“It’s time to beat the heat and get into the holiday spirit with Christmas in July at Grace Cafe, a ministry of Arch Street UMC” says Kristi Painter, Coordinator of Programming at Arch Street UMC’s new partner nonprofit, The Center Philadelphia. Grace …
Looking back to move forward
Historic St. George’s UMC in Philadelphia is featured in a national UMCom story about four historic congregations with deep roots in their communities that are living a new story. “Their histories are informing their ministries today and their plans for …
Digital discipleship: Being a presence of grace
Recently, many of us have grown increasingly comfortable in digital spaces. We may have worshiped on Facebook, connected with family via Zoom, engaged in a meaningful Twitter conversation, or joined a prayer group on Twitch. All of this virtual connecting …
Courageous Conversation about Christian Nationalism
Why have a Courageous Conversation about Christian nationalism? Let’s start by defining what we mean by the phrase, “Christian nationalism.” Nationalism can and should be distinguished from patriotism. They are not synonymous terms. (For example, supporting the military and saying the Pledge of …
US bishops take on expanded assignments
Starting Sept 1, United Methodist bishops across the United States will take on additional work as some of their colleagues retire. With the second pandemic-caused delay of General Conference, the Council of Bishops also has postponed the jurisdictional conferences that elect …
Churches respond to gun violence crisis via public witness
According to the Philadelphia gun violence and prevention report, there were at least 896 nonfatal and 247 fatal shootings this year as of July 7, including 224 people shot just last month. That is an increase of more than 34% …
Bishop Yeakel, caring leader, dies at 93
United Methodists remember Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel as a wise, caring leader who did not seek his own glory but instead sought to include others in glorifying God. He also was not afraid of change.
Arroyo to head UMC’s Religion and Race agency
The Rev. Giovanni Arroyo, Team Leader for Program Ministries at the UMC’s General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) will become its next General Secretary August 31. With his election, Dr. Arroyo, born in Puerto Rico and raised in New …
UM Men’s plans virtual national gathering for Aug. 28
The General Commission on United Methodist Men announces its 2021 Virtual National Men’s Gathering. The gathering will be held online August 28, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Keynote speakers will be the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, pastor of Camphor …
Churches urged to relaunch, not just reopen
Worshipping in person is happening again at First United Methodist Church in Denton, after a 400-day pause because of COVID-19. The Rev. Don Lee seemed about to levitate as he greeted a long line of the faithful after the June …