AN District News.......UMC Buzz.......February 25, 2021
Prayers of the People
We pray for Penny Gaver, the administrator of the Cumberland-Hagerstown District, whose mother, Charlotte Duffy, died Friday, Feb. 12. Read the obituary.
We lift our prayers today for the people of Texas and other states that have been affected by the recent winter storms and cold weather. United Methodist churches in the area served as warming shelters and feeding centers, and Volunteers in Mission are starting to organize for recovery assistance. Some of the most pressing needs will be individuals to repair or replace pipes; individuals able to hang sheet rock; and a way to obtain supplies (many of the supplies needed to complete repairs are not available in the local area). Do not go down to Texas on your own; it is too early. To support with your financial gift, visit UMCOR's website.
We continue to pray for all those affected by the ravages of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. As we sadly mark more than 500,000 COVID deaths in the United States since the pandemic began, we know that no one is untouched by the disease. To help commemorate the deceased, we are producing a commemorative video that lists United Methodists in the Baltimore-Washington Conference who have died of the virus. Please send the names and city of those you would like to memorialize to Rev. Erik Alsgaard at .
A weekly prayer for the Baltimore-Washington Conference from the Appointive Cabinet.
God of our Lenten Journey:
As we who are your followers continue this 40-day journey of fasting, praying, and soul searching, speak to us, prepare us, mold us.
Speak to our hearts -
Some hearts come singing the old hymn, "Give me a clean heart, so I may serve thee;"
Some hearts come with timidity, unsure that they can ever trust again after the betrayal and
harm that has taken place, both personally and communally;
Some hearts come heavy with grief and the sting of recent loss;
Some hearts come bent on pursuing personal agendas.
Speak to our collective hearts and draw us closer to one another.
Speak to our individual hearts and draw us closer to you.
Prepare our minds -
Minds that are open to being led by your spirit, even in new and
risk-taking ways;
Minds filled with curiosity about the fresh winds you will blow into our
midst;
Minds that are perplexed or troubled by the shifting sands of challenging
times;
Minds that are yet closed to the possibilities you desire to breathe into
us.
Prepare our collective minds to be drawn closer to one another.
Prepare our individual minds to be drawn closer to you.
Mold us -
Mold us into the transformative, life-giving force you have called us to be
as we prophesy of your great and wondrous works;
Mold us into the loving and caring community we are becoming, but
have not yet fully become;
Mold us and make us into reconcilers and repairers of the breach who welcome
even the stranger in your name;
Mold us ever more into the image and likeness of your Son, our Savior,
Jesus the Christ.
Mold us collectively and draw us closer to one another.
Mold us individually and draw us closer to you.
As we gather in these 40 days to worship, pray, discern, and praise, may you be glorified and your will be done. Amen.
Bishop Easterling leads Lenten devotion Wednesday
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling will lead a 15-minute devotional this Wednesday as part of a Lenten Devotional Series by the Council of Bishops on Dismantling Racism. Bishop Easterling's devotion will focus on the theme, "I Surrender All," and will include an online video meditation, music, prayer, and questions for reflection.
"We are offering this Lenten Devotion Series on Dismantling Racism in the hope that the church can engage in honest reflection about the realities of racism, colonialism and tribalism. All of these sins persist in the church, our local communities and the world. Lent is the time to humbly acknowledge the reality of racism, colonialism and tribalism, to pray, to learn and ultimately work to reshape our world as it is in heaven," said Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, who chairs the Council of Bishop's Task Force to End Racism.
See the Bishop's devotion when it comes out on Wednesday, and a schedule of future presenters.
Discipleship Opportunities
Nominations and Applications Open for 2021 Session of Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute (July 18-31, 2021)
Is there high schooler in your life who is ready to learn about how their faith in Jesus Christ calls them to live and be in the world in a way that seeks justice, all while earning college credit that they can carry with them wherever they go after high school? Nominate and encourage them to apply for the Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute (SUYTI). SUYTI is a two-week, credit-bearing program for any young person who is currently in high school (that is, any student who will be a rising sophomore through recent high school graduate this summer). Through a daily rhythm of worship, academic study, experiential and service learning, and (of course) sabbath rest, students will learn to become stronger Christian leaders and return home equipped to be change-agents for the reign of God. The 2021Institute will run from July 18-31, 2021 on Shenandoah University’s main campus in Winchester. Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Endowment, students will have all that SUYTI has to offer (room and board, program expenses, and three college credits) at a cost of only $200 per student. However, 2021 will be our final session, so now is the perfect time to apply! To nominate a student or to apply, visit www.su.edu/youththeology. For more information, contact Ian Urriola, Director of the SUYTI, by calling (540) 665-5453 or emailing .
The West River Center is offering carry-out family dinners. Meals are offered Tuesday through Friday. Order by noon by emailing for pick up the following day. Check out their Facebook page for the current menu and pricing.
Classifieds
The West River Center is hiring a full-time, year-round Assistant Director. The Assistant Director position is focused primarily on the creation, development, and execution of programming for both summer campers and retreat groups. The ideal person for this position must be equally adept at planning all aspects of the program experience and firsthand facilitation of adventure activities, training and managing paid and volunteer leaders, and mediating conflict resolution. For more information email .
Manidokan and West River camps are looking for program staff, day camp staff, cabin counselors, nurses, lifeguards, drivers, maintenance workers, cooks, and kitchen aides to staff our summer camp programs in 2021. Find out more on our website and apply online.