AN District News.......UMC Buzz.......February 4, 2021
A weekly prayer for the Baltimore-Washington Conference from the Appointive Cabinet.
God of All Seasons:
We humbly acknowledge that you are the creator of all good things and the generous giver of gifts to your children. When we find ourselves weary, worn, and wayward, you are our safe harbor. You are our hope when all seems hopeless and our joy when our hearts are mourning. We need your Light. We need your Justice. We need your Truth.
In this bleak midwinter, we cry out to you. Hear us as we pray:
Our need is great, You are greater.
Our sorrow is deep, your joy will rise.
Our divisions are wide, your love is wider still.
Our hurt is persistent, your hope is steadfast.
Our needs are great, You are greater.
Heaven can not hold you, nor earth sustain. What gift can we bring you, poor as we are?
We give you our worship. We give you our hearts. We give you our hands. All that we have we offer you so that your will may be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
"Reclaiming and Living Covenant" is a new Lenten experience of Scripture, United Methodist Social Principles, and antiracist action to build Beloved Community.
This Lenten resource explores ideas about social and racial justice through the lens of the Bible and the United Methodist Social Principles. It contains a wealth of information for learning, reflection, and action and makes a perfect online study for you and your church during Lent. Learn more.
During Lent, the Rev. Neil Christie, one of the denomination's leaders in justice and the Social Principles, will lead Zoom sessions of Reclaiming and Living Covenant on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Registration information will be available soon. Christie is one of the co-authors of this curriculum, which was also written by Jennifer Kidwell of Silver Spring UMC.
In addition, the conference is offering a Lenten devotional, "Created to Love." The seven-week resource offers opportunities for spiritual renewal.
It includes Scripture readings, sermonic excerpts from Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, denominational resources, music, and centering prayers.
ROCK(ish) is this weekend! Register now!
ROCK(ish) 2021 is a free, interactive online experience for youth scheduled for this weekend. Starting this Friday night at 8 p.m., the evening features an interactive time with Bishop Easterling, as well as music by Urban Street Level and the ROCK Mass Choir. Saturday's session starts at 9 a.m., and will offer a range of virtual interactive breakout sessions. Topics will include addressing racism, human rights, mental health, life after high school, and regional breakouts. Learn more.
The Saturday session starts with Rev. Steve Argue, who will lead a breakout session for youth leaders. In recent months, the world, teenagers, families, and church roles have been shifting and changing with blazing speed. People are seeking out youth leaders for more and different resources to help them navigate their lives and faith. Argue will lead a breakout session that explores the latest research and resources that you can use to support your work and care for the young people and families you serve. He is the Associate Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Registration is required. After registering for ROCK, you will receive an email closer to the date of the event that will include the details for joining each of the breakout sessions. Register now.
Discipleship Opportunities
COVID-19 Vaccinations and the Church: Congregations within the BWC are working to assist people in their congregations and communities to assist everyone as they register for the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Making it Plain: this webinar, on "What People of Color Need to Know about Vaccines & Dealing with Health Care Disparity," is sponsored by Jackson Chapel UMC in Frederick, on Saturday, Feb. 13. An English version will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. A session for Spanish speakers begins at 2:30. The webinar will feature experts on COVID vaccines and enabling people to take charge of their own health care. Learn more and register.
- An FAQ on the vaccination process in this region, the vaccination status of clergy and other topics is on the BWC website.
February is Black History Month: The BWC website offers many resources and suggestions for celebrating Black History Month all month long.
Disability Awareness Sunday: Churches within the Baltimore-Washington Conference are invited to observe Disability Awareness Sunday during the month of February. The conference's Committee on Disability Concerns encourages churches to use the following Scripture passages on this special Sunday: Isaiah 53:1-5 and Mark 2:3-11. See a complete order of worship for the observance. The committee also recommends viewing the eight-minute PBS broadcast on ways to reach out during the pandemic and how to provide respite to caregivers.
New Certified Lay Minister Class Applications are now being accepted: Applications for the next class of Certified Lay Ministers, the Baltimore-Washington Conference Class of 2021-2023, are now being accepted. Visit the BWC website to learn more about the pre-requisite requirements. (Click "Learn More" under Certified Lay Minister for information and application package, as well as a pastor information package.) Prospective CLM students must currently be a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker. The application process includes meeting with one's pastor, church Staff-Parish Relations Committee, and the district superintendent before the July 1 deadline. The next class will start in September and is a two-year commitment. Questions can be directed to Linda Flanagan, the Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries.
New Faith Expressions
New People in New Places, a yearlong experience that includes live webinar training, independent team learning, and an ongoing cohort to help you set goals and provide encouragement, is launching Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. The experience will be led by Discipleship Ministries and Michael Moynagh of Fresh Expressions in the Church of England, and the Rev. Michael Beck, a United Methodist pastor leading the Fresh Expressions movement in the United States. The regular cost is $300 a team; however, there is no cost for local churches in the BWC if they contact the Rev. Bill Brown to receive a special code that can be used during registration. Register now.
Advocacy and Action
We Rise United Bi-Weekly Prayer Calls: We all must look to God for help, guidance, and support during this time and as we journey forward towards reaching the goal of being an antiracist Church. Join us Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 7 to 7:30 a.m. Let's lift our voices and be heard so that together, We Rise United. Learn more.
Join the team: The Baltimore-Washington Conference is committed to hearing from diverse voices and cultivating a community committed to putting their faith to action in the areas of racial justice. If you are interested in learning more or becoming a member of our Racial Justice team, the next meeting is Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. They will be engaging and equipping everyone fully so that we can begin the projects and initiatives instore for us in 2021. Click here for access to Zoom meeting details.
Mapping a Path to Racial Justice: For those looking to have rich and deep facilitated conversations with people within and beyond their circles through virtual suppers, we invite you to join "Mapping a Path to Racial Justice: A Journey to Beloved Community" on the fourth Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. One of the most significant ways to celebrate who we are and where we come from is often found through conversations that happen as we break bread together with those like and unlike us. The sessions will be Feb. 25, March 25, April 22, May 27, and June 24. To register for these sessions, visit the Racial Justice resource page and click Mapping a Path to Racial Justice.
Young People's Ministry
College Scholarship Applications: The BWC awards scholarships for qualified students currently attending college, as well as high school seniors who plan to attend college in the fall of 2021. The application process is now open and closes March 24. A variety of scholarships are offered to fit the diverse needs of our students. To be considered for a scholarship, students must complete the full online application, which includes uploading their
current transcripts and providing references from their pastor and another person in their church. Learn more and apply.
Wellness and Missions
Virtual Mission Trip: UMVIM of the BWC invite you to join us for a virtual mission to the Georgia barrier islands. Sapelo Island has been referred to as the most authentic African American community in the United States. Residents on the island are descendants of slaves who worked on the sea island's cotton, rice, and sugar cane plantations. Meet the leaders from Save Our Legacy Ourself, a community organization, working to maintain the culture, heritage and food ways of the Gullah Geechee people of the historic Hog Hammock Community. Register today.
February is American Heart Month: American Heart Month is designed to raise awareness about a heart-healthy lifestyle and to urge those around you to prevent heart disease. Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It's the leading cause of death for both men and women. Join the battle against heart disease. For ideas about how to share this information with others, visit the Abundant Health resource on the Conference website. Download a 12-month schedule of Health & Wellness topics to keep your congregation and community safe and well year round.
#Go Red: On Friday, Feb. 5, wear your favorite red item -- hat, scarf, dress, or lipstick -- in support of Women's Health Month. Wearing red is a way to bring attention to the problems of heart disease which is the #1 killer of Women in the United States. Learn more about how to share this information with your congregation and community.
Leader Development
Mark your calendars: All clergy are invited to a "Healing from Woundedness" retreat on Tuesday, March 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The retreat, led by the Revs. R. Lorraine Brown and Andy Peck-McClain, will explore how pastors can acknowledge the ways God has been a part of healing their wounds. The content will draw on ideas from Henri Nouwen, Reesma Menakem and Flora Slosson Wuellner, with guided prayers and body practices. Register by March 12.
