June 25, 2026
Dear Cal-Pac Community,
At Annual Conference, we announced the Council of Bishops’ 2026 Miracle Sunday initiative: United Methodist leaders are inviting 30,000 congregations and their pastors worldwide into a God-led, Holy Spirit-empowered six-week emphasis, Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously. This emphasis will equip congregations through a worship and small group series to extend the vision of the church and receive a special offering to help support 500 students annually to prepare for pastoral ministry across Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
Friends – you might be like me in that you value being part of our international UMC connection while also knowing relatively little about how pastors are trained and churches nurtured for mission and ministry around the world. The full scholarship I received from the Candler School of Theology was a tremendous gift to me, and of course I wish the same for my colleagues around the world. Right now, 71% of clergy in the U.S. have master’s degrees. Outside the U.S., less than 5% of clergy have master’s degrees. This is a significant disparity.
The Miracle Sunday campaign put together short video testimonies from seminary-trained pastors in Nigeria, Congo, Liberia, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Romania, and Sierra Leone. These will transport you to a part of the United Methodist world that you may not have visited before, highlighting the context and the need. As an example, here’s one from Bishop Ande Emmanuel of Nigeria: https://vimeo.com/1153395833
The Miracle Sunday campaign also prepared a 6-week Bible Study series that you can access on our landing page at any time: www.calpacumc.org/miraclesunday.
We will remind you weekly during the summer as we send out Bible study materials and video links. Use the materials with your Sunday School class, small group or on your own.
Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, Bishop Grant Hagiya, and Bishop Mary Ann Swenson have all contributed to an $11,000 anchor gift. When you, your small group, or your church engage the materials, you will feel led to add your gift and encourage others to give!
Please send it directly to The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines using this link: https://www.endowftecc.org/donate
Our goal is to raise $50,000 by Sunday, October 11!
An endowment is like planting a tree: its roots grow deep, its branches spread wide, and future generations benefit from its shade and fruit. This endowment not only supports students today, it ensures that pastors will be prepared for generations to come.
Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously,
Rev. Paige Eaves
Clergy Assistant to Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank
P.S. Do you know where the Methodist seminaries are around the world? I didn’t know. Here’s a list from the World Methodist Council (PDF).