Hope for the City

Methodism in America was born in 1784 at the Christmas Conference in Baltimore. Today the city faces unparalleled challenges as its leaders confront poverty, drug addiction, AIDS, violence, an educational system in crisis and spiritual hunger. The 42 United Methodist congregations in Baltimore are eager to make a difference. They know that God is present in the city. Hope abounds.

A Hope Council, led by the Rev. C. Anthony Hunt, now works with the churches in the Baltimore region and the more than 660 churches within the bounds of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to do transforming ministry in the city.

A comprehensive 10-point strategic plan guides their efforts. Success has been noted in a number of areas, including the creation of several Communities of Shalom to provide holistic community development. In addition, Hope Counseling now provides therapeutic care to people whose families have been affected by homicide. Camperships also provide free summer camping experiences to children whose lives have been shaken by homicide. A number of educational and other strategic partnerships are also being developed.

As this work goes forward, United Methodists in the city are guided by the words of the prophet Jeremiah: "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give your a future with hope."

To find out how you can be a bearer of hope, see the resources listed to the right.