District News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Central Maryland District Churches Serving as Vaccination Clinics
United Methodist churches in the Baltimore-Washington Conference are serving as pivotal partners with federal, local, and state agencies in efforts to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to as many people as possible.  If your congregation is hosting an upcoming clinic or is willing to help persons get to a state vaccination clinic, please contact .   Learn more about the vaccine here.  These are churches in the Central Maryland District:

Linden Linthicum UMC (in partnership with Locust UMC) 12101 Linden Linthicum Lane in Clarksville May 22 and 23 (offering the Pfizer Vaccine) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact

Emory Grove UMC  8200 Emory Grove Road in Gaithersburg May 5 and June 2 (Moderna Vaccine only) 5-7 pm  For more information, email Pastor Tim Warner,

Epworth UMC (Spanish and English translation available) 9008 Rosemont Drive, Gaithersburg May 15 and June 12, 11 am- 3 pm (Moderna only)  For more information, contact: Julie Paul,

Montgomery UMC Seeks a Director of Youth Ministries
The Director of Youth Ministry at Montgomery United Methodist Church (MUMC) is responsible for the development, and resourcing of the Youth Ministry, (grades 6 – 12). This Director will passionately commit to and promote the mission of the church: To grow in faith, serve others, and share Christ with all people…to the glory of God. This is a part-time position (20-25 hours/week), with salary commensurate with background and experience. Send resume to John Rudisill, Senior Pastor, Montgomery UMC at or call (301) 253-4460 with questions. Read the  job description for more details.

Saint James UMC Seeks PT Organist/Accompanist
Saint James UMC in Marriottsville, MD is looking to fill a 12-month position, 8-10 hours per week.  The musicians will work closely with the Pastor and the Director of Music Ministry in providing music on the organ and piano for Sunday services of both traditional and contemporary (praise band) styles, for in-person and virtual worship, in alignment with St. James UMC’s principles and church mission and goals. Read the full job description and contact Ann Moxley at with questions.

Manidokan Work Projects
As we get ready for summer, it will not be possible to have a large spring clean up day. However, if you would like to help with any of these projects or inquire about other general camp cleaning, program set up, or offer other help in getting ready for summer, please reach out to Kirstin the director or Rev. Scott Bostic our maintenance director.  See the flyer for volunteer opportunities.

• Kirstin --
• Scott --

Camps Hiring for Summer Staff
Manidokan and West River are hiring! We 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 at https://www.bwccampsandretreats.com/get-involved/summer-jobs/ 

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EventS

MAY EVENTS

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
“The United Methodist Church pledges to foster policies that promote compassion, advocate for access to care, and eradicate stigma within the church and communities.” (Social Principles, ¶162.X) Please use this bulletin insert or visit the Conference website for additional ideas of how to share this information with others as we lift up Mental Health Awareness Month.

May 1 (Deadline) -- Annual Discipleship Awards
Christ-followers are light and we are called to shine. It's time for the annual discipleship awards to celebrate those among us who are willing to dare to live out their faith in amazing ways.  Awards will be given to congregations in the areas of abundant health and advocacy, and to individuals for evangelism, youth ministry, and moral courage.  Visit bwcumc.org/awards -- https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/grants-and-awards// 

May 1 (10am) -- ACES Training 
Free, online training on understanding and support children facing adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and trauma. Sponsored by Retreat and Camping Ministries and Wellness and Mission. Learn more and register -- https://www.bwcumc.org/event/2026788-2021-05-01-trauma-informed-and-responsive-care-with-young-people/ 

May 4 (10am) -- Next Level Leader Academy
Evaluating, Eliminating, and Energizing: Making Ministry Matter presented by Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol. Get more information and sign-up -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5950

May 10 (Deadline) -- Youth Engagement Initiative--Sign Up by May 10
There is room for a few more youth.  What do you wish was different in your community? What do you wish was different in your youth ministry? Get the permission, encouragement, and expert support to make those wishes realities!  Learn more here. Contact Sharonda Jones ( ) to sign up.

May 13 (7pm) -- BWC Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) Webinar
The BWC Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) is hosting a conversation with Dr. Casey Church about the COVID-19 pandemic and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and their impacts on Native American communities.  Register in advance for this webinar: https://bwcumc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qlIx_t-xTAKY9c9K1XfNZw 

May 15 (Deadline) -- BWC Award Nominations
At this Annual Conference session, several ministry awards will be presented to congregations in the areas of abundant health and advocacy, and to individuals for evangelism, youth ministry, and moral courage. The deadline to nominate a congregation or individual is May 15. To learn more and submit a nomination, visit https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/grants-and-awards/ 

May 15 (Opens) - Mission Innovation Grant Application  
Starting May 15, the BWC will once again be offering Mission Innovation grants in the areas of Advocacy and Action, Wellness and Missions, and Young People Ministry. Grants will be awarded to projects that connect and advance our two focus areas:  (1) creating a more just and equitable (anti-racist) community, or (2) community recovery from impact related to the health pandemic, COVID-19.
Learn more and apply by July 1 -- https://bwc-umc.smapply.org/prog/bwc_grants_and_awards/ 

May 15 (1pm) -- Deacon Exploration Session
Provides an overview of the Deacon's role and ministry within the life of the church. Register online -- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItfu-srTIuE9JpZtSjE2lZRJWcrnXJUElw or contact the Rev. Leo Yates ( ) for more information.

May 16 (Deadline) -- Mustard Seed Migration Grant
50 churches across the United States will be able to further help refugees and migrants living in their local communities thanks to a new grant program from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded. Learn more and apply -- https://umcmission.org/migration/mustardseed/ 

 
May 18 (7pm) -- Training Tuesday:  Let the Oppressed Go Free
In a conversation about his newly released book, “Let the Oppressed Go Free: Exploring Theologies of Liberation," Rev. Marvin McMickle will explore how our faith and practice enable us to rise united so that all can be free. Learn more and register now.

May 19 (6:30pm) -- Help Destigmatize Mental Illness in the Faith-Based Community
Montgomery County Public Schools will hold a mental health symposium.  Click HERE to learn more. 

May 21:  District Gathering with DS Park and DS Hand via Zoom
Clergy ~ Friday, May 21, 10am
Laity ~ Friday, May 21, 7pm
Join us for a meet and greet with DS Park and DS Hand.  See the May 5th blast email for the Zoom links and dial-in numbers 

May 23 (2pm) -- Building an Herb Spiral 101  
Camp Manidokan in Knoxville will host a special outdoor Rustic Programming Workshop to teach Making Spiral Herb Gardens. $50. Learn more and register.

May 26 (7pm) -- It’s Personal - Youth Leader Training  
We are seeing an epidemic rise in bullying, emotional abuse, depression, self-harm, and suicide among kids and teenagers. Too many teenagers are feeling invisible or ignored, and spending a year in virtual schools and settings has amplified these feelings.  Our teenagers need more than just deeper worship songs, deeper Bible studies, or deeper theological debates to lead them down a path of hope and meaningful faith.  We think that making ministry personal is not just the best way to do ministry…it is the only way to do ministry.  Join Charlie Conder from Orange for this virtual training. She is the Lead Coach for the Youth Cartel and has over 20 years of experience working with students, many of which were served at a local UMC.  Register today -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3452&event=5966!  Registration closes Wed, May 26 at 12 noon.


JUNE EVENTS

June 1 (Deadline) -- Wealth and Health Equity
We are looking for congregations interested in working with a financial literacy organization to assist congregants with eviction prevention, avoiding mortgage foreclosure, and general financial literacy. If you are interested in learning more information, please complete this form by June 1.

June 5 (10am) -- DS Park's Farewell Celebration via Zoom
You are invited to a farewell celebration for DS JW Park via Zoom.  

June 30 (Deadline) -- Non-Renewable Micro-Grants for Online Ministry
As the congregations of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are living in unprecedented times, the Offices of Leadership and Congregational Development and New Faith Expressions are offering practical and timely support for congregations to connect with their communities and congregations while social distancing measures are a necessity. The Conference is offering non-renewable micro-grants of up to $1,000 to help offset expenses related to launching and maintaining an online ministry, including equipment, software licenses, training, and more. If you have already purchased equipment, software or licenses you can apply to receive a reimbursement of the accrued costs. The grant will only be for those churches that DID NOT receive a grant in 2020. The closing date is June 30.  Apply here -- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13dvGwKLOFH8ufZId5Y331i6UxEX6LjONSFAKePeUv-o/viewform?edit_requested=true 

June 30 (Deadline) -- Fund Balance Report
This report must be completed through Arena by the Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Treasurer, or Pastor by June 30, 2021.  Download the template and complete the Fund Balance Report (Not for Submission):  Word  |  PDF  |  Excel.  Need guidance to complete this form?  Click HERE to playback the recording from the Training Tuesday webinar on the Administrative Year in Review/Annual Fund Balance Report.   


JULY EVENTS

July 23-24 -- Mission U
This event is hosted by the BWC's United Methodist Women and this year's theme is "Do Not Lose Heart." This year, the registration fee is optional. Instead, the UMW is collecting donations for the UMW Conference Projects.  This event is open to both United Methodist Women members or not; men; and youth 7-12 grade. The event will explore the book, "PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools."  Learn more and register.

June 25 (7pm) -- Concert by the U.S. Army Field Band Federal Brass 
Come for a free performance outdoors at Glen Mar United Methodist Church, weather permitting. The rain date is Thu., Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. Please bring chairs and/or blankets. Masks will be required. The church is located at 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City. For more information, visit www.glenmarumc.org/summerconcerts.

 

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RESOURCES
 

BWC's Racial Justice Committee has been committed to shining a light on systemic racism within our churches and within our society at large.  We Rise United Bi-Weekly Prayer Call – 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, let's lift our voices and be heard so that together, We Rise United. To join the prayer call and for more information, visit https://www.bwcumc.org/event/1946656-2021-02-03-we-rise-united-prayer-call/. The prayer call is held the first and third Wednesday every month until December 16, 2021.

Prayer in a Time of National Crisis – In this prayer from The United Methodist Church's Book of Worship, 517, we seek God's direction and enlightenment for our nation as it experiences turmoil and conflict. Take a moment to say and reflect upon the prayer, and then share it with your congregation -- https://www.umc.org/en/content/prayer-in-time-of-national-crisis?utm_source=thesource&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=resourceumc&utm_content=01/26/21paid 

Lay Servant Ministries Grace Period Extended – The Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries has extended the grace period begun in 2020 for those who cannot take necessary courses during the COVID 19 pandemic. Download the form.

 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.  

Download a 12-month schedule of Health & Wellness topics to keep your congregation and community safe and well year round.

 

Free 2021 Worship Bundle Package – Download the Discipleship Ministries’ 2021 Worship and Music Planning Calendar and the 2021 Revised Common Lectionary Sundays and Special Days Calendar -- https://store.umcdiscipleship.org/product/2021-worship-planning-bundle/ 

  Who Are We?  An 18-week small group journey from head to heart explores our identity as children of God, United Methodists, and the people of the Baltimore-Washington     Conference. This study is an outstanding resource for churches seeking to grow deeper in their understanding of identity, faith, and discipleship. See the Study and begin your  exploration of "Who Are We?" -- https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/who-are-we/ 

 The next annual session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference will be held Oct 25-27, 2021. 

  Improving Your Church's Web Presence 
  Sometimes we're overwhelmed by all that's involved in (re)building or maintaining a church website. Because a site requires a mix of time and skills, it's hard to know
  where  to begin. In part one of three screencast sessions, you'll learn how to improve your web presence by identifying the ministry needs and the multiple audiences
  served by your church's website. Take the first step -- https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/improving-your-churchs-web-presence-part-1 

  Re-Entering Well Resources
  • Find the Re-Entering Well Guidelines (https://www.bwcumc.org/article/re-entering-well-guidelines/)
  • View the Re-Entering tip sheets (https://www.bwcumc.org/article/re-entering-well/)  

BWC News
• Find current BWC news and share your stories at https://www.bwcumc.org/news/ 

Church Resources
• Where do you go to get a grant or loan for your church? There are resources to help you and your church. Visit https://www.bwcumc.org/administration/local-church-resources/

Coronavirus Resources 
• A number of resources are available to assist local churches in their response to the Coronavirus—https://www.bwcumc.org/article/coronavirus-resources/