In a letter sent to thousands of United Methodists across Eastern Pennsylvania (EPA) and Greater New Jersey (GNJ) on New Year’s Day, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi extended an invitation both audacious and humble: participate in a collective journey of healing. Titled Journey of Healing: From Lamentation to Praise, the initiative reflects months of discernment, drawing on the fractured histories and ongoing struggles throughout the two annual conferences.
“When I first arrived in EPA&GNJ, I quickly became aware of the deep wounds present among us,” Bishop Moore-Koikoi wrote in her letter. “These wounds have come from many sources: the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; sociopolitical struggles; racial, economic, and systemic injustices; pains arising through division and conflict at every level of our denomination—from the general church all the way down to the conference and the local church.”
For both conferences, the wounds are real, but so is the faith that healing is possible. The campaign, which will run through May 2025, seeks to engage laity and clergy in a structured process of naming, cleansing, and protecting these wounds, culminating in celebrations of healing and praise during the annual conferences.
A History of Connectional Vision
The seeds for this initiative were planted during the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in July, where delegations from EPA and GNJ collaborated on a liturgy articulating their vision for the future. Among the priorities named aloud was the need for “spiritually grounded leadership in a season of much-needed healing.”
“Our delegations identified our shared need for healing as a critical priority for both annual conferences as we move into a new season of ministry,” shared Rev. Dr. Drew Dyson, clergy lead delegate for GNJ. “I am grateful for the bishop’s leadership in inviting us into this journey of healing—and I am hopeful for the Spirit’s movement among us as we walk this path together.”
Judy Ehninger, lay lead delegate for EPA, emphasized that the campaign aligns with United Methodism’s ethos of connectionalism. “I rejoice that we have this opportunity to begin the New Year in such an appropriate way as a faith family,” she shared.
A New Year of Healing
The Journey of Healing campaign will unfold over five months, with each month focusing on a specific aspect of the healing process:
- January: Naming the Wounds
- February: Praying Over the Wounds
- March: Cleansing the Wounds (Lenten Gatherings with Communion & Healing Services)
- April: Protecting the Wound (Prayer Litanies & Reconciliation Resources)
- May: Praise! (District Conference & Annual Conference Celebrations)
“Each phase is intentional,” Bishop Moore-Koikoi explained. “Naming the wounds is about acknowledgement. Praying over them is about trusting God. Cleansing is about preparation. Protecting is about ensuring that the healing is lasting. And finally, praise is about celebration—it’s about remembering that healing is God’s work, and we’re invited to participate in it.”
The campaign begins this month with the theme of “Naming the Wounds.” Members of both conferences are invited to name the wounds they’re carrying in ts through an online form, with the option to remain anonymous.
In February, the focus will shift to “Praying Over the Wounds.” Bishop Moore-Koikoi said this phase highlights the connectional nature of the church. “As people of faith,” she wrote, “we acknowledge these wounds, but we do not face them alone.” The requests will be prayed over by a team of laity and clergy, including the bishop and her cabinet.
In March, Lenten Communion and Healing Services will take place across EPA and GNJ, offering opportunities for congregants to engage in collective acts of cleansing and renewal. These services aim to prepare participants for the work of reconciliation.
April will focus on “Protecting the Wound,” with a 40-day lenten prayer guide and resources for fostering reconciliation made available online. These resources will include prayer litanies and guides for engaging in difficult conversations within congregations and communities.
A Journey Culminating in Praise
The journey will culminate in May with celebrations at the annual conferences. These gatherings will focus on praising God for the healing work already accomplished and committing to continued transformation.
Bishop Moore-Koikoi described the culmination as a time to “raise our voices in unified praise, celebrating the ways God has worked among us to bring healing and restoration.”
A Call to Action
The campaign invites United Methodists across EPA and GNJ to lean into the tension of healing. It’s a call to acknowledge the pain, trust in the process, and, ultimately, celebrate the work of God among them.
We can’t heal if we don’t start. This campaign is an invitation to take that first step.
For more information and to participate, visit epagnjhealing.com. Join us in the sacred work of healing—from lamentation to praise.