the 235th session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are due to the Conference Secretary by April 1, 2019. The session will be held May 29-June 1, 2019.
Resolutions should be submitted using the BWC Resolution Submission Form available at: http://tiny.cc/bwc-resolution-form
Please note:
You must first consult with Mark Gorman, Chair of the Rules Committee, prior to submitting resolutions pertaining to Rules of the Session.
For resolutions that have budget implications, you must first consult with Phil Potter, Chair of CFA prior to submitting the resolution.
Opioid Epidemic Town Hall
March 9, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Harmony UMC, Falling Waters, W.Va. A frank and informational discussion on the opioid epidemic and how the UMC might respond.
Immigration Town Hall
March 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Emmanuel UMC, Laurel Explore the subject of immigration, reform and the church's role as an agent of justice and hope for all people
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.
Criminal Justice Mercy and Ministries Resources and Survey for Faith Communities
The Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church has a new CJAM website that has been created for congregations to become more aware and resourced in this vital area. You are invited to go to, http://www.bwcumc.org/ministries/advocacy-action/criminal-justice-and-mercy-ministries/ check out the resources and take the questionnaire so that we can better connect with you in this area. To go directly to the survey, please visit http://www.bwcumc.org/ministries/advocacy-action/criminal-justice-and-mercy-ministries-questionnaire/.
Golf Tournament and Gala in Support of Seeds of Security (SOS) Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Prevention: Raising Awareness and Promoting Safe Havens
Join us at Hobbit’s Glen in Howard County on Monday, April 22, 2019 from 12 noon -5 pm for our first Baltimore-Washington Conference sponsored SOS Golf Tournament and Gala. These events will help us to raise awareness of Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence, offer greater resources, create deeper partnerships, and develop and partner with more safe havens. For ticket pricing and to register yourself or a team of four, please go to https://www.eiseverywhere.com/sosgolf19.
For tickets to join us for the Seeds of Security Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Gala to be held at Turn House in Howard County at 7 PM on Friday, April 26, 2019, please go to https://www.eiseverywhere.com/sosgolf19. . There are limited tickets and this event will be sell-out. So please purchase your tickets today!
If you would like to become an event sponsor and or know someone who would like to sponsor this vital ministry, please go to https://www.eiseverywhere.com/sosgolf19 or contact .