In the Church
Global Nature
3 United Methodists Killed in Nigeria Unrest
A young man was killed by gunfire and two toddlers died in a fire after their hut was set ablaze amid escalating conflict in rural Nigeria. United Methodist bishops condemned the attacks and offered support to the affected community. Read more
Dec 17, 2024
4:49 PM
United Methodist Africa Forum Celebrates Bishops' Elections, Condemns Violence
The United Methodist Africa Forum also condemns outside influences that have been behind violence against the church in Nigeria. Read more
Dec 18, 2024
4:54 PM
2024 Publications on Methodist Mission and Evangelism
UM & Global gives a list of books and articles published since the beginning of the year by scholars in the Association of Methodist Professors of Mission, friends of the blog, and other scholars about topics related to mission and evangelism. Read more
Dec 18, 2024
4:54 PM
Practicing Faith
A Story of Christmas Lights
For Mary Lautzenhiser Bellon, Christmas 1972 – the height of the Vietnam War – provides a cherished memory of her oldest brother's witness for peace in the world. Read more
Dec 19, 2024
1:14 PM
Religious Traditions Can Help with Holiday Blues, Mental Health Experts Say
From food drives to special services, like "lessons and carols," to extra events and gatherings (that often include a shared meal), many houses of worship are bustling with activity and opportunities to engage with community in December. Read more
Dec 19, 2024
1:14 PM
Advent Devotional #4: "The Shepherds"
The Rev. Jessica Anschutz concludes the Lewis Center's Advent devotional series with a look at the shepherds who visited baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They became the first evangelists, sharing the good news of the Messiah's birth. Read more
Dec 17, 2024
4:49 PM
Ordained Ministry
Three Steps to Help Manage Holidays with the Family
So how do you handle it when anxious others are trying to define you instead of themselves? What do you do when others make their own happiness dependent upon your willingness to conform? Here are three suggestions. Read more
Dec 17, 2024
Christmas Is for Children
Paul Burrow invites us to revive our Christmas spirit by envisioning ourselves as one of the characters in the Nativity story. Read more
Dec 11, 2024
Local Church
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
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
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
Bishops Forgo Pay Raises to Shore Up Funds
The United Methodist Church’s ministries are dealing with deep budget cuts. That includes bishops, who are trying to help bolster the Episcopal Fund by going without a salary increase next year. Read more
Dec 17, 2024
Boye-Caulker Elected as Sierra Leone Bishop
Bishop James Boye-Caulker, a longtime district superintendent, was the second bishop elected at the West Africa Central Conference. He will serve the Sierra Leone Area. Read more
Dec 10, 2024
West Africa Elects Ande Ikimun Emmanuel as Bishop
Bishop Emmanuel, a longtime leader in the Southern Nigeria Conference, was the first bishop elected at the West Africa Central Conference. He will serve the Nigeria Episcopal Area, following the resignation of John Wesley Yohanna in July. Read more
Dec 10, 2024