News and Views

 A message from the Executive Team of the Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders for the laity of The United Methodist Church

By Erik Alsgaard A new adult Lenten study, “Reclaiming and Living Covenant,” published by the Baltimore-Washington Conference, is a deep dive into biblical covenant and hope, and reconnecting relationships. That’s according to its two authors, who say the study is designed to...

By Ryan Danker* Pastors and those who lead our communities must be commended for the ways in which they are maintaining community during this difficult time. Many of our pastors are finding ways to pray, preach, teach, and counsel the faithful as we, together yet physically separate, face this...

 Few things can move the heart more than music. As we celebrate Advent, the Rev. Fred Crider lifts up two hymns he wrote for the season.   By Fred Crider* “All People Shall See It” is set to the tune “Ash Grove” (see UMH #664 “Sent Forth By...

Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness. I think: The Lord is my portion! Therefore, I’ll wait on him. – Lamentations 3: 22-24 (CEB) God of grace and...

By Mittie QuinnDumbarton UMC For more than 50 years, with only one exception, members of Dumbarton UMC have gathered at the West River Retreat Center, one of the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s three camping ministries, to retreat, refresh, and renew. Thanks to the stewardship of our BWC...

By: Lindsay Mankatah, Youth from Trinity UMC, FrederickMission of Peace 2025: Hawai’i Going on the NEJ Mission of Peace (MOP) was a very enlightening experience for me, as it helped me deepen my faith and learn more about Christianity from a different perspective. The trip was very...

A CommentaryBy Melissa Lauber Each of us seeks sanctuary – that indwelling sacred space where God is as close as breath, and wonder, mystery and possibility are ours to simply claim. Recently, I got to return to my home church, St. Paul’s UMC, in Wilmington, Delaware, and heard...

By Rev. Dr. C. Anthony HuntSenior Pastor, Epworth Chapel UMC in Baltimore This year marks the 96th anniversary of the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of America’s greatest advocates for peace with justice. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Ga., amidst the persistent...

From Rev. Doggett's Family The Rev. Carroll A. Doggett died Nov. 1, on All Saint’s Day, after 101 years of a well-lived life. He left with luggage filled with good works; ministering to the congregants of the United Methodist churches he served, officiating at marriage ceremonies, and...