Thanks to the efforts of United Methodists in Pennsylvania and across the connection, the church has reached 90 percent of its goal of $75 million to combat suffering and death from malaria. The three UMC bishops from across the state …
African bishops speak out on terrorism, sexuality
African bishops called on The United Methodist Church to confront global terrorism and hold the line on church teachings regarding human sexuality. “As leaders of the church, we believe that there are far more important issues that unite us than …
Lessons for church from the ‘spiritual but not religious’
A survey released the Pew Research Center reported that a growing number of adults in the US identify as religiously unaffiliated. While 70.6 percent say they are Christians, 22.8 percent–more than Catholics or mainline Protestants–say they are what some call “spiritual but not religious” …
November is Native American Heritage Month
The Dakota tribe teaches, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave behind.” Native American Heritage Month, a national celebration since 1990, honors the contributions and heritage of Native Americans. Also in 1990, the U.S. Congress passed the Native …
Celebrating Saints, Praying for the Persecuted Church
Sunday, Nov. 1, is All Saints Day, “a sometimes-overlooked holy day in United Methodist congregations,” writes by Joe Iovino in an article on UMC.org. “It is not nearly as well known as the day before, All Hallows’ (Saints’) Eve, better …
Ways United Methodists can take a stand against gun violence
“Prayers of mercy and comfort for those in Roseburg, Oregon.” But is that all we can do? As United Methodist Christians, we mourn with the families of the teachers and students of Umpqua Community College who will never return home. …
Churchgoers join push to rename Columbus Day
Should the second Monday in October celebrate Christopher Columbus? A number of United Methodists, including some in Philadelphia, say no. Church members have joined efforts in Oklahoma and other parts of the U.S. to change the day into one that honors …
An Appeal for Prayers, Donations for South Carolina
Bishop Peggy Johnson asks Eastern PA Conference churches to please offer generous prayers and donations to support our sisters and brothers in South Carolina who are trying to rebound from the recent catastrophic floods that have caused death and destruction …
World Communion Sunday offering promotes Christian unity and ministry
World Communion Sunday is this Sunday Oct. 4. Will your congregation celebrate the Lord’s Supper in holy connection with other Christians around the world? Will you give to the World Communion Sunday churchwide offering that supports educational opportunities for deserving …
Arch Street to open hearts, minds, doors during Pope’s visit
“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” is the UMC’s current slogan, a memorable phrase that asserts who we are and what we offer. Arch Street UMC in Philadelphia open its doors for worship, dialogue and hospitality during the week of …