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We’re All in This Together, Bit by Bit
An encounter with rude shoppers and unsafe drivers was redeemed for Cynthia B. Astle with reassurances from the author of a book used in a communcal study by two churches, one predominantly white and another predominantly Black.
Phelan M. Ebenhack AP
Every Day Must Be Earth Day
Even though Earth Day 2025 is past, educator Richard Gillum urges people to think of every day as an opportunity to care better for God's creation.
Rejecting Cruelty
Scholar Brett Opalinski writes how Boston Red Box outfielder Jarren Duran's courage in acknowledging his struggles with depression points out the need for Christians to be kinder and spread kindness in a cruel world.
The Kind of Man Fred Was
Fred Cartwright, lay leader of Trinity United Methodist Church in Montello, Wisconsin in the 1980s, was the kind of man who "cast his bread upon the waters," remembers John Sumwalt.
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Wounds Are Okay
Why do Jesus' wounds remain on his resurrected body? Perhaps to encourage Thomas, perhaps to show that healed wounds can have a purpose.
Should You Love Your Enemies or Punish Them?
A conflict of wills occurs when you try to convince another that you are right, and they are wrong. President Donald Trump is engaging in a campaign of punishing his enemies. The Rev. Jack Shitama terms his actions "poor leadership."
Our #1 Job
The first commandment from our Creator was to “tend the garden.” The task of caring for creation may seem daunting, but especially when we do it together, we discover God in new ways.
UMC Now
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ChatGPT Analysis of the UMC's Book of Discipline Notes Misalignments
The Rev. John Feagins applied ChatGPT's Large Language Model analysis to the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline. The results are a revelation.
Apr 22, 2025
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Boards Affirm Expanding and Extending the Love Of God
In his report to the boards of directors, General Secretary Roland Fernandes said, “The church cannot completely fill in for U.S. governmental support lost, but we can, indeed we must, do all that we can.”
Apr 24, 2025
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Council to Meet In Person, Welcome New Bishops, Discuss Church’s New Future
The Council will welcome eight new bishops, who were recently elected. The new bishops will join their colleagues in their role of leading the church in fulfilling our mission of making “disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Apr 24, 2025
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Why Our Church is in Trouble
United Methodist leaders in the U.S. promote ideological positions that are often partisan and detract from the denomination’s mission, writes longtime church member Cliff White. He says the church’s leaders should stop pursuing political goals.
Apr 24, 2025
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Church and Society Photo
Love Demands Compassionate Response, Prophetic Witness
The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice, beginning with Methodism’s founder, John Wesley. The church’s Social Principles, adopted by General Conference, provide a guide for faithfully addressing today's issues.
Apr 24, 2025
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Bishop Wilke, Beloved Bible Study Creator, Dies
Bishop Richard Wilke and his wife, Julia, developed the popular Disciple Bible Study series while he served as episcopal leader in Arkansas. His work helped millions around the globe delve deeper into Scripture. He advocated for LGBTQ inclusion.
Apr 22, 2025
Featured Articles
"Strangely Lukewarm" Book Gets Quiz-Style Study Guide
United Methodist layman Bill Dunklau created a quiz-style study guide for John Elford's book, "Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm," about the UMC's checkered history on racial justice.
Apr 24, 2025
Feeling Energized by the CONNECTION and so Grateful!
The Rev. Dr. John Boggs describes the extraordinary efforts of United Methodists to provide relief and recovery for the survivors of Hurricane Helene's massive destruction in 2024.
Apr 24, 2025
Corbin Payne
Equipping for LGBTQ Inclusion
Despite rain-soaked roads, more than 90 United Methodists attended a Reconciling Ministries Network training session on initiating LGBTQ inclusion in local churches. The session was the first of its kind in The United Methodist Church.
Apr 24, 2025
Northern Illinois Church and Nearby Fire Departments Donate Vehicles for Guatemala
Retired United Methodist pastor Marilyn Robb inspired Glenview UMC in Illinois to coordinate the donation of a used fire truck and ambulance from local fire departments to Midwest Mission. The mission will send them to Guatemala.
Apr 22, 2025
Working for Safe Water Through Dual Roles as Engineer, Deacon
On a college trip to Uganda, the Rev. Caroline Archer saw firsthand how far people have to walk just to find water to drink. Today, Archer is pursuing a unique ministry as a United Methodist deacon with a full-time job as a water engineer.
Apr 22, 2025
Spirit of Service Helps Black Churches Thrive
Two legacy Black United Methodist congregations in Texas celebrate their venerable histories, while also remaining vital as centers of faith development and community service through diverse ministries.
Apr 24, 2025
Photo by Patrick Scriven
Wesley UMC of Yakima’s Enduring Vision for God’s Creation
From compost buckets to solar panels, the church’s commitment to creation care runs deep and is woven into worship, relationships, and members’ identities as disciples of Christ.
Apr 22, 2025
Recently Elected Bishops to Focus on a 'New United Methodism'
Newly elected bishops from Africa, Europe and the United States will be panelists for a coming webinar on the UMC's future.
Apr 16, 2025
