“God set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” -Psalm 40:2b-3a Before the frame of a house can be raised, a strong foundation …
God’s Blessings at Effort UMC: Celebrating new members through baptism and profession of faith
May all praise and glory be to God, for the ways he is working in the hearts and minds of God’s people at Effort United Methodist Church on the North District. This year, on Easter Sunday, the church was blessed to …
Plant something this summer that blooms in the fall
As the seasons move from spring to summer, the rhythms that structure our days often shift too – and that includes our churches’ youth ministries. Whether your youth group just wrapped a confirmation class, finished a school year strong, or …
Filipino pastors reflect on relationship between faith and compassion
As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, many Filipino Americans are reflecting on how faith, culture, and community continue to sustain joy and hope in difficult times. For us Filipino Christians, hope is deeply rooted in trust …
Grace UMC’s daily prayer inspires creative approach to apportionments
Last July, Grace United Methodist Church in Philadelphia began a new prayer practice. Every weekday at 7am, they gather for a half-hour community prayer call that anyone can join by phone. The ministry, called “Grace without Walls,” extends beyond church …
Pathways Bridges inspires congregations to move “from the table to the streets”
Across communities, congregations participating in Pathways Bridges are reimagining what it means to be the church, shifting from inward-focused ministry to meaningful community engagement. For many, Bridges has become more than a series of workshops. It is a community bonded …
Exciting news from Camp & Retreat Ministries: an inspired summer awaits
This year, our Camp & Retreat Ministries directors formed a task force to create a brand new curriculum for our overnight summer camp programs at Gretna Glen, Innabah, and Pocono Plateau. Throughout the winter months, a dedicated team of staff …
Divided We Fell, Together We Rose: How a Food Bank Came Back to Life
At first glance, the church appears much like any other United Methodist congregation—its sign bearing the familiar cross and flame, tall columns welcoming visitors, and a carillon marking the hours. Yet beyond this ordinary exterior lies a story shaped by …
Preaching Institute Summit inspires preachers through community
Every preacher knows the moment. It’s late in the week. The sanctuary is empty. A passage of scripture sits open on the desk, waiting for clarity that hasn’t quite arrived yet. Somewhere between prayer, study, and the weight of Sunday …
Black caucus wrestles with immigration injustice
Before Deborah Bass began her chairperson’s address to open the annual meeting of United Methodism’s Black membership caucus last month, she treated her audience to the sound of R&B vocalist Marvin Gaye’s 1971 signature song, “What’s Going On.” She smiled …