"They are very focused on finding out what is orthodoxy and upholding that." — Anna M. Johnson, a Reformation scholar, talking about Martin Luther and other early Protestant reformers.
Reformation lessons for United Methodists
MARBURG, Germany (UMNS) — This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. While there is much worth celebrating, the early reformers in their internal disputes offer a lesson in how not to handle disagreement. Heather Hahn reports.
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Global connection is 'Praying Our Way Forward'
MEDIA, Pa. (UMNS) — Annual conferences and central conferences are holding vigils, prayer services and conversations in support of the work of the Commission on a Way Forward, which is charged with trying to bridge the denomination’s deep divisions on homosexuality and foster church unity. Crystal Caviness has the story.
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Democrats invite pastor to Trump's speech
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A United Methodist pastor who denounced an immigration roundup outside the homeless shelter at his church was a guest at President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. The Rev. Keary Kincannon was invited by Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. Lauren Markoe reports for Religion News Service.
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Commentary: Looking to Gandhi to combat hate
BOSTON (UMNS) — After the Feb. 22 shooting of two Indian immigrants in Kansas, New England Area Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar reflects on the long relationship between India and the U.S. and wonders how Christians should respond to hate crimes. For inspiration, he turned to a conversation between E. Stanley Jones, a Methodist missionary, and Mahatma Gandhi when they met nearly 100 years ago.
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Sexuality colloquy papers to be posted
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Papers from the colloquy “The Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness,” will be posted on a new website after the March 10-12 event at Candler School of Theology. The website already features information such as event updates and speaker bios. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools are hosting the event, with support from the Council of Bishops.
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Tips for using humor in preaching
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCOM) — “If you help people to laugh, it’s helpful. Laughter and tears are both windows into the soul,” says one pastor. Brett McArdle and Cindy Caldwell offer tips for preaching with humor.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Thursday, March 9
The Church Audit: You can do this — 7:30-8:30 p.m. EST. This Discipleship Ministries webinar will explore tools that can make the audit process easier, including the Local Church Audit Guide, available free to United Methodist churches. Details
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