As many United Methodists seek to counter and transform the disastrous outcome of the Special General Conference in St. Louis, a number of collectives and meetings are taking place around the country. The Western Jurisdiction (the Western US from Colorado onward) has organized a number of task forces to coordinate resistance and explore the building of new structures within and outside of the UMC. At the conclusion of the Special General Conference, the Western Jurisdiction l

Beloved Epworth Community, By now you should have heard through announcements at church, email and US mail the news that Epworth is being joined with Trinity UMC in Berkeley in a configuration called a Two Point Charge. This new relationship will assist in the redevelopment of the Trinity UMC site for fruitful ministry and in the growth of both congregations. Initially, both congregations will worship on their own sites, but after a few months of transition, Trinity will begi

As we make our final preparations for this year's Peace Arts Camps, here are two ways you can help to enrich our campers' experience: Who wants to be a pen pal? This year's theme for Peace Arts Camp (Grades K-5) is "Caring for our Elders." We'll be thinking about what it's like to get older: How do we change? How do we help care for older people? Epworth folks will be invited to share about their lives, to read stories and do art projects with campers. We are also looking for

Event: A Conversation with Betty Reid Soskin Interviewed by Brenda Payton Date & Time: Sunday, June 30, 2019 2-4 pm Location: Epworth United Methodist Church 1953 Hopkins St Berkeley, CA 9470 Betty Reid Soskin grew up in a Cajun/Creole African- American family that settled in Oakland at the end of World War I, following the pattern set by the black railroad workers who served as sleeping car porters, waiters, and chefs for Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads – settling th

The Epworth First Friday Film Series has a new curator – Berkeley neighbor Frank Sarmir. Following in the footsteps of Pastoral Intern, Bill Miller, Frank is eager to share his love of film and its ability to connect with us on many levels – spiritual, emotional, social and political. The next film, First Reformed, by the renowned director Paul Schrader, will be presented on Friday, July 5 at 11:30am in Fellowship Hall. A light lunch and beverages will be provided - feel fre

Beloved Epworth Community, I am on the plane returning to the Bay Area from the UM Next meetings in Kansas City. What I had hoped would be a meeting of United Methodist leaders from all over the US coming together to build the truly liberative church for which we long, UM Next was not that. To be sure, there were some who shared my hope. And there were some who just want to be able to continue doing what they are doing, and want to love everyone, but if loving everyone costs

Beloved Epworth Community, Easter greetings to each of you! On Sunday, May 5, a letter was read from our District Superintendent Rev. Staci Current in worship at both Epworth and Monte Toyon informing us that Bishop Carcaño intends to appoint me as pastor of both Epworth and Trinity UMC in Berkeley. Bishop Carcaño will also be appointing an associate pastor to assist in leading these two communities. (Update 5/19/19: Rev. Brian Adkins will be appointed associate pastor.) Both

On Sunday, April 28, Epworth church council members voted to send three petitions to the California-Nevada Annual Conference Session (regional body), to be held in Modesto, CA from June 19-22, 2019. One is a denunciation of the Traditionalist Plan and a re-affirmation of our commitment to dignity, love and welcome for all people; the second advocates for the creation of a task force to strategize and coordinate around the way forward for all of us; and the third redirects a p

PALM/PASSION SUNDAY - APRIL 14 10 a.m. Worship with Hosannas and Palms Scripture: Luke 22:39-46 Rev. Kristin Stoneking preaching Followed by second Sunday potluck meal & Eco Fair MAUNDY THURSDAY - APRIL 18 7 p.m. Service at Trinity UMC 2362 Bancroft Way, Berkeley GOOD FRIDAY - April 19 Social Just Stations of the Cross Walk A walk through our community considering Jesus' last days on earth and the brokenness still present. 12 - 1:30 p.m.; Meet in front of Epworth U

What songs inspire and empower you to do good in the world? We asked ourselves this question in youth group as part of our Lenten small group practice. Check out the playlist below to see what we came up with. Do Good Mix Imagine by John Lennon 2. Hammer to Fall by Queen 3. 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins 4. God's Plan by Drake 5. Closer to the Heart by Rush 6. Born This Way by Lady Gaga 6. Long Distance Runaround by Yes 8. Praying by Kesha 9. Falling of the Edge of the World by Bl