District News

 

EventS

JUNE EVENTS

 June 25 (10am) -- Virtual People’s Supper Conference-wide Brave Conversation
During this virtual mini-people’s supper, we will have 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.  To register, go to https://forms.gle/gaJLMnsQ9gtttjd9A. 

June 25 (10am) and June 30 (7pm) -- Voter Registration Training 
The BWC’s Peace with Justice team wants to help your church register people to vote. They are holding two webinars, Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m. and Thursday, June 30, at 7 p.m. Register for the webinar and Zoom details will be emailed to you. Register for June 25 ; register for June 30. The facilitator will be Nicole Hill, an election judge with the Recruitment and Outreach Division of the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections. 

June 25 (10:30am) -- Immigration 101 Session
BWC In partnership with Just Neighbors,( https://www.justneighbors.org) will host an Immigration 101 session celebrating Refugee Day. Learn about immigration law, the process for legalization, and how to use this knowledge to advocate and support immigrants in your midst. Please invite people in your church who would like to be involved in immigration work. Register via zoom. You will receive the event link after registration. 

 June 25 (11am) -- One Journey Festival 
Celebrate the talents, stories and contributions of refugees and other displaced people around the world. This family-friendly festival brings people together through our modern-day shared languages of humanity: art, food, music, dance, storytelling, soccer and technology. One Journey's mission is to celebrate and amplify the voices of refugees, engaging people to connect, learn, and become enduring and welcoming allies for our sisters and brothers who are displaced.  The third annual One Journey Festival takes place on  the lawn of Washington National Cathedral - rain or shine. Visit www.onejourneyfestival.org for more information. Register online. To learn more about the One Journey Festival or how to contact your legislative representatives, contact Rev. Neal Christie, Executive Minister of Connected Engagement at 202-285-4544 or  .

June 25 -- Get Ready to Participate in Understanding Your Congregation & Community through Your ComparativeInsite Report
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 in this process is to upload resident, active participants in order to run the ComparativeInsite report–the most ministry-impacting MissionInsite standard report. Click here for a step-by-step guide -- https://www.bwcumc.org/article/step-by-step-guide-to-creating-a-comparativeinsite-report/.  Register now -- https://arenaweb.bwcumc.org/default.aspx?page=3439&eventID=6182. 

June 28 (11am) -- Administrators In Ministry Information Meeting 
One of our greatest strengths in the United Methodist structure is our connectionalism; we are stronger together! We are excited to share that the BWC will be starting a local PAUMCS chapter, Administrators In Ministry (A.I.M.).  It is yet another way that we can strengthen our connectional bonds and create a more supportive base to help increase the effectiveness of our collective "administry".  To find out more about A.I.M., we invite you to join us for an informational meeting via Zoom.  This will be an interactive session and we encourage all church administrative staff and clergy to attend to find out more and how A.I.M. can support your "administry".  To register to participate, click the following link: https://www.bwcumc.org/event/6810793-2022-06-28-administrators-in-ministry-informational-meeting/

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/ 

 
JULY EVENTS

July 1 (deadline) – TalkItOut -- Engaging Youth and Young Adults in Mental Wellness 
Locust United Methodist Church received a grant from The Horizon Foundation to deliver a program for Engaging Youth and Young Adults in Mental Wellness.  The registration deadline is Friday, July 1, 2022, visit http://www.locustumc.org/TalkItOut to reserve your spot.  Download the flyer for more details.

July 28 -- Earthkeepers
The General Board of Global Ministries is also seeking applications for the next virtual EarthKeepers training this summer.

July 25-28  -- Discipleship Ministries YOUTH 2023  
Every four years, youth from throughout The United Methodist Church have gathered for four days of discipleship, fun, and fellowship at the YOUTH event. The event is filled with interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service opportunities, and fellowship time. Adult leaders who bring youth to our event can expect inspiration, support, and chances to authentically experience what it means to be part of the Methodist and Wesleyan family.  YOUTH 2023 will be an especially important year for you and your youth to be a part of this gathering. COVID-19 restrictions have limited youth ministry opportunities over the last two-plus years. YOUTH 2023 is a chance for your church to again experience cutting-edge speakers, amazing artists, and broaden your youth’s understanding of what they and their church are capable of! Registration is open. The registration of $375 covers all event activities (including onsite service opportunities, concerts, worship, workshops, etc) as well as lunches and dinners on July 26 & 27. Hotel rooms are $145 a night and can sleep up to 4 people per room. Additional details available online.

July 30 -- Early Response Team (ERT)
One of the primary ways the Baltimore-Washington Conference responds to disasters is via our Early Response Team (ERT). Our ERTs respond to disasters within the conference and throughout the United Methodist Connection. The mission of an Early Response Team is to provide a caring presence in the aftermath of a disaster, under very specific guidelines that enables a team to be productive and caring while causing no further harm or being a burden to the affected community.  If you are called to serve as a member of a BWC ERT, please register for one of the upcoming training sessions. These trainings are taught by skilled UMCOR trainers, and team members are given authorized ERT ID badges from UMCOR as evidence of completing the training.  Both certification ($35) and re-certification ($25) will be provided during these sessions.   Attendance is limited to ensure compliance with COVID protocols.   July 30 at Hiss UMC in Parkville, MD and Aug 20 at the Mission Center in Fulton, MD

 
AUGUST EVENTS

August 3-6 -- The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA)
HYLA college session will be held in person at Wesley Theological Seminary. The theme is Theology and the Public Square: Responses to a World Threatened by Intermittent Pandemics. If your congregation has Hispanic-Latino college students who want to be part of this program, they can apply at:  https://www.hylaumc.com/hyla-college-2022/.  Guest Speakers: Dr. Lucila Crena, Dr. Cristian De La Rosa. To learn more about HYLA visit:  https://youtu.be/-ErS1UZEp-Y.  Download the flyer.

August 23 (7pm) -- Church Conference Training Tuesday 
Join us on this webinar as we discuss what this year's Church Conference season will look like. We will walk you through the Arena forms, and show you the difference between the worksheets and forms on our website. We will show you how to end someone’s term, add someone to the committee leader toolbox and explain the importance of having someone listed as the church administrator.  If you are filling out any church conference forms, please plan to attend this training, whether they are new or they would like a refresher course.  Save the date, more information to follow.

August 26 -- Wesley Theological Seminary’s Health Minister Certificate Course
This course aids individuals in learning and growing in faith and health is now open for registration. The Certificate continues to be a great way for people to learn about the basic foundations of health ministry – a ministry which integrates body, mind, and spirit.  The registration deadline for the Online Fall Health Minister Certificate is August 26, 2022. Partial and Full Scholarships are Available.  E-mail Tom Pruski at  with any questions. To register for the upcoming online certificate, please click on the following direct link: https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/ice/programs/heal-the-sick/hts_certificate_fall2022/

Mission Trip on the Eastern Shore -- August
Morgan Chapel Charge is coordinating a disaster response mission trip to build homes near Crisfield on the Eastern Shore in early August. If you have folks who would be interested in joining us please be in touch - 

---

RESOURCES
 

Church Income Shouldn't Depend on the Markets Alone
There are many parallels between retirement planning and managing church finances. The recent investment market ups and downs are troubling to those who are, or soon will be, retired. Read what the Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation has to say about this topic.

Living Well Retreat for Clergy  
This retreat provides a holistic understanding of  life and ministry and a personal development plan, and the steps pastors can take to make incremental and significant improvements in selected aspects of their life and ministry. The program is comprised of two retreats, one in the fall of 2022 and one in the spring of 2023. There are also monthly cohort meetings between the retreats to process learning and support each other. Learn more and register.  

Backpacks and Shoes Needed
The BWC is collecting supplies for refugees entering through Texas and Arizona. Especially needed are backpacks for children and adults and shoes for children. Supplies may be dropped off at the Mission Center in Fulton on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m.

Discipleship Ministries Video Playlist 2022
At the recent Annual Conference Session, Discipleship Ministries offered a number of videos to inspire and equip congregations as they grow in vitality and discipleship. See the video playlist. 

Ways United Methodists can take a stand against gun violence 
In the wake of the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, Uvalde and Tulsa, many United Methodists may be considering ways to respond to gun violence in their midst. United Methodist Communications has suggested strategies and practices available for those who wish to take a stand.  Learn how.  

Annual Conference Highlights 
Members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference met June 1-3 for a time of holy conferencing and worship.  See an overview of the event. See stories from the Session.  Read how BWC churches are growing with the four pillars of vitality.​

2024 Holy Land Pilgrimage  
Bishop Easterling is hosting a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2024, For more information and to register click here.  If you have questions or need further information, please email the Society for Biblical Studies at  .

Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN)
FAN is an established, proven, and effective program to help local congregations become stronger in health!  Churches can benefit from FAN by having healthier members. Healthy members can more fully participate in church life and carry out the work of God. Join the more than 300 churches across the country completing  FAN Training.  The FAN Online Training, comprised of 8 self-paced sessions, is provided at no charge to participants. The program also includes 12 months of materials and resources to help your church launch FAN and sustain it over the first year.  If you are interested in this training, complete an interest form today! 

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 .