News and Views

God's protection be with you
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As pastor of Fallston UMC, the Rev. Karin Walker, like many pastors in the BWC, have been responding to people caught in the opioid epidemic. Recently, she issued a letter to the first responders in the community who are the front lines of addressing the pain and tragedy that can accompany...

Marilyn Raker
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Marilyn Raker, 80, the wife of the Rev. William “Bill” Raker, a retired Elder in the BWC, died Sept. 5, 2018 after a long illness of dementia and related ailments. A Memorial Service was held Sept. 15, at Towson UMC with the Rev.  Mark Johnson officiating. Inurnment was in...

What we do at camp has an exponential impact
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By Chris Schlieckert* Two campers practice canoe safety in the pool at Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center before hitting the river. I have been to approximately 150 weeks of summer camp as a staff person. I have been a dishwasher, a lifeguard, a counselor, a wilderness guide, an...

Change Makers seek to answer community questions
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By Beth Ludlum* "You just might be God’s answer to the question your community is asking.” This sentiment, articulated by a ministry partner in London, captured one impulse that drives the Change Maker’s Project. Launched this summer, the Change Makers Project supports young...

Light illuminates the landscapes of our living
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By Jerry Wicklein* Light thinks it travels faster than anything, but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it. –Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man. And this is the way it all begins: God said, “Let there...

The word is... excel
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Ancient church mothers and fathers often greeted one another with the phrase, “Give me a word.” This greeting led to the sharing of insights and wisdom. Today we continue this tradition with this monthly column. Excel By Mandy SayersLead Pastor, Glen Mar UMC, Ellicott...

With reading, new mission reaches youth
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By Erik Alsgaard UMConnection Staff What do you call it when 90+ elementary-aged children spend four days a week for eight weeks during the summer, reading more than 1,450 books and maintaining or improving their reading skills? In Washington, D.C., this summer, it was called Project...

Camp promises hope
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By Tim Warner* Editor’s Note: This summer, tears mixed with the baptismal water as the Rev. Tim Warner began to understand hope in new ways. As one of the founders of the BWC’s Camp Hope, he celebrated the 13th year of this weeklong gathering at West River of children whose parents...

Rev. Herbert L. D. Doggett
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The Rev. Herbert L. D. Doggett, 92, a retired Elder and a District Superintendent, died Sept. 3, 2018, at Homewood Frederick where he received care over the past year. A Service of Resurrection was held Sept. 16 at Middletown UMC with the Rev. Sarah Dorrance officiating. Born June 25, 1926, in...