AN District News......UMC Buzz....May 20, 2022
Prayers of the People
Churches, even the smallest of churches, become vital with the presence of faithful discipleship. Melville Chapel UMC in Elkridge celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. As a small church, it stands as a witness to vitality. See the story.
Discipleship Opportunities
SAVE THE DATE: Virtual People’s Supper Conference-Wide Brave Conversation on Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. During this time together, the Conference will host a brave conversation regarding how we can be disciples of Jesus Christ who love well across all dimensions of difference, be a church that embodies antiracism, and build beloved community. This virtual session is free and open to all. Registration will open June 1.
Learn how to be vital in your community: Get ready to participate in understanding your congregation and community through your ComparativeInsite report on June 25. Your district Missional Action Planning (dMAP) team is working to ensure that your church has the data it needs to develop meaningful relationships and ministry with your community using the ComparativeInsite report from MissionInsite. One of the first steps to get this data is to upload participants to access the MissionInsite standard report. Click here for a step-by-step guide. Registration opens soon.
Upcoming Events
May 23 (7pm) – Mandatory Training on Annual Conference Virtual Voting
GNTV Media Ministry will be overseeing the technology of this online session. Annual Conference registrants will receive the link by email to join the session.
May 24 (8pm) – Raise Up Your Voice Against Racism Webinar
Please join us for an informative discussion on "Migration, Immigration, and Racism." Register to attend -- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqCKrgg0eTOp94xfJZM5uzRrsa2y5wwxnI7DiBnImIVsy9hA/viewform
June 30 (Deadline) -- Fund Balance Report
This form must be completed through Arena by the Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Treasurer, or Pastor by June 30, 2022. We did not include this report with Charge Conference material so that it could cover the fiscal year of January 1 – December 31. If you need further assistance, contact your district office. Visit the Finance resource webpage for additional information -- https://www.bwcumc.org/administration/finance/forms-and-reports/
June 1-3 -- 238th Session of Baltimore-Washington Conference (Virtual)
Registration is open for the 238th Session of BWC. Click here to register. Clergy and lay members will meet virtually June 1-3 for this time of holy conferencing. There will be no registration fee this year. The conference will also be live-streamed for non-voting members who wish to watch the plenary sessions and worship services. The theme of this year’s session is “Persevere: in Hope, Faith & Joy” and the guiding Scripture passage is Hebrews 12:1-3. Six resolutions and the proposed budget for Annual Conference can be found here -- https://www.bwcumc.org/events/2022-annual-conference/.
June 12 -- Peace with Justice Sunday
Peace With Justice Sunday (first Sunday after Pentecost) enables The United Methodist Church to have a voice in advocating for peace and justice through a broad spectrum of global programs. Order offering envelopes.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through older adulthood. Learn what the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and National Alliance on Mental Illness are doing to raise awareness.
Replay the Stay or Go Webinar
For individuals and churches discerning their future, the Conference has a link to playback the Stay or Go webinar and has provided several resources. For more specific information, please contact Rev. Sarah Schlieckert, District Superintendent.
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
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Unified Funding Task Force
The UFT can assist congregations with grants for new ministry, new or renewed congregation development, and leader development. Visit the UFT webpage to learn what grants are available and how to apply -- https://www.bwcumc.org/administration/local-church-resources/unified-funding-task-force/
LOVE and JUSTICE FOR ALL
Mark Miller Concert in Severna Park
The churches of the Baltimore Washington Conference have a unique opportunity to bask in the inspirational songs of justice, equality, and grace from acclaimed musician and songwriter Mark Miller. In a rare appearance in our area, Mark Miller and Friends will perform in a live concert, “Love and Justice for All,” at 3 p.m. on June 18th at Severna Park UMC. Admission is free.
Miller is a musician, songwriter, and professor of sacred music at Yale University and a Professor of Church Music at Drew University in Madison, NJ. His hymns and anthems are sung by communities of faith throughout the world. Many of you are familiar with Miller’s harmonious melding of music, social justice, and belief in the beloved community. Come help us DRAW THE CIRCLE WIDE. A freewill offering will be taken.
For more information, please get in touch with Rev. Dr. Marvin Wamble at 240.766.9057 or