Top 5 @ SPUMC

#1 A QUESTIONING FAITH
Is the Bible primarily a book of answers or questions? That was just one of the queries that Rev. Ron posed to the congregation in his sermon this past Sunday as he suggested that when we are paying attention, we will see that Jesus and the prophets both used questions quite regularly and powerfully to get at the heart of faith and deepen our relationships – with God, with our neighbor and with ourselves. We looked at some of the most familiar questions in the Bible like “What does the Lord require of you?” (Micah 6:8), “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye?” and “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). We can also use questions to show care and empathy with those around us, to make them feel seen and heard, just like Jesus did. Join us over the next 5 weeks as we continue our series, I’ve Been Meaning to Ask and discover the power of a questioning faith.

#2 TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Are you new here and want to find out how to get more involved? Or perhaps you’ve been worshiping with us for a while now and this is starting to feel like home. You may even think you’re ready to become a member of SPUMC. If any of these describe you, we invite you to our next CONNECTIONS CLASS on Sunday, April 21 at 10:15am in the Parlor. You’ll have a chance to learn about our mission and ministries and we’ll have a chance to get to know you better, too. RSVP to Rev. Narae or just show up. nkim@severnaparkumc.org

#3 IT’S TIME FOR THE GARAGE SALE!
Our Spring Missions Garage Sale is Saturday, May 4, 8:30am-1pm. We need hundreds of volunteers May 1-3 to help sort and price donations and on the day of the sale, as well. Volunteer sign-ups have begun online and in Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings. We will begin receiving donations on Wednesday, May 1 from 5-8pm.

The Garage Sale raises over $20,000 twice a year to support the work of Volunteers in Mission (VIM) and the missional outreach of the the United Women in Faith (UWF). VIM has two mission trips planned for this year (Costa Rica in August and Sager Brown UMCOR Depot). If you have questions about the Garage Sale, you can find out more here.

#4 PRAYER VIGIL THIS SATURDAY
SPUMC IS HOSTING A PRAYER VIGIL THIS SATURDAY for the Baltimore-Washington & Pen-Del Annual Conferences in advance of the upcoming General Conference of the UMC. The gathering, organized by BWARM (Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling Ministries), will begin with refreshments at 10am followed by a time of prayer and worship from 10:30-11:45am. All are welcome to join us as we pray for discernment, wisdom, love, justice, and unity for all the General Conference participants as they seek to heal and lead the UMC forward. Our Sacred Worth Group and Hospitality Team will be providing refreshments and helping to host the event.

#5 UMC GENERAL CONFERENCE NEWS
After years of delay due to Covid and other factors, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church will finally gather in Charlotte, NC April 23-May 3. Up for consideration will be important matters like Regionalization (giving the US, Africa, Europe and the Philippines more autonomy to do contextual ministry and moving away from our colonial past), Right-sizing our denominational boards and agencies (following the loss of nearly 25% of our congregations to disaffiliation) and Removal of harmful and discriminatory language from our Book of Discipline and Social Principles (around issues of inclusion and human sexuality). We will be holding Information Sessions on Sunday, April 28 following each of our worship services in the Parlor. Additionally, we will be posting updates and links on our website before, during and after General Conference to keep you informed. General Conference is a representative body of lay and clergy delegates from each of our Annual Conferences that meets every four years (in normal times!) for holy conferencing and to set the missional priorities for the United Methodist Church in an ever-changing world. Here are some helpful links to the UMC website, the Baltimore-Washington Conference website and the General Conference website so you can follow along.