As soon as the “Produce Junction” greenhouse put the hyacinths on their flower table, I had to have one. It is still winter but seeing the spring bulb plants spoke to me of…
Trailblazers
As we celebrate Black History Month it should be noted that trailblazers were a significant part of the Civil Rights movement in this country. Had there not been courageous people who took a stand and moved forward…
Beware the Sin of Anti-Semitism
World leaders gathered for a ceremony at the former concentration camp and human extermination center Auschwitz on Monday, Jan. 27. They came to commemorate the 75th anniversary…
Courage
As we commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. over the past week, I have pondered his life and witness, and the word “courage” comes to mind. Dr. King had incredible courage to lead the Civil Rights movement that ultimately…
Bishop’s Video for the New Year 2020
“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…
Hope will blossom
As we light Advent wreath candles while also holding global talks on climate change, we are reminded of God’s redemptive light that dispels the darkness and offers hope to our world. Learn more…
‘Tear down this wall!’
Bishop urges unity, rejects trials amid conflict over LGBT rights
Bishop Peggy Johnson used the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany to lament the walls she sees dividing United Methodists…
Discovering God’s will: John Wesley’s difficult decision
He faced a tough choice. Two very different opportunities lay before the newly-ordained pastor. One was a stable position with the church in which he had been raised. The other was an exciting missionary opportunity…
Honoring our United Methodist vow
The Rev. Roy Hilburn knows the importance of being present in the local church and the community. When he became senior pastor at Coharie United Methodist Church in Clinton, North Carolina, there were eight members, the youngest of whom was 55…
Bishop’s Blog: All Saints Day
The Church calendar includes “All Saints Day” on November 1 each year to remember truly faithful Christians who have gone before us and to contemplate and perhaps even emulate their heroic lives. One of the benefits of my time…