"In the midst of this despair, we have offered hope, A Future with Hope. When people hurt, United Methodists help." - New Jersey Area Bishop John Schol
Year 1: Sandy recovery - The work of many hands
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (UMNS) - Everywhere in Sandy's path, the people known as United Methodists have been there to help survivors.
Read and watch some of the survivors' stories
See more of the UMNS special report on Sandy recovery
Greater New Jersey Conference marks Sandy anniversary
OCEAN, N.J. (UMNS) - A letter from New Jersey Area Bishop John Schol marks the first anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, which "changed lives and the landscape forever." The bishop thanked "all of our volunteers, donors, churches and staff who have provided healing and hope for thousands of people." In the letter, he also wrote about the work to come.
Read letter
Wisconsin church offers cattle action food stand
ITHACA, Wis. (UMNS) - Many members of this small farming community spend every Wednesday afternoon at the weekly cattle auction. The only problem? There was nowhere nearby to eat lunch. That's where Willow Valley United Methodist Church comes in, writes Amanda Rehrauer of the Wisconsin Annual (regional) Conference.
To read story
To see photos
Good news for children needing refuge
MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (UMNS) - Folks in Madison County enjoyed some good food and great music at the Good News Music Festival. They came out to support the Madison Youth Ranch, a children's refuge center being built by the Florida United Methodist Children's Home in Orlando. WCTV has the story on the home, which will have horses and other elements of ranch life.
Read and watch story
Obama's spiritual adviser releases book of devotions
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - In the midst of the 2008 presidential campaign, then Sen. Obama's director of religious outreach prayed privately for the future president and began emailing him daily devotions. Religion News Service writer Jonathan Merritt interviews the author of "The President's Devotional," Joshua Dubois, about the president's Christian faith. Dubois is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a full communion partner of The United Methodist Church.
Read interview
History of Hymns: 'When Our Confidence is Shaken'
DALLAS (UMNS) - Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000) offers an explicit hymn that addresses the crisis of faith experienced by many in this time. Written in the years immediately following the publication of Anglican Bishop John A. T. Robinson's controversial 1963 book "Honest to God," Green labels existential doubts and offers hope, writes C. Michael Hawn.
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Read more History of Hymns
All Hallows Eve hospitality
BUCKHANNON, W. Va. (UMNS) - "Halloween has always been connected to Christianity" and its focus on death is inseparable from its religious roots, writes Debra Dean Murphy, assistant professor of religious studies at United Methodist-related West Virginia Wesleyan College. She argues that the holiday also should be about neighborliness.
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