In the Church
Global Nature
United Methodist-Episcopal Dialogue to Begin Next Steps Toward Churches’ Full Communion
The Episcopal Church's recent convention approved moving ahead with talks on full communion with the United Methodist Church. The UMC's General Conference approved the cooperation agreement in May. Read more
Jul 17, 2024
1:03 PM
Liberia: Methodist Church Members Abandon Sunday Service After Attack on Bishop Quire in Ganta Over Same-Sex Marriage Stance
Liberia Bishop Samuel Quire was attacked July 29 by aggrieved church members objecting to the new definition of marriage adopted by the 2024 General Conference in May. Many church members boycotted June 30 worship in protest of the attack. Read more
Jul 1, 2024
3:59 PM
Was John Wesley a Missionary to Georgia?
If, indeed, John Wesley was a missionary, was he commissioned? What entity or missionary agent sent him? This blog will reflect on this assumption and raise some questions about its veracity. Read more
Jun 27, 2024
12:22 PM
Practicing Faith
Memory Making
The Rev. Nan Smith's tumble into a Minnesota stream on a family vacation reminded her and us that the church is also in the business of making lifelong memories for individuals and the faith community Read more
Jul 25, 2024
3:32 PM
Along the Way: Agnostic?
That Christ has been desecrated by “MAGA Jesus” is cause enough to find and follow those who declare Christ in ways that are, in fact, consistent with the Gospel–beginning with his own life in the four gospels. Read more
Jul 18, 2024
4:09 PM
UMC Bishops Condemn Divisive Rhetoric and Political Violence
UMC bishops issued a statement: "As people of faith, we are called to love one another and follow the example of Jesus Christ, who showed us the way to love, peace, and reconciliation. Christ calls us to be peacemakers ...." Read more
Jul 16, 2024
4:26 PM
Peacemaking Urged After Assassination Attempt
United Methodist bishops and pastors called for prayer and expressed grief following the assassination attempt on former President Trump. They also urged churchgoers to work to heal divisions in the U.S. Read more
Jul 16, 2024
4:26 PM
Ordained Ministry
The Bread of Life
The prophet Nathan prompted King David to confess his sin with Bathsheba, and David responded by making public confession, an example of repentance that became a part of recorded history for the Jews. Read more
Jul 24, 2024
The Hardest Part Is Starting
It’s easy to come up with reasons why other things are more important. There is a gnawing in the back of your mind that keeps reminding you of what needs to be done. And, once you actually get started, you find that it wasn’t actually that bad. Read more
Jul 25, 2024
Local Church
Shutterstock
Please Don’t Make Me Stand: Welcoming Introverts into the Church
Introverts can be described as people who draw their energy from having time alone and enjoy spending time being by themselves or in small groups. They may get overwhelmed by new situations or large groups of people. focus on one Read more
Feb 14, 2024
Shutterstock
Checking the Door
Disability expert Leo Yates describes how to accommodate hearing-impaired people and those with deafness when it comes to audible signals. Read more
Feb 14, 2024
Photo by Mike DuBose/UM News
Church Members Dial In for Fellowship
Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, provides Sunday worship service through the church’s conference phone line so participants who can’t attend in person can stay connected. Read more
Feb 14, 2024
Finance and Administration
UMC Bishops: 'We Aim to Become a More Agile and Efficient Church'
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church issued a statement, “A Journey of Hope and Transformation,” following up on the 2024 Jurisdictional Conferences. Read more
Jul 25, 2024
US Sees Big Changes in Bishop Assignments
Heather Hahn of UM News explains the complicated and unusual arrangements made this year for United Methodist bishops' assignments in the United States. Read more
Jul 25, 2024
United Methodists Elect a Third Openly Gay, Married Bishop
The first two openly gay and married United Methodist bishops were elected to their positions under a cloud. The UMC's rulebook did not allow LGBTQ+ people to be ordained, much less consecrated as bishops. This time, a bishop was elected legally. Read more
Jul 17, 2024
