“Jesus invites us to explore contacts with other people who don't think like ourselves. It’s just fundamental.” — Althea Spencer Miller, assistant professor of New Testament at Drew University.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Poll about Jesus raises questions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Nearly half of those taking a survey on attitudes about Jesus and Christianity said believers are giving and loving. But a significant minority said Christians are hypocritical and judgmental. “I think what (the poll) demonstrates is that we have not done a sufficient job of teaching people who Jesus is and why he's important,” said the Rev. David F. Watson, professor of New Testament and academic dean at United Theological Seminary. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Holston Conference
Church prepares to host Ukrainian family
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. — When Russia invaded Ukraine, Jonesborough United Methodist Church was among the many United Methodist churches that opened its doors for prayer. Now a couple at the church has stepped up to host a Ukrainian family resettling in this eastern Tennessee community, and the church’s pastor is urging congregants to do what they can to help. The Rev. Michael Lester, the pastor, has the story.
Read story
Missouri Conference
Dog days are good days for lay speakers
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Bob and Sue Mitchell are certified lay speakers, often filling Missouri Conference pulpits on a supply basis. They travel with Odin and Ranger, Newfoundland breed pooches who also go with them on nursing home visits. Fred Koenig reports on the Mitchells’ “pawstoral care” strategy.
Read story
Grand Lake United Methodist Church
Kids raise $27,000 for shelter
CELINA, Ohio — Children at a vacation Bible school held by several area churches raised more than $27,000 to build a new cabin at a local shelter. Kids washed cars to raise most of the money, which will go to Hand-Up Village, a nonprofit that helps needy people in Mercer County.
Read story (scroll down to bottom of page)
Discipleship Ministries
Church without a building
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest Church Is Changing podcast features the Rev. Corey Turnpenny, pastor of Church in the Wild in Windsor, New York. The congregation gathers outside at a camp and retreat center with a mission to care for the earth. The Rev. Beth Estock conducts the interview.
Listen to podcast
NCW Life
Under pressure, church ends homeless encampment
GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Facing a lawsuit from the city, First United Methodist Church in downtown Great Falls asked people experiencing homelessness to no longer use the church parking lot as an encampment. “Our job here at the church isn’t going away,” said the Rev. Dawn Skerritt, the church’s pastor. “It’s maybe shifting gears, but we’re still going to be an advocate for the homeless in our community.” Joee Taylor reports.
Read story
RESOURCES
Invite Resources
Book offers how-to for ‘breakthrough prayer’
DAYTON, Ohio — Two United Methodist leaders at United Theological Seminary have released “Dynamite Prayer: A 28 Day Experiment,” a daily prayer guide aimed at helping people begin the practice of “breakthrough prayer.” The book’s authors are the Revs. Rosario Picardo, a veteran church planter, and Sue Nilson Kibbey, director of the seminary’s Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center. Proceeds will go to support the center.
To learn more and order
RECENT HEADLINES
Celebrating 100 years of mission in Eastern Congo
Book aims to help dementia caregivers cope
EVENTS
Monday, Sept. 12-Friday, Sept. 23
Online course: Class Leaders — Recovering a Tradition
Friday, Oct. 14-Sunday, Oct. 16
Choir Music Weekend at Lake Junaluska
NEWS AND FEATURES
Poll about Jesus raises questions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Nearly half of those taking a survey on attitudes about Jesus and Christianity said believers are giving and loving. But a significant minority said Christians are hypocritical and judgmental. “I think what (the poll) demonstrates is that we have not done a sufficient job of teaching people who Jesus is and why he's important,” said the Rev. David F. Watson, professor of New Testament and academic dean at United Theological Seminary. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Holston Conference
Church prepares to host Ukrainian family
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. — When Russia invaded Ukraine, Jonesborough United Methodist Church was among the many United Methodist churches that opened its doors for prayer. Now a couple at the church has stepped up to host a Ukrainian family resettling in this eastern Tennessee community, and the church’s pastor is urging congregants to do what they can to help. The Rev. Michael Lester, the pastor, has the story.
Read story
Missouri Conference
Dog days are good days for lay speakers
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Bob and Sue Mitchell are certified lay speakers, often filling Missouri Conference pulpits on a supply basis. They travel with Odin and Ranger, Newfoundland breed pooches who also go with them on nursing home visits. Fred Koenig reports on the Mitchells’ “pawstoral care” strategy.
Read story
Grand Lake United Methodist Church
Kids raise $27,000 for shelter
CELINA, Ohio — Children at a vacation Bible school held by several area churches raised more than $27,000 to build a new cabin at a local shelter. Kids washed cars to raise most of the money, which will go to Hand-Up Village, a nonprofit that helps needy people in Mercer County.
Read story (scroll down to bottom of page)
Discipleship Ministries
Church without a building
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest Church Is Changing podcast features the Rev. Corey Turnpenny, pastor of Church in the Wild in Windsor, New York. The congregation gathers outside at a camp and retreat center with a mission to care for the earth. The Rev. Beth Estock conducts the interview.
Listen to podcast
NCW Life
Under pressure, church ends homeless encampment
GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Facing a lawsuit from the city, First United Methodist Church in downtown Great Falls asked people experiencing homelessness to no longer use the church parking lot as an encampment. “Our job here at the church isn’t going away,” said the Rev. Dawn Skerritt, the church’s pastor. “It’s maybe shifting gears, but we’re still going to be an advocate for the homeless in our community.” Joee Taylor reports.
Read story
RESOURCES
Invite Resources
Book offers how-to for ‘breakthrough prayer’
DAYTON, Ohio — Two United Methodist leaders at United Theological Seminary have released “Dynamite Prayer: A 28 Day Experiment,” a daily prayer guide aimed at helping people begin the practice of “breakthrough prayer.” The book’s authors are the Revs. Rosario Picardo, a veteran church planter, and Sue Nilson Kibbey, director of the seminary’s Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center. Proceeds will go to support the center.
To learn more and order
RECENT HEADLINES
Celebrating 100 years of mission in Eastern Congo
Book aims to help dementia caregivers cope
EVENTS
Monday, Sept. 12-Friday, Sept. 23
Online course: Class Leaders — Recovering a Tradition
Friday, Oct. 14-Sunday, Oct. 16
Choir Music Weekend at Lake Junaluska
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