A supplement to the NEWSpirit Winter 2017 article, “District dialogues offer ‘real talk’ about race” At our request, a number of clergy participants in recent racial dialogue and learning events, sponsored by four districts, kindly shared their reactions and reflections …
Honor M.L. King’s legacy, dream this weekend
Sunday, Jan. 15, is the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, which our nation will also celebrate with a holiday on Monday, Jan. 16 this year. What will your church and community do to honor this occasion and its significance …
Districts dig deeper into real talk about race
Four districts will dive deeper into their exploration of racial understanding and race relations in January and February with upcoming dialogues that may lead to more. Clergy and laity from all districts are invited to attend. The Southeast District will …
Annual Conference learns about breaking down dividing walls
The two main featured speakers at The United Methodist Church’s Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference in June set a tone that was healing and harmonious, like the Apostle Paul’s good news that Jesus Christ had “broken down the dividing wall of …
Study reveals burdens of Phila. nonprofits with black leadership
The Philadelphia African American Leadership Forum (PAALF) recently published a comparative research study on the uniquely critical role African American-led nonprofit service agencies play and the challenges they face in serving African American communities. The Rev. David W. Brown, a …
Resources for nonprofits serving black communities
A matter of black and white? By the Rev. David W. Brown* Recently I was honored to have led an effort by the Philadelphia African American Leadership Forum (PAALF) — a network of African American leaders committed to improving the …
Harriet Tubman’s Methodist & PA connections
The U.S. Treasury Department announced April 20 that Harriet Tubman—known as the Moses of her people—will replace President Andrew Jackson on the face of the $20 bill. Many American schoolchildren know of Tubman as the African-American abolitionist who led thousands …
How will you celebrate Black History Month?
Here are some ideas for celebrating black history and culture in February and throughout the year. Please write to us and let us know what your church does, either before (preferably) or after, to celebrate Black History Month. And please …
Preaching with Power: UM Night worship to feature Bishop Fisher, new mass choir
Janes Memorial UMC in Philadelphia will host what promises to be a powerful worship experience in sermon and song on Tuesday, March 15, at 7 PM. “Preaching with Power” will feature Bishop Violet L. Fisher (retired) as one of seven …
Church leaders talk about race and racism
Churches and groups are continuing to talk about race and racism in the church and society, grappling with an existential problem that may never be fully solved but nonetheless demands our forthright attention. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday …