Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference

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Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference

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Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Peninsula-Delaware Conference office is located in Dover, Delaware.

The Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church is comprised of approximately 800 lay and clergy members representing 82,800 (487 churches) United Methodists from Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It is a part of the Philadelphia Area, which includes the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference headquartered in Valley Forge, PA. The Peninsula-Delaware Conference traces its roots to the very beginning of the Methodist Movement in this area. Methodist lay “circuit riders,” providing an alternative to the increasingly unpopular state Church of England, emphasized “vital piety” and planted “societies” in nearly every town and crossroads on Delmarva, beginning in the mid 1700’s. These societies became the local congregations around which community life revolved. The United Methodist Church still exerts a powerful, positive influence in this area. True to its heritage of “warm hearts and helping hands,” United Methodists form the backbone for many of this area’s service organizations. From Delaware Hospice to Boy Scouting, from Peninsula United Methodist Homes, Inc. (the area’s leading provider of retirement care) to working as partners with government agencies to provide shelter for the homeless and our tireless efforts working with Habitat for Humanity helping potential first time home owners see lifelong dreams come true. The Conference also has its own ministries of outreach and invitation including the Howard Bailey Life Enrichment Program, a rites of passage program for youth, and the Wesley Foundation. The Foundation offers ministry to college students on the campuses of the Delaware State University (DE), Salisbury State University (MD), University of Delaware (DE), and the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore (MD). The Peninsula-Delaware Conference was the first conference in the denomination to merge its African-American and Anglo Conferences during the Civil Rights Era in 1965. The Conference has consistently been at the forefront in its efforts to improve race relations and has made the issue of inclusiveness a top priority. The United Methodist Church provides spiritual leadership to more than 11 million persons in a broad range of settings on four continents, including North America, Europe, Africa and Asia

10/28/2026

10/27/2026

The energy of IGNITE doesn’t happen on its own. Behind the worship, speakers, excitement, and unforgettable moments is a team helping bring the entire weekend to life.

If you’re a young adult ages 18–35, the IGNITE Squad is your opportunity to get behind the scenes, serve as a leader, and help create an incredible experience for hundreds of young people from across the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area. 🙌

From welcoming artists and speakers to supporting event logistics and bringing the energy throughout the weekend, Squad members are an important part of making IGNITE happen.
And while you’re serving, you’ll also get to experience the weekend, build relationships with other young adults, and be part of a community working together for a shared purpose. Admission, lodging, and meals are provided for IGNITE Squad members.

A limited number of opportunities to serve are also available for adults over 35.

Learn more and sign up for the IGNITE Squad at https://www.igniteforyouth.com/ignite-squad

10/21/2026

Court revives suit to block ICE from churches | A coalition of faith groups, including United Methodists, has grounds to sue to curb immigration enforcement activities at houses of worship, a federal appeals court ruled.

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/court-revives-suit-to-block-ice-from-churches

10/14/2026

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS TOMORROW.

Some of the voices the Church needs to hear may already be sitting in our youth groups, congregations, and communities. ❤️

IGNITE Emerging Voices is creating space for young people and young adults to develop those voices, grow in confidence, and share their faith with the next generation.

A small cohort of emerging leaders, ages 16–30, will receive coaching and collaborate on the featured message for IGNITE’s Saturday morning main session, CALLED: Known by Name. Sent with Purpose.

This opportunity isn’t about finding the most polished speaker or someone with years of experience. It’s about recognizing young people who engage thoughtfully with scripture, have something meaningful to share, and are willing to learn and grow alongside others.

Who is an emerging voice in your church?

Nominate someone: https://pdcbwc.jotform.com/262514993254867

Apply yourself: https://pdcbwc.jotform.com/262514396678066

Deadline is October 15.

10/12/2026

Before IGNITE takes over Ocean City this January, there’s another chance to gather, connect, and get excited for the weekend ahead.

Join us at Pecometh on Sunday, October 18, from 4–6:30 p.m. for an IGNITE Campfire filled with fellowship and plenty of fun. 🔥

It’s a chance for youth to meet others from across the area, strengthen friendships within their own groups, and get a taste of the community that makes IGNITE so special.

And you don’t have to already be registered for the conference to join in. Bring your youth group and invite friends from your community, too.

RSVP today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuy6WOoI8SyoOVHl52XoiUJWuAabsAUbucKy1sDslp1ukKmA/viewform

10/08/2026

Calling Emerging Voices. IGNITE Emerging Voices is looking for emerging communicators, ages 16 to 30, who have a passion for helping others discover and follow Jesus. If God is stirring something in you or someone you know, this is the moment. No experience needed. Nominations and applications close October 15.

Nominate a young person today: IGNITEforYouth.com/emerging-voices

10/06/2026

Pull up a chair! Join us at the IGNITE Campfire for worship, games, and connection as we get ready for IGNITE 2027.

Register at IGNITEforYouth.com/campfires.

10/01/2026

Join BWC & Pen-Del Hispanic Latine Ministries for a World Communion & Hispanic Latine Heritage Worship Service and Celebration with Bishop Minerva Carcaño and Holy Communion with Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling.

Held at Epworth United Methodist Church Gaithersburg Maryland

Dinner is available after the service.

RSVP for dinner: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4AA5A822A1F85-65972389-october #/

09/29/2026

Bishop Easterling is visiting each District this October for Bishop's Days on the District, a time for clergy and laity to gather, share, and strengthen relationships as our structure continues to take shape. These evenings offer space for connection, communication, and hope for the work we do together.

Lower Shore – October 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Asbury UMC, 1401 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD

Delaware – October 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Avenue UMC, 20 N. Church St, Milford, DE

Upper Shore – October 15,6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
St. Mark’s UMC, 100 Peachblossom Rd, Easton, MD

All are welcome as we continue building connection and shared ministry throughout the Peninsula‑Delaware Conference.

09/29/2026

What does it mean to discover who God is calling you to be? ❤️

At IGNITE 2027, young people will have the chance to explore that question together through worship, meaningful conversations, new friendships, and plenty of fun.

This year’s theme, CALLED, creates space for youth to step away from the noise and remember something important: their identity isn’t defined by having everything figured out. They belong to God, and they are invited to live boldly into the gifts and purpose God has placed within them.

The journey begins this fall with IGNITE Campfires and continues when everyone gathers in Ocean City this January.

Registration is open, and early registration is $65 through October 31.

Who would you love to see at IGNITE 2027? Share this with them and help spread the word. 🔥

https://www.igniteforyouth.com

IGNITE for Youth

Address

139 N State St
Dover, DE
19901

Telephone

+13026742626

Website

http://www.pen-del.org/

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