District News

New & Featured

 

Training Tuesday to focus on new stats reporting program, the Ezra statistical reporting system. The Training Tuesday webinar, on Dec. 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., will help you become familiar with reporting statistics and the new system. Everyone who will work on statistics is strongly encouraged to attend. During our time together we will walk through AC Stats, show you the features and answer your questions. Learn more and register.

 

The BWC’s immigration ministry is holding a drive to collect winter coats and sweaters in adult sizes small, medium and large for migrants new to the US. Items may be dropped off at the Mission Center, 11711 E. Marketplace in Fulton, on Dec. 7 and 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. All items must be new or gently used. See a video about this mission opportunity.

 

Project SPIRIT, which provides assistance to those with Sickle Cell, is holding an online fruit fundraiser.

 

Mental First Aid: The Wellness and Missions Team will host Adult Mental First Aid with United Methodist Churches on Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register. Additional sessions will be held March 17-18, and April 20-21.

Discipleship Opportunities

Advent is a time of expectation. The General Commission on Religion and Race is offering a unique Advent study: God’s Unimaginable Surprises. It lifts up the dual themes of surprise and anti-oppression using passages from Isaiah contextualized into our contemporary longings for God. Learn more.

The Annapolis District UMM will host a potato drop on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 7 to 9 a.m. at Eastport UMC. Learn more. Churches may reserve their potatoes at UMMrsvp.org.

 

Winter Youth Retreat: Youth groups of Annapolis District churches are invited to participate in a Winter Youth Retreat at West River UMC, hosted by Calvary UMC in Annapolis. The retreat will be held Jan. 13-15, and will provide a place to celebrate Christ’s love with other youth in the area and build a stronger community of faith. The cost per participant is $165 and includes lodging for your group and meals. Each church is responsible for providing appropriate adult chaperone coverage for your youth. For more information or to register, contact Joe Gryder.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Blue Christmas Service

Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church

1239 Murray Rd
Odenton, MD 21113-1603

Sunday, December 18 at 3:00 pm

In the sanctuary

Join NBUMC for a service of comfort and prayer for those facing difficult situations this holiday season.

 

The Youth & Young adults of Asbury Jessup UMC will be sponsoring a roller skating event on Friday, December 30^th.  

 

Event details

Date:  Friday, December 30, 2022

Time:  5pm-7pm

Cost: $20.00 per person

Where: Skate Zone, 1082 Route 3 South at Captitol Raceway Road, Crofton, MD  21114

Contact:  Shanita Pearson for tickets at 240 342-1722

Dec. 7 and 14 (3-7pm) – Coat and Sweater Drive (BWC Mission Center)
BWC Mission Center, 11711 E. Market Place, Fulton, MD
The BWC’s immigration ministry is holding a drive to collect winter coats and sweaters in adult sizes small, medium and large for migrants new to the US. Items may be dropped off at the Mission Center and all items must be new or gently used.  See a video about this mission opportunity. 

Dec. 11 (deadline) – Project SPIRIT Fruit Fundraiser
Project SPIRIT, which provides assistance to those with Sickle Cell, is holding an online fruit fundraiser.  Support a worthy cause and consider giving a box of fruit as a gift this year.

Dec. 13 (7pm) – Statistical Training (Webinar)
The Training Tuesday webinar will help you become familiar with reporting statistics and the new system. Everyone who will work on statistics is strongly encouraged to attend. During our time together we will walk through AC Stats, show you the features and answer your questions. This event will be recorded however, you are encouraged to send others in your place if you are not present to ask questions. Learn more and register. 

Dec. 17 (9am) – Free Potatoes Available
Eastport UMC, 926 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis, MD
The Society of Saint Andrew (SOSA), and the Annapolis District UM Men will provide 800 50-lb bags of fresh Maine potatoes to churches and food bank organizations who wish to help feed the hungry in their community. To reserve your 50-lb bags of potatoes, go to UMMrsvp.org. 

Other News

 

The United Methodist Committee on Relief Seeks Donations to Save Lives in Africa
The BWC's Wellness and Missions team reports that due to a prolonged lack of rain, millions in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan are facing a hunger crisis. Hundreds of children have starved to death and thousands more will die unless they get urgent aid. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is appealing for donations to save lives there. Please consider making a generous gift. The Somalia famine Advance number is #982450. Learn more and give.  

Connect with Joy this Christmas
More than 360,000 pedestrians a day will see the United Methodist “Connect with Joy Christmas” ad, which is posted in Times Square in New York City, the crossroads of the world. 

Advent is a Time of Expectation
The General Commission on Religion and Race is offering a unique Advent study: God’s Unimaginable Surprises. It lifts up the dual themes of surprise and anti-oppression using passages from Isaiah contextualized into our contemporary longings for God. Learn more. 


Ministry in Action:  Black Women Thriving East of the River
The Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation, a ministry partner of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, has a signature initiative, Black Women Thriving East of the River. Learn more about this exciting philanthropic effort in this video. 


Learn How-to Gift Greener
This holiday season we encourage you to consider the environmental impact of what and how we buy our gifts. Gifting greener can mean buying from a local business or gifting reusable items. For resources and ideas for gifting greener, visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/giftgreener

Save the Date...

Jan. 3 (deadline) – Register for Wesley Seminary’s Heal the Sick Certification Program (Online)
The training runs from Jan. 15 - March 25 and online orientation is Jan. 8-14. Scholarships are available through the BWC's Health and Missions Board. For more information and to register, visit wesleyhts.org.

Jan. 5 – Thursdays at the Table with Bishop LaTrelle Easterling (Podcast)
Asking good questions, engaging in deep conversation and telling the whole truth can change the world. In her new podcast, premiering Jan. 5, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling invites you to join her for Thursdays at the Table as she is joined by leaders from across the connection, serving up new insights and interesting ways of looking at our lives together. It's conversation to stir your soul. Mark your calendar. You won't want to miss it.

Feb. 2 (9am) – Mental First Aid
The Wellness and Missions Team will host Adult Mental First Aid with United Methodist Churches. Additional sessions will be held Mar. 17-18, and Apr. 20-21. Register now. 

 

Your District Administrator will be on vacation from December 12, 2022 to January 2, 2023. The Mission Center and District office will be closed from Dec. 23-Jan. 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year!  Happy holidays everyone!