I’m a clergymom. So, Advent is one of the most overwhelming times of year. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the magic-bringer.
At church, I make sure all the traditions are followed, the church is beautiful, the Christmas letter goes out, the sermons are inspiring, the shut-in folks feel cared for, and so on…
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 …
Imagine what it would be like to be behind bars this Christmas, with limited contact with family and friends. Receiving a card with an encouraging note that shares the message of God’s love from someone “outside” would be such a …
Local church ministry reports Several churches generously responded to our appeal for information with news of their Advent and Christmas activities. Many thanks! Here are their lightly edited reports. Conshohocken UMC Conshohocken UMC is trying “to make this highly unusual …
Christmastide-Epiphany Sermon Series YouTube playlist. Or, click here to download the files from Dropbox. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented Bishop Peggy Johnson and her Cabinet from doing their annual December outreach visit to a church or ministry site this year. But …
The belief that celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 emerged from a pagan holiday isn’t true, says a book on liturgical origins. And its third-century origins may have had North African roots. Read story
What are your church’s Advent and Christmas celebration plans, in light of—or in spite of—the relentless and deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Infections are increasing and taking a terrible toll everywhere. More government restrictions have been announced. And while churches can have …
“Go for the Gold” (Adapted from a video script by Bishop Peggy A. Johnson) Many of us make New Year’s resolutions in January every year. Health clubs and diet plans abound; but often we forget…
BY MARILYN SCHNEIDER Imagine what it would be like to be behind bars this Christmas, with limited contact with family and friends. Receiving a card with an encouraging note from someone “outside” would be such a meaningful gift! Last year …
The Eastern PA Conference’s Christmas Cards to Inmates Project keeps growing in its annual greetings to prison inmates who might welcome some Christmas cheer. The Prison Ministries & Restorative Justice (PMRJ) Committee distributed 8,400 signed and collected cards to a record 15 county and …
