Here are some ideas for celebrating black history and culture in February and throughout the year. Please write to us and let us know what your church does, either before (preferably) or after, to celebrate Black History Month. And please …
Why ashes? Connecting to who we are and who we can be
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Repent, and believe the gospel.” Many Eastern PA Conference churches will welcome worshippers for Ash Wednesday service Feb. 10—most in their sanctuaries but some in public spaces beyond their …
Donations sought for Flint’s water crisis
FLINT, MI – JANUARY 13: The Flint Water Plant tower is shown January 13, 2016 in Flint, Michigan. On Tuesday, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder activated the National Guard to help the American Red Cross distribute water to Flint residents …
9 tips for communicating with Hispanics and Latinos
Is your church located in a rapidly changing community with an influx of Hispanic and Latino families? Do you wish to reach out to these new residents? Learn more at umcom.org
Bishops’ task force cites core values for episcopal leadership
The Council of Bishops Task Force on Human Sexuality, Gender and Race has issued a report for members of the Council of Bishops outlining a list of seven core values formulated for council members and the denomination. Task force members …
UMC Pensions Board cites sustainability risks in divesting from Israeli firms
Barbara A. Boigegrain, General Secretary of the UMC’s General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, has issued a response to letters of concern and questions she has received from bishops and other church leaders about the board’s recent divestment from several …
‘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 …
Amid hysteria, a call for hospitality
After President Obama urged the United States to welcome some 10,000 refugees from Syria, more than 20 governors said they refused to welcome refugees in their states. Following the Paris terrorist attacks on Nov. 12, the mayor of Roanoke, Va., …
World AIDS Day–One church fights AIDS Stigma
December 1 is World AIDS Day, a day when many of us remember precious lives lost to this global, still incurable disease and focus our concern on people living with HIV and AIDS today and the ongoing challenge we face …
UMC leaders respond to recent terrorist attacks
Leaders in The United Methodist Church and other denominations, while expressing their shock over the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris and solidarity with the French people, nevertheless caution against condemning all Muslims or calling for a dangerous escalation of …