News and Views

The Baltimore-Washington Conference Mission Center was filled with music, prayer, and a spirit of renewal as the Connectional Table gathered on October 4 to frame the ministry year ahead.

Opening the morning, Chuck Conjar’s uplifting music created an atmosphere of joy and anticipation. Conference Lay Leader Amelia Duroska welcomed participants warmly, guiding them through an icebreaker that invited deeper connections across the room and a time of centering, drawn from Romans 5:1-5. She reminded those gathered that peace with God comes through faith, even amid uncertainty.

Reflecting on the icebreaker, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling affirmed the insightful icebreaker questions. “My mother would say, if we all simply knew each other’s story,” Easterling said, “we’d have a lot more compassion for one another.” She praised the openness fostered in the exercise before moving to framing the year ahead.

In her address, Bishop Easterling reminded the Connectional Table of its sacred charge: “We are not gathered to simply hear reports. We have the opportunity to fulfill the mission and ministry of this Historic Conference.”

She described how the Baltimore-Washington Conference continues to embrace a new structure that frees leaders, strengthens congregations, and deepens discipleship. “We have said yes to vitality, not as a slogan, but as a spiritual discipline,” she declared.

Drawing on images from recent district installation services, she spoke of the Canal, Harbor, Lakes, Reservoir, Tidal Basin, and Two Rivers Districts as streams converging into one mighty current of Living Water. “A rising tide lifts all souls,” she said, calling leaders to invest deeply in discipleship, justice, and bold experiments of faith.

Her vision emphasized risk-taking leadership, inclusion across cultures, and the central role of prayer. “Structure alone cannot save us. Programs in and of themselves have never sustained us. Only the power of God can do that. Prayer is not preparation for the work, beloved, prayer is the work.”

Bishop Easterling also reminded the Connectional Table that this ministry is a shared responsibility: “This work does not belong to the bishop alone. It does not rest solely upon the cabinet, the staff, or the specialists. It belongs to us all. Those of you who sit at this Connectional Table have been entrusted with sacred leadership. Your skills and talents are a spiritual gift, and we are blessed to have you share them, to help shape us.”

Following a short break, the body received reports from across the conference:

• Board of Ordained Ministry: Rev. Paul Johnson shared progress in creating a unified mentor training system across districts. He noted challenges as members balance roles within the new HUB structure, but emphasized ongoing commitment to equipping candidates for ordained ministry
• Board of Laity: Linda Flanagan introduced new district lay leader Angela Fossett and highlighted preparations for Laity Sunday on October 19. She stressed the importance of multigenerational resources and the ongoing shift to Area-wide courses, which restructuring has helped strengthen.
• Nominations: Tracy Collins explained that moving from 8 to 6 districts has expanded opportunities for service while also creating critical vacancies to be filled, particularly on the Rules Committee. The new structure will allow broader participation in leadership across the conference.
• Young People’s Ministry: Pastor Natiya Bennett reported momentum in children’s discipleship, vibrant youth campfires with more than 100 participants, and preparations for the 2026 IGNITE Youth Conference. She invited churches without youth ministries to sponsor young people from their communities to attend. A new campus ministry is also being developed at Coppin State University.
• Hispanic/Latine & Multicultural Ministry: Pastor Cassy Nuñez reflected on the year’s challenges and blessings, including a joyful Family Camp that drew 130 participants in a space where Hispanic/Latine members could feel at ease and at peace. She outlined advocacy initiatives such as border immersion trips for college students and guardianship clinics for immigrant families facing the threat of separation.
• Council on Finance & Administration: Rev. David Norton presented encouraging financial trends. As of August, income was 5.7% less than budget, but expenses were also below budget by 7.4%, leaving the conference $246,000 better than budget. Mission share collection is forecasted to reach 86.8% by year-end, signaling stability and recovery post-pandemic. The 2027 Budget Schedule is in Phase one of three, with CFA on track to approve the proposed budget in February 2026 and review it with the Connectional Table at its March 2026 meeting.

The next gathering of the Connectional Table will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026. If you are interested in serving in a leadership role, you can view the list of opportunities and complete an interest form at bwcumc.org/hereiam.