A Message for Advent and Christmas by Bishop John Schol
Pastoral theologian Frederick Buechner described what God said to Job about suffering and calamity: “You don’t want to know why things happen. You want to know that I love you.”
Five things you may not know about Christmas
We know the stories in the Bible, attend Advent and Christmas Eve worship each year, listen to tons of Christmas carols, and have seen just about every Christmas movie and special. We United Methodists know a lot about Christmas, but like most things …
Family throws surprise Christmas party for 250 women
With joy and jubilation, the Mutoko East 2 United Methodist women’s organization received an early Christmas surprise from the Mukandi family. During the Nov. 27 festivities at Bwanya United Methodist Church, the family thanked God for protection and healing from …
United Methodists respond after devastating twisters
United Methodists in Kentucky, Tennessee and neighboring states are coming to terms with the devastation of a string of tornadoes Dec. 10-11, while also mobilizing quickly to provide food, emergency shelter and other relief. The storm system that struck on …
Churches to enjoy Connectional Ministries Fund ‘holiday’
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day. These are our three, ordinary, end-of-the-year holidays. But the Eastern PA Conference is offering its churches an extraordinary “holiday” as this year ends—one that’s all about thanks and about giving. In fact, it’s more than just a …
New Pocono Plateau Camp director a leader in church and corporate worlds
Carmen OShea, of the Philadelphia area, a leader in corporate finance and in discipleship, outreach and youth ministries at her local church, will become the new director…
Seeking ‘faithful stewards of God’s Grace’
UPDATE: Churches aid disaster response during season of giving “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” –-1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Whether it’s “time, talent and treasure,” as …
Church works with Lehigh Valley depot to aid Afghani refugees
As they watched the frantic evacuations of people from Afghanistan on their televisions in August, several members of Wesley UMC in Bethlehem approached the Rev. Candy LaBar, pastor, asking, “How can we help?” Communities across the U.S. were asked in …
Church exits, COVID lead to steep budget cuts
What does a predicted denominational split and an unpredictable pandemic mean for The United Methodist Church’s bottom line? The General Council on Finance and Administration board grappled with that question as members revisited the denomination-wide budget that will go before …
“Church for Nerds” Webinar (Event Recording)
“Church for Nerds” Webinar with “Nerd Pastor Nate” December 2, 2021 View the recording.