United Methodists can share a warm cup of hospitality—and warm cocoa—on the streets of Philadelphia Dec. 15-18, along with the message, “When we find the true meaning of Christmas church can happen anywhere.” Now we’re looking for a few good …
‘I was in prison and you visited me.’
Cabinet emulates Matthew 25:36 The terrible human cost of high incarceration rates–among the highest in the world–became a critical concern in 2015 for U.S. politicians, the media and other social critics, even prompting an historic first-time visit to a prison …
Celebrating Advent, Christmas in so many ways
The many events leading up to–or rather, preparing the way for–the humble but awesome birth of Jesus Christ might be described as God’s second act of Creation. So many moving parts and personalities, signs and wonders happened in so many …
Clergywomen retreat for soul-care
Hosting the Eastern PA Conference’s Women in Professional Ministry (WiPM) for its annual “Advent Morning Apart” Dec. 9, Bishop Peggy Johnson closed with a devotion about Christmas and culture, and gave everyone a Polish Christmas Oplatki wafer. The gift, a …
There’s Something About that Name
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 (NRSV) Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There’s just something …
His Name is John
To everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. (Luke 1:63-64)
Did you ever think about what December would be like if Christ had never come?
We could easily get side-tracked by the cold and gray often found in our December days. We would have the New Year to look forward to, or maybe not. There would be snow in the future, or ice and a cold, cold rain. No time off from school or work, no reason to gather with family and friends, no gifts or cards, no thoughtful words.
Serve Him in Holiness
You are redeemed! Serve the Lord without fear, in holiness all your days (Luke 1:74-75)
Before we look at Zacharias’s song, let me ask you a question. If you had not been able to talk for nearly a year, what would you say when you finally could speak again?
One can’t help thinking that the mind and heart of Zacharias during those nine months had been filling with this song. And now it bursts out, the first words out of his mouth after nine months of silence, with praises for God and prophecies about the future.
Word Made Flesh
Christ, the word made flesh, is born among us as one of us! Rejoice! (John 1:1-18) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His …
‘Open wide your hearts!’
Called to welcome suffering sojourners
This Friday, Dec. 18, many people will recognize International Migrants Day. And on Thursday, Dec. 10, many observed International Human Rights Day. These observances, although barely known to most, are significant and timely in light of the refugee and migrant crises happening right …
Preventing Church Emergencies during Advent and Christmas
By the Rev Greg Ellis (gellis@epaumc.org) Coordinator of Disaster Preparedness & Response Ministry and Coordinator of UM Volunteers in Ministry Eastern PA Conference, The United Methodist Church Phone: 484 350 5965 (cell) The Conference Disaster Preparedness and Response Committee does …