Some thoughts on GC2012 Worship—A Blogger’s Perspection

It was this moment though where it really caught me. At one point the bishops, all robed in white, stood up en masse, processing to the front. Now I have respect for the office of the bishop, but wow, it looked like the elect, the in group of the insiders taking the place of honor. And as I looked down, I saw the chosen surrounded by blue curtains, where those of us without the right credentials must not pass, each wearing a blue prayer shawl, further setting them apart as special. And then there was the rest of us. It felt like we were spectators to someone else’s party, someone else’s family reunion. --Cindy Gregorson at Mission Field: Minnesota


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.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
General Conference
Harare, Zimbabwe, has been chosen as the second host location for the 2028 General Conference. The Commission on General Conference made the decision Oct. 27 during the second day of its fall online meeting. Photo by Brandon Mushori via Wikimedia Commons.

Zimbabwe added as 2nd General Conference site

For the first time, organizers plan for The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly to take place across two locations, and in another historic move, one of those locations will be on the African continent.
Mission and Ministry
Participants in the Korean Association of The United Methodist Church’s 50th anniversary convocation pose with San Francisco Bay behind them after morning worship Oct. 6. The theme of the Oct. 5-8 gathering in Burlingame, Calif., was “Encounter, Engage, Empower.” Photo by the Rev. Eung-Sun Kim, UM News.

Korean church leaders welcome new generation

The Korean Association of The United Methodist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary with 315 clergy and lay leaders. Those gathered explored ways to nurture the next generation’s leadership and strengthen partnerships across communities.
General Church
The Rev. Paul Seay. Photo courtesy of the author.

Leadership Gathering should focus on local church

United Methodist leaders have benignly neglected local congregations for too long, a pastor writes. Any effort to revitalize the denomination must focus on them.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved