News and Views

By Alison Burdett
Director of Communications

The conference gathered on the evening of May 28 for the Celebration of Ministries service during the 242nd Session of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, recognizing congregations and leaders whose ministries exemplify the conference's vision to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously.

Drawing on Romans 12, the congregation was reminded that while the Church is made up of many members with different gifts, all are united in one body in Christ. Throughout the evening, that theme came to life as congregations, lay leaders, clergy, retirees, ordinands, and Certified Lay Minister candidates were recognized for their contributions to ministry across the connection.

The evening began with the Love Boldly awards, celebrating ministries that embody Christ's love through discipleship, hospitality, and inclusion.

Davidsonville United Methodist Church received the One Matters Award, which recognizes congregations that moved from no professions of faith to at least one through intentional disciple-making efforts. The award highlights the importance of every life transformed through the ministry of the local church.

Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Indian Head received the Young People's Ministry Impact Award for its rapidly growing youth ministry. What began as a youth-led gathering involving three young people grew into a thriving ministry serving nearly 30 youth. According to Pastor James Cogman, the church intentionally created a space "for youth and by youth" that combined worship, fellowship, and fun. As participation increased, young people invited friends, assumed leadership roles, deepened their faith, and became more connected to the life of the church. Some participants have since been baptized, while others have become active leaders within the congregation and community.

Bethany Korean United Methodist Church received the Love Boldly Award for its commitment to cross-cultural ministry. The congregation's members serve weekly among individuals experiencing homelessness, regularly visit women in jail, and have maintained a nursing home ministry for more than a decade. Despite language and cultural barriers, the congregation has remained committed to showing up consistently with food, prayer, encouragement, and the Gospel. A story was shared of a man connected through their homeless ministry who eventually found employment and reconnected with a local church community, illustrating the long-term impact of faithful presence.

The service then shifted to the theme of Serve Joyfully, recognizing ministries that meet community needs while building relationships and deepening discipleship.

Wilson Memorial United Methodist Church received the Lay Ministry Impact Award for its vibrant lay-led ministries. Skilled servant workers lead feeding programs, serve seniors and unhoused neighbors, and create opportunities for youth and adults to minister together. Church members described a food pantry ministry that serves 80 to 100 households twice each month and builds relationships with community members. Through these ministries, young people are stepping into leadership, families are finding belonging, and community members are discovering hope through the witness of lay servants.

The conference also recognized five new Fresh Expressions launched during 2025: Dinner Church at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Fifth Sunday Brunch Worship at Wesley United Methodist Church, Loose Threads at Mount Washington-Aldersgate, Queerly Be Loved at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, and YANA (You Are Not Alone) at Elderslie-St. Andrews United Methodist Church. These innovative faith communities seek to engage people who may not connect with traditional church settings while remaining rooted in Wesleyan theology and connectional ministry.

Epworth Chapel received the Serve Joyfully Award for its extensive food ministry serving communities in Baltimore's food deserts. Through partnerships with the Maryland Food Bank and neighboring congregations, the church distributes more than 10,000 pounds of fresh produce each month and has provided more than one million pounds of food since 2012. Supported by dozens of skilled servant leaders, the ministry serves hundreds of families each month while continuing to adapt to changing community needs.

The final section of the service focused on Leading Courageously, highlighting ministries that demonstrate faithful leadership and a commitment to justice.

Rev. John Wunderlich also acknowledged congregations that have courageously navigated closure, recognizing the clergy and laity who have faithfully stewarded those ministries while trusting God with what comes next.

Grace United Methodist Church received the Lead Courageously Award for launching Faith and Justice in Action, an interfaith ministry that brings together congregations and community organizations to address issues including immigration, global hunger, and public advocacy. Since its formation, the initiative has grown to include more than 150 supporters representing over 30 houses of worship and partner organizations. Through conferences, educational events, and collaborative action, participants seek to equip faith communities to respond faithfully to pressing social concerns.

The service recognized eight candidates who have completed training toward certification as Certified Lay Ministers, affirming their readiness to preach, lead, care, and witness in local churches and communities. Ordination anniversaries were celebrated, and conference leaders honored 24 retiring clergy representing a combined 566 years of service in The United Methodist Church. The congregation also recognized 11 ordinands who will be ordained to ministry during the conference session.

One of the evening's most meaningful moments came as retiring clergy passed mantles to ordinands during a reading from 2 Kings, symbolizing the ongoing transfer of leadership from one generation to the next. There was a collective "awe" from the congregation as the candidates hugged the retirees after the mantle was placed on their shoulders. This act served as a reminder that ministry continues through those who answer God's call in every season.

Before the final verse of "Love Lifted Me," Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling offered a charge to those gathered. Reflecting on the ministries celebrated throughout the evening, she reminded attendees that the stories they had witnessed were not isolated successes but examples that could be replicated across the connection. She encouraged congregations to continue planting seeds, changing lives, and trusting the Holy Spirit's leading in the work ahead.

The service concluded with the congregation singing as one, celebrating what God has already done through these ministries and the possibilities that lie ahead.