- DISCIPLE FAST TRACK: A new version of Disciple Bible Study, which reached more than 3 million people, is being created. The new Fast Track version is 24 weeks long, classes are 75 minutes. Bishop Wilke has created new videos and there are new study materials, a website and online community for leaders. This new Disciple version, in which participants will read about 50 percent of the Bible, is in the second phase of beta testing and clergy who want to lead the new version are being sought. For more information, visit www.disciplefasttrack.com
- LEARNING MEDITATION: The Rev. Kendrick Weaver, pastor of Union UMC in Upper Marlboro, will host a basic certification training session in Meditation and Ministry Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $395, or $325 if you register before July 6. Learn more.
- STORYTELLING GATHERING: The Network of Biblical storytellers, with members from throughout the world, will visit the Washington area Aug 5-8 for the Festival Gathering of Biblical Storytelling. The event will be held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase. At 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 20 storytellers will perform The Epic Telling of the Acts of the Apostles at Chevy Chase UMC, 7001 Connecticut Ave., across the street from the 4-H Center. The Gathering will include several hands-on workshops on all aspects of storytelling. The keynote address this year will be given by Rev. Marvin McMickle, president of the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, who has spoken twice at Bishop Matthew’s Day Apart with Clergy. For more information, visit www.nbsint.org.
- HOLD THE DATE: At this year’s Annual Meeting of the United Methodist Historical Society of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the film, “Building the Beloved Community: Race, Reconciliation, Reconnection,” will be shown. The film examines the relationship Foundry UMC in Washington, D.C., and Asbury UMC, a congregation formed by African-Americans who deemed in necessary to leave Foundry in 1836. The film maker, John Coleman, and the films producers and pastors will be take part in a panel discussion after the viewing. The panel will also include Fred Day, the current General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History and the former pastor at Historic St. George’s UMC in Philadelphia. More information coming soon.
- MISSION U: This year’s Mission U, sponsored by the BWC’s Board of Church and Society and the United Methodist Women, will be held July 31 through Aug. 2 at the Marriott Hotel in Bethesda. The dean this year is the Rev. Frankie Revell. The assistant dean is Colleen Cates. This year’s studies will be on Latin America’s people and faith, the church and people with disabilities, and Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life in God.