Bishop's Day On The Palisades District

Ridgewood UMC hosted this year's Bishop's Day on the Palisades District on Monday, October 3, 2011. Clergy gathered in the morning for worship, Communion, and the Call To Action/Vital Congregations presentation by Bishop Devadhar and Rev. Dr. Rich Hendrickson. Clergy brought up many great questions about the movement. One great question revolved around the actual numerical values to be provided in categories such as attendance. A clergy member brought up an excellent point in asking for...

Bishop's Day on the Delaware Bay District

The Delaware Bay District had a strong showing of support at its Bishop’s Day on the District on Thursday, September 29, 2011.  First United Methodist Church of Millville hosted this year’s gathering.  In the morning, clergy gathered together for a time of worship and “Guided Meditation on the Call To Action Through the Scriptures,” led by multiple clergy of the Delaware Bay District.  The meditations included:  Jeremiah 29:11-14 on developing...

Bishop's Day on the Capital District

Trinity UMC in Ewing hosted the Bishop’s Day on the Capital District on Wednesday, October 5, 2011.  The morning session with clergy was blessed with a message on infectious joy by Rev. Dorothy L. Johns followed by honest and open communication during the presentation on The Call To Action and Vital Congregations.  After lunch, the clergy sung hymns and prayed for one another during an anointing service.  In the evening, District Lay Leader Trey Gillette blessed the...

Bishop's Day on the Gateway North District

Roselle United Methodist Church hosted the Bishop’s Day on the Gateway North District on Monday, September 26, 2011.  Clergy gathered for a time of fellowship, worship, and to hear Bishop Devadhar’s presentation on Vital Congregations and the Call To Action.  The morning began with music lead by Rev. Chris Heckert of Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church and a message given by Rev. Robb Shoaf of Madison United Methodist Church.  Rev. Shoaf gave the clergy...

Bishop's Day on the Raritan Valley District

Bridgewater United Methodist Church, located in Bridgewater, NJ, hosted the Bishop’s Day on the Raritan Valley District on Thursday, September 15, 2011.  The morning message was given by the Rev. Gina Yeske of Bloomsbury and Asbury United Methodist Churches.  She brought a message of hope and encouragement as she reminded the clergy in attendance that, “God’s love is stuck to us like super glue.”  No matter what happens in life or our ministries, God will...

Bishop's Day on the Skylands District

Wednesday, September 7, 2011 marked the beginning of the Bishop’s Days on the Districts, with the first stop being the Skylands District.  Over fifty clergy spent the morning worshipping, fellowshipping, communing, and learning about the “Vital Congregations” movement at Mt. Fern UMC in Randolph, NJ. The day started with an inspirational message about the importance of serving by Rev. Dr. Frank Fowler of Trinity UMC in Hackettstown.  After celebrating communion,...

Bishop's Day: Cape Atlantic District

“You don’t have to understand it but trust that if God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it.” Rev. Jevon Caldwell-Gross of Hamilton Memorial UMC in Atlantic City, NJ preached these words to over 40 clergy at Tabernacle UMC-Erma during the opening worship of the Bishop’s Day on the Cape Atlantic District on Monday, September 12, 2011. The message focused on trusting that God will provide the means for ministry; an important thought as churches look at the...