News and Views

United Methodists are called to advocate for proposed legislation.

By Erik Alsgaard Baltimore-Washington Conference churches once again rose to the occasion with robust stewardship efforts as the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) recently reported stronger than expected giving in 2020. This, of course, despite the pandemic’s effects...

By Melissa Lauber In 1921, the Rev. Elmer Ross Andrews received his quarterly conference license to preach in the Evangelical United Brethren Church. A century later, his great-granddaughter, the Rev. Sarah Schlieckert is being appointed to serve as the superintendent of the Annapolis...

Beloved of God, as we prepare to enter this deep and rich time of Lent -- a time of prayer, remembering our baptism, and preparing others for theirs -- we look back over almost a year of global pandemic, racial and political unrest, and almost a year of social distancing, tremendous loss, and...

FAQ's Q: How can I tell when these messages are fake? A: Bishop Easterling and other conference leaders would never, ever, e-mail you and ask for monetary donations, gift cards, etc., even in an emergency. Legitimate donation requests would be communicated via the Baltimore-Washington...

It’s hard to think of “a more dedicated more flexible, a more compassionate, more risk-taking, loving group than youth leaders,” Steven Argue told more than 180 participants at a ROCK(ish) webinar Feb. 3. “A lot of people put a lot of expectations on you, but you hold...

One of the highlights of a “normal” ROCK youth retreat is a time set aside for “Dish with the Bish,” a kind of “ask me anything” forum that always delights, informs, and provides insights into how young people’s lives are impacted by society today. This...

Yes, the Laity CAN start new faith communities

Posted by Melissa Lauber on Jan 28, 2021

When The United Methodist Church as a denomination wanted to pilot a new training opportunity on church planting for the laity, the Rev. Bill Brown, director of the New Faith Expressions, immediately volunteered the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

One thing people don’t know about the Rev. Dawn M. Hand? She’s a certified steward for the National Park Service, caring for the Billy Goat Trail on the C&O Canal that hikers scramble over. The tendencies that guide her as she cares for people along their paths will serve her...

One of the Rev. Eliezer Valentín-Castañón’s spiritual gifts is curiosity. “I’m sort of an explorer, always looking to find the connections and what’s next,” he said. He hopes this sense of discovery will serve him well in his new ministry as the...