Dorchester Circuit hosts outreach-oriented back-to-school event

DORCHESTER—For two years, many churches weren’t meeting at all because of COVID-19.

Now, the churches of the Dorchester Circuit are rediscovering what it means to be the local church in the community. 

The women of Zion United Methodist Church, in cooperation with Salem UMC, offered a back-to-school event on Aug. 13 that included food, fun and school supplies. Salem UMC and Zion UMC comprise the Dorchester Circuit, which is pastored by the Rev. George Palmer Hudson.  

This event was a revisioning of ministry and outreach by inviting in the whole community, children and adults.  Many of the attendees had no previous connection with the churches. Post-event conversations in the church and the community indicate it was a success. 

“It was nice to have a moment of togetherness at a time when the denomination seems to be consumed with the possibility of splintering and separation,” Hudson said.

Planning was coordinated through Certified Lay Minister Wanda Shulick.