Over the past few days, I’ve spent time with pastors and laity talking about Christmas. We’ve wrestled with questions: How can Advent/Christmas be celebrated without carols? How do we deal with visitors if…
Rev. Gil Caldwell, civil rights pioneer, dies
The Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell called himself a “foot soldier” in the U.S. civil rights movement. But many across his beloved United Methodist Church remember him as a general for justice. He died Sept. 4 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, …
“Unity”
A video sermon by Bishop Peggy Johnson. Script: One of my favorite songs that the Deaf choir at my former church ever performed was “Down by the Riverside.” They did it in sign language of course. ““Gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside, down by the riverside…”
What does ‘peace’ mean in the Bible?
The Hebrew word “shalom” is translated as “peace” in the Bible, Yet, it does not mean calm, but rather, the result of right relationships with God, one another and creation. Read story.
Korean peninsula and ‘Amazing Grace with Peace’
A Korean-American teenager hopes she and others like her can help transform Korea’s demilitarized zone into a peace zone, so that elders like her grandfather can reunite with the families they left behind. Read more…
Lawson: Black Lives Matter a religious movement
As a young man, the Rev. James Lawson was chosen by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to train young civil rights peacemakers to fight racism with love and respect — to step into the fray and say, “I follow Jesus.”
The Power of a Letter
Long ago, an African American teenager from Troy, Alabama, wrote a letter that would help change his life forever. His name was John Robert Lewis and the letter was sent to a pastor by the name of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Young Lewis was inspired…
Tips for when the command ‘do not be anxious’ is hard
Anxiety is an understandable byproduct in a world living with the coronavirus pandemic. But some pastors say it’s possible to limit or eliminate the fear and worry that threaten many. Read more…
‘Love one another’…enough to wear a mask
By the Rev. Candy LaBar*
Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 2:4-5, NRSV
ʽService of Lament’ challenges church
Review this unflinching, hour-long “Service of Lament, Repentance, Communion and Commitment” recorded June 24, that puts The United Methodist Church on record as committed to a renewed push against racism.