October 19, 2026

"Transformed Lives Transform Lives"Prayers of the PeopleBishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling is calling the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area to fervent prayer for the Rev. Maidstone Mulenga, Director of Communications for the Council of Bishops and former Bishop’s Assistant and Director of Connectional Ministries for the BWC, who is in serious condition in a hospital intensive care unit. Please join in praying for his healing and restoration, for strength and peace for his wife and daughters, and for wisdom and compassion for his medical team. The family has requested privacy during this time and asks that they not be contacted directly by phone or email.Read Bishop Easterling’s full prayer request.We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Robert W. Matthews, the surviving spouse of the Rev. Callie M. Matthews, who passed away on October 9. Please keep his children (including BWC's Long-Term Recovery Director, Derek Matthews), extended family, and all who knew and loved him in your prayers during this time of loss. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to The Matthews Family, 202 Browns Woods Road, Annapolis, MD 21409. Read his obituary.Please join us in praying for Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling and leaders from across the Living Waters Episcopal Area who will participate in the Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering this week, October 20–24, in Calgary, Canada. This historic, non-legislative gathering will bring together United Methodist bishops, clergy and laity from around the world for worship, conversation and prayerful discernment about the future of The United Methodist Church.Representing our Episcopal Area are Kevin Green, a lay member of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference; Christian Martine, a lay member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference; Rev. Michael Parker, a clergy member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference; and Ryan Taylor, a young adult from Towson University serving as a Young Adult member at large. Also participating is Rev. Giovanni Arroyo, a member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, who will attend as General Secretary of the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR). Rev. Leo Yates and Rev. Rick Vance will also participate in their respective capacities.We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide their conversations, inspire bold visions for the church's future and strengthen our worldwide connection as we seek to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously.Explore the Leadership Gathering program booklet and watch the livestream of worship and plenary sessions beginning October 21.NewsAs The United Methodist Church celebrates 70 years of full clergy rights for women, Rev. Irene Pierce recently turned 100 and may be the oldest United Methodist clergywoman alive. A trailblazing clergywoman, Pierce has spent decades breaking barriers and serving the church locally and globally, including as a longtime champion of Africa University. Read her inspiring story and celebrate a century of faith, perseverance and faithful service.What's on the Bishop's Bookshelf?Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling has refreshed her reading list, sharing books that explore Scripture, discipleship, theological reflection and the future of The United Methodist Church. Her selections invite readers to deepen their understanding of faith, engage new perspectives and reflect on the church's calling in today's world. Explore The Bishop's Bookshelf for inspiration for your next read.One Church. One Purpose. One Lord. On World Communion Sunday, more than 400 people from 12 churches in the Charles County Hub gathered at La Plata UMC for a powerful celebration of worship, fellowship and Christian unity. With youth, laity and clergy sharing in leadership and nearly $2,300 raised for the World Communion Sunday offering, the gathering demonstrated the beauty and strength of our United Methodist connection. Read how these congregations came together as one body in Christ.