Discipleship Opportunities

The Baltimore-Washington Conference offers a number of opportunities for learning and growing in faith and discipleship. Scroll down this list of some of the offerings to put your faith into action.

Local Church Events

• "A Night in Bethlehem" returns to Westminster UMC on Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7.  The interactive, guided walking tours of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus' birth begin at 5:30 and conclude at 8 p.m. More than 70 costumed characters provide a unique opportunity to experience the wonder of Jesus' birth.  After the outdoor tour, enter the inside marketplace where you can interact with friendly shopkeepers and participate in activities.  Register at wumcmd.org to make your tour reservation.

• Liberty Grove UMC in Burtonsville will hold a Winterfest Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 6 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Taylorsville UMC in Mt. Airy will hold a Christmas Open House on Dec. 6 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The event includes food, crafts for kids, carols and a visit from Santa.

• Glen Mar UMC in Ellicott City will hold its Journey to Bethlehem, a free outdoor theatrical experience on December 6, 7, and 8, from 5 to 8 p.m.  The experience on Friday and Saturday will be walking experiences, and Sunday, December 8, will be a drive-through experience.  Reservations are required.  (A daytime sensory-friendly walk will be offered Dec. 7. To register, contact Lynne in advance at  .)

• Grace UMC’s  Creative Arts and Music Ministry in Fort Washington will hold a Christmas Jubilee concert on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.

• Marvin Chapel UMC in Martinsburg will hold its Christmas Open House on Dec. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will feature a live nativity scene, rock painting, and cookies and hot chocolate.

• The Timonium-Phoenix Cooperative Parish will have a Longest Night Service on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., at Timonium UMC’s Pyke Chapel at 2300 Pot Spring Road. During this time of holiday cheer, those who are faced with emotional and spiritual challenges often need an alternate way of approaching the Light that's coming into the world. All are welcome.

• Glen Mar UMC in Ellicott City will hold a Longest Night Service on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. This peaceful, contemplative service of candlelight, music and hope is for anyone who is having a hard time singing "Joy to the World" this year.  All are welcome. 

• Benevola UMC in Boonsboro will hold a drive-thru live nativity on Dec. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.  The event is free, a gift bag will be offered to each vehicle.

• Deer Creek UMC at Forest Hill in northern Harford County will hold a Blue Christmas Service of Hope and Light on Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.

• The Cantata Choir of Glen Mar UMC in Ellicott City will present Love! A Gospel Christmas Celebration by Joel Raney at the 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services on Dec. 22. This gospel-flavored musical tells the Christmas story through scriptural narration and familiar carols set in a variety of styles ranging from jazz to gospel to calypso.

• Spring UMC will host a choral workshop on Feb. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., titled Earth and Heaven Sing with Dr. James Abbington. During the workshop, Abbington will present the "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism: An African American Ecumenical Hymnal" along with 6six octavo scores of choral music by African American composers. 

• Want to learn how to play a band instrument? Want to dust off your old clarinet or horn and play with a group of folks who are doing the same thing?! The Timonium-Phoenix Cooperative Parish at Timonium UMC, in partnership with Towson University, is offering a new outreach program: Band Camp for Adults ages 50+. The camp will be held  June 16-27, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Across the Connection

Step into Methodist history: The Strawbridge Shrine in New Windsor will hold its annual Advent worship with a service of traditional lessons and carols at 4 p.m. on Dec. 8. The historic log meeting house dates back to 1760. There is limited seating and guests with reservations will be seated first. Guests are invited to dress warmly, as it was cold in 1760. Reserve your seats.

The 241st session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be held Tuesday through Thursday, May 13-15, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Baltimore. Registration for the conference is expected to open in mid-February. 
Resolutions to be considered at the 2025 session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are due Feb. 14 to Kevin Silberzahn, the BWC Secretary. Learn more.

Advocacy and action

The next cohort of A Diverse Church by Design will start on Jan. 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. This proven online program is a biblically-based experimental approach to diversity and inclusion that develops ways to create God's Beloved Community where justice, equal opportunity, and love can embrace all. Learn more. Register by Dec. 31.

Green Team Initiative Sign-Up: The Baltimore-Washington Creation Care is launching a Church Green Team Initiative — a new effort aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within church communities. All interested congregations are invited to sign up. Meeting dates and other ways to be involved will be emailed to those who sign up. To learn more about the initiative, visit the BWC Creation Care Website. For more information, contact Sharee Wharton.