Discipleship Opportunities

The Baltimore-Washington Conference offers a number of opportunities for learning and growing in faith and discipleship. Scroll down this list of some of the offerings to put your faith into action.

Local Ministry EventS

Holiday Events

  • Asbury UMC in Washington, D.C., will host a live nativity scene featuring children and live animals on Saturday, December 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 926 11th Street NW, Washington, D.C. (corner of 11th and K Street NW) Animal petting will be available afterward.

  • Liberty Grove United Methodist Church in Burtonsville will host two special events on Sunday, December 21. At their 10 a.m. service, their music director leads a Christmas Cantata featuring a dozen guest musicians and our full chancel choir. Then from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. they will have their annual Drive-thru Living Nativity with actors portraying the nativity story, hot chocolate, candy canes and caroling. Both events are free to all.

  • Ebenezer UMC celebrates Christmas: Ebenezer United Methodist Church invites the public to attend its special Christmas events and services at 4901 Woodbine Road in Winfield. One service will be held at 11 a.m. December 14 with the Chancel Choir presenting a Christmas cantata with the Pachelbells Bell choir. On December 21, worship will be held at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Family Christmas Service at 11 a.m. Christmas Eve services on December 24 will feature a traditional family worship with the Chancel choir at 8 p.m., followed by a candlelight worship with special music at 10 p.m., both in the sanctuary. Only one service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, December 28 in the Fellowship Hall.

  • Christmas concert: Lanham UMC, located at 5512 Whitfield Chapel Road in Lanham, will be having a Christmas concert on Saturday, December 13, at 3:00 PM. Musical guests include the DMV Koinonia Choir directed by Dr. Ulysses Moye’, St. Matthews Bowie Bells Choir, Liturgical dancer Michael Carter, and the Queen’s Chapel Men’s Chorus and more. Tickets are $20. Contact the church at (402) 577-1500 or Pastor Nona Colbert (240) 346-5301 for tickets.

  • Longest Night Service: There are times in our lives that seem like the darkest of winters. We know that suffering is part of the human condition, but death, illness, loss of relationships, and a complete lack of peace on earth can make us forget God’s steadfast faithfulness. If that speaks to your life this year, the Longest Night Service is a healing opportunity to pause and reflect. We hope you'll join us at Glen Mar United Methodist Church’s Chapel, 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City on Sunday, December 21, at 7 p.m.

  • Caroling on the Steps: Cecil Memorial United Methodist Church (15 Parole Street, Annapolis, MD 21401) invites you to join them on Sunday, December 21st for the 4th Annual Caroling on the Steps, starting with our 11:30 a.m. Worship Service featuring youth music and dance, followed by special guests, an Ugly Sweater Contest, lunch, games, and giveaways. They’re seeking singers, musicians, and dancers; contact Sister Angela Edmond (443-827-2919) to participate. To reserve seats, email with your attendance count. We’ll also collect items and donations for our Winter Outreach Projects. Come celebrate the season and bring our communities together.

  • Registration for Wesley Theological Seminary’s online Spring 2026 Health Minister Certificate is now open till January 24, 2026. The Certificate allows participants to understand the basic foundations of health ministry – a ministry which integrates body, mind, and spirit. We need more people more than ever to come together to address the challenges facing communities and congregations now and in the future. Learn More. Partial and Full Scholarships are Available. If you are interested in partnering with Wesley for Health Minister Certificate Scholarships e-mail Tom Pruski at for more information.

  • Global Missions Fellow (GMF) Application is now open. The application period for the GMF 2026-2028 cohort is October 1, 2025, through January 14, 2026. Please help spread the word to young adults who feel called to serve or are discerning their call. Eligible applicants are confessing Christians, committed to advocating for social justice, and between the ages of 20 and 30. All who meet these criteria are invited to apply. For more information, please contact:  . 

  • Sight & Sound Theatre - “Joshua” : Christ UM Church Outreach Ministry, has planned a bus trip to Sight & Sound Millennium Theatre in Lancaster, PA on April 25, 2026 to see “Joshua”. The cost for the 11:00 a.m. matinee is $225.00 with a deposit of $45.00  (Non-Refundable). The cost includes Coach Transportation, a floor seat at the theater, Family Style Buffet lunch at Hershey Farms, and refreshments, games and drawings for prizes on the bus.  If you have any questions, please contact Phyllis Slater (301) 653-7345 and Summer Broadwater (240) 419-9328.

  • Bus Trip to Myrtle Beach SC : St. Matthews New Life UMC is having a bus trip to Myrtle Beach SC in September 14 to 18, 2026. Roundtrip from SMNL UMC Baltimore to Myrtle Beach. 4 Nights Lodging 4 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners. Enjoy theater shows and beach walks. More information.