THE SCHOOL OF CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT is a premier event for equipping conference leaders, clergy, and laity to lead vital, dynamic, life-changing congregations. Hosted by the Indiana Conference, SCD’s focus this year is on Crossroads, where community, culture, and faith come together to offer the message of love and grace as found in Jesus Christ. If you can’t make it to Indianapolis, you’re invited to participate in a portion of the event via satellite at the United Methodist Church of the Redeemer in Temple Hills. The satellite event will be held Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and feature presenters the Revs. B. Kevin Smalls and John Edgar.
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.
CELEBRATING THOSE WHO SERVE: The Susanna Wesley House will host its 8th annual Inspired to Serve Benefit Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wyndham-Peabody Court Hotel. Learn more about this ministry to women and children in Baltimore.
CAMPUS MINISTRY SEEKING ALUM INFORMATION: Are you an alum or friend of the University of Maryland College Park’s United Methodist Campus Ministry? If so, they’d love to hear from you. The Board of Directors of the university’s Wesley Foundation is updating the information in its database so they can keep you up-to date about the latest news and events. Contact Rachel McNamara (rachelftz@gmail.com) with your information and keep an eye out for an invitation to the alumni event in the fall.
HOLD THE DATE: HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING: At this year’s Annual Meeting of the United Methodist Historical Society of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, on Saturday, Sept. 26, the film, “Building the Beloved Community: Race, Reconciliation, Reconnection,” will be shown. The day begins at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. The film examines the relationship between Foundry UMC in Washington, D.C., and Asbury UMC, a congregation formed by African-Americans who deemed it necessary to leave Foundry in 1836. The film maker, John Coleman, and the film’s producers and pastors will 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.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The Bishop’s Advent Day Apart with the Clergy will be held Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First UMC in Hyattsville. The guest preacher will be The Rev. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, president of Wesley Theological Seminary. Registration and other information will be available soon.