District News

Prayers of the People

The BWC’s Camping and Retreat Ministries was one of 86 projects to receive a Ministry Impact grant. At Camp Manidokan, the money will be used to partner with congregations in the Western Region to identify ministry needs and develop events and programs that nurture young leaders. At West River, the money will be used to purchase a large event tent to double the day camp program in 2023 to 100 campers. We give thanks to God for the ministries of Chris Schlieckert, the RCM director, and the RCM staff for their resilience and innovation.

Our prayers continue for the people of Ukraine and the millions of refugees fleeing the violence there. UMCOR has developed an 8-question FAQ for churches seeking to offer support.

Eleven BWC churches are beginning the final stages of the Catalyst Initiative, a pilot program designed to equip congregations in discovering and becoming the churches God is calling them to be. Read their story.

 

In Memoriam:

• Esther Peck, the widow of the late Davis Peck, died March 20. A service is planned for this summer. Condolences may be sent to Scott Masters, P.O. Box 652, Westminster, MD 21158.

 

New and Featured

We continue to address COVID: This can be a challenging time as faith communities encounter contradictory messages and advice as they continue to address COVID-19. Ella Curry, PhD, MTS, RN, a consultant in infectious disease, offers timely, in-depth and important facts and resources to shape your decision making. Read her What We Know Now – March 28, 2022 COVID Update.

 

Spring Revival Clergy Day Away: Are you looking for opportunities to reconnect with clergy friends and colleagues? Would you enjoy a day away to be refreshed by good company, the beauty of creation, and spiritual practices? Come to the day apart on April 26 at Camp Manidokan for a day of fellowship and play. There is also an option for you to extend your stay overnight. Learn more and register by April 13.

 

Real Talk on the Church's Future: A Zoom webinar, titled "Stay or Go: Real Talk for United Methodists Exploring their Future," will be held Saturday, April 23, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The conversation will feature representatives from UMNext and the Wesleyan Covenant Association. Learn more and register.

 

The Seeds of Security Annual Golf Tournament, which raises funds to assist victims of domestic violence, will be held Monday, April 25, 9 a.m. at Hobbit’s Glen Golf Course, 11130 Willow Bottom Drive, Columbia. A $30,000 prize will be given to anyone who makes a hole-in -one on Hole #11. Tickets are $150 for a single player and $500 for a team of four. You may choose to register one player or a team of four. Register for the event.

The Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference Session is June 1-3. Clergy and Lay members who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so soon. Learn more and register.

 

STAY OR GO: REAL TALK FOR UNITED METHODISTS EXPLORING THEIR FUTURE

April 23, 2022

9:00-10:30 a.m.

ZOOM Webinar

REGISTER HERE

https://bwcumc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_onJr6Fj3QQuYDXH8-2iiMQ

What will ministry for our local churches look like in the coming years, as the dust settles from our discussions and decisions regarding denominational separation? What will stay the same and what will change about ministry in the continuing UMC? What is the WCA’s vision for the Global Methodist Church? How will the logistics of each impact local churches and individuals? 

Join us for this discussion with panelists from UMNext and the Wesleyan Covenant Association as they answer your questions about their visions for ministry after separation.

Rev. Bill Brown will serve as moderator.

Panelists will include:

Rev.  Ginger Gaines-Cirelli (UMNext, BWC)

Rev. Dr. Vicki Gordy-Stith (UMNext, Pen-Del)

Rev. Dr. Rudy Bropleh (WCA, BWC)

Rev.  David Bennett (WCA, Pen-Del)

Attendees are invited to submit questions to  , and topics will be selected based upon those submissions. This webinar will be recorded for later viewing.

This session will not address the process for disaffiliation or the history of how the UMC arrived at this point. For resources on those topics, please contact your District Superintendent.

RESOURCES

Level Up Your Ministry with UMC Market
Have you ever wished that supporting your ministry could be simple, easy, and automated? By simply shopping online, you can do just that! On March 24 at 1:30 CDT, UMCmarket, powered by iGive, is hosting an information webinar called "Beginners & Beyond" to help you understand the tools, innovations, and earning opportunities that can take your mission and ministry to the next level.  Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8227864734676830479 

ACTION!!!

ANNUAL CONFERENCE REQUEST

In preparation for this year’s Service of the Saints, please submit the names of any Lay Member to Annual Conference who passed away after the 2021 virtual conference.  Send your submission as an email attachment to Olivia Gross,  , no later than April 18 and include the following: 

• Lay Member’s Full name 
• Date of birth and death
• A picture
• Next of kin contact information 

Are You Being Called to Become a Certified Lay Minister? 
New Certified Lay Minister Class Applications are now being accepted -- Applications for the next class of Certified Lay Minister, the Baltimore-Washington Conference Class of 2022-2024, are now being accepted.  Go to the BWC website at https://www.bwcumc.org/ministries/certified-lay-ministers/ to learn more and see if you qualify and if you have met the pre-requisite requirements.  Prospective CLM students must currently be a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker and must consult with their pastor before beginning the process.  Additional information and frequently asked questions can be found on the website. Questions can be directed to Linda Flanagan, Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries, at .  

 COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an UMCOR partner, is dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.  Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 -related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. For more information about this assistance, visit COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov or call (844) 684-6333. Get answers to frequently asked questions about the application process on FEMA’s Funeral Assistance FAQ page. Watch the video, Providing Financial Assistance for COVID-19-related Funeral Expenses or share this flyer.