The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church has begun a process of restructuring that will impact 563 congregations across Maryland, The District of Columbia, and parts of West Virginia. This will include Calvary United Methodist Church. The changes coming over the next two years will include:
- Grouping 5 to 12 local churches in a Collaborative Hub based on geography. Each hub will have a designated Connecting Church to facilitate collaborative work and vitality.
- Reducing the number of districts from eight districts. Each Hub will be assigned to a district where the congregations share common challenges and similar environments.
This will create opportunities to network and learn from one another.
- The hubs and six geographical districts will also be connected and provided with help from two new Administrative Regions and Resource Coordinators.
Five Shared Values have been identified that will shape the mission and ministry of these churches as they seek to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world:
- Love in Action Ours is not ministry “from a distance,” but ministry “up close and personal”— we are the hands and feet of Christ in the world, serving those in need.
- Strength through Connection: We build strong bonds with one another and across our global church to do as much good as we can because we truly are better together.
- Unity with Diversity As God’s beloved community, we each bring our unique stories and strengths to all that we do, united in purpose and committed to equity, inclusion, antiracism/anti-oppression, and justice for all.
- Partnering with Purpose Intentional and strategic partnerships with other churches, people, and organizations enable us to share and cross-pollinate ideas, resources, and energy so that we can thrive, bear more fruit, and live according to God’s call.
- Freedom to Experiment: We give permission for creativity and boldness and are committed to staying open to new ways of sharing God’s love with all people.
Much more about this plan will be shared in the coming months. If you would like to learn more in meantime, see Restructuring Landing Page.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve