"We found that following Jesus is rarely convenient, but getting together with other people to worship, to learn, to study, to grow has got to become more convenient." - The Rev. Tom Arthur, pastor of Sycamore Creek United Methodist Church.
UMTV: Church in a Diner
LANSING, Mich. (UMNS) - With work schedules, football games and family commitments, Sunday morning is no longer always set aside for church. A worship service in a Michigan diner offers a different time and place for people to experience church and the good news of Christ.
Watch video and post a comment
Butterflies, Seder meal enrich Holy Week
FRISCO, Texas (UMNS) - Look at the typical calendar of United Methodist Holy Week events, and you're likely to find worship services on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and, of course, a festive Easter celebration. Grace Avenue United Methodist Church in this Dallas suburb takes things to a new level.
Read story
ChristMob surprises shelters and city streets with hope
CHICAGO (UMNS) - Much like the flash mob, Operation: ChristMob started with one person and is reaching people in unexpected ways. It's become the mission arm of Xperience Church, a new United Methodist community that does not yet have a building. Robert Dixon, a 22-year-old student at the University of Illinois Springfield and Xperience member, came up with the idea. Anne Marie Gerhardt of the Northern Illinois Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
Read story
Foundation surpasses 2012 benchmarks
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The board of directors of the United Methodist Church Foundation has announced that the foundation ended 2012 with strong investment performances.With the oversight of its global board of directors, the foundation has grown to almost $108 million in funds under management with 19 endowment efforts for general agency and partner ministries.
Read news release
Bishop Trimble joins march, service to prevent gun violence
DES MOINES, Iowa (UMNS) - United Methodist Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble, Episcopal Bishop Alan Scarfe and nine other religious and community leaders joined in a march and prayer service to prevent gun violence March 25.
Read story
Listen to Trimble at prayer service
Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath follows vote
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Two days after the March 14 vote by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to send legislation aimed at reducing gun violence to the Senate floor, faith groups gathered in the Washington National Cathedral for a Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath to inspire Congress to take steps to stop the killing.
Read story
Blog: The power of the silent garden
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (UMNS) - Raleigh (N.C.) Area Bishop Hope Morgan Ward writes about Wi'am Conflict Transformation Center, a mission partner of The United Methodist Church and a setting of missionary service. The center is located at the Separation Wall encircling Bethlehem. She connects the garden at the center to the garden near Christ's tomb.
Read blog
Blog: Why I choose to be United Methodist
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (UMNS) - Ral Alegra, president of MARCHA, the national United Methodist caucus advocating for Hispanics/Latinos, contemplates why he is United Methodist. "My local church, El Buen Pastor, in Corpus Christi, Texas, that welcomed my family shared the story of Jesus' love for me," he writes. He is among the Connectional Table members who will share why they are part of The United Methodist Church throughout this year.
Read blog and post a comment
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.