Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $15,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all! 

Ted Lyddon Hatten talks about an evolving view of the world…in art

I had an opportunity on Tuesday to talk with Ted Lyddon Hatten, a member of the worship design team, about his evolving art at the rear of the plenary hall and in the rotunda.

“In the piece in the rotunda outside the hall I’m trying to offer a different view of the world each day…it’s intended to connect with the work of that we’re (the worship design team) doing in the design of the worship itself. There’s a progression that goes through the Gospel of Mark…many of the stories either on the shore or on the water…I’m offering different views of the world as a way to spark the conversation.”

“The visual arts has a unique ability to deepen our connection to each other and to the Gospel…we do that by interpreting art.”

“What I’m hoping that we’d be able to do as a body is to begin to talk about what a transformed world looks like.”


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
The skyline of Minneapolis, which is scheduled to host the 2028 General Conference. The Commission on the General Conference, meeting online April 17-18, voted to shorten General Conference to May 8-16, 2028. The group is also taking steps to protect delegates amid heightened immigration enforcement. Photo by Lane Pelovsky, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis.

Planners shorten GC2028, discuss Minneapolis

Organizers are pressing forward with holding the 2028 United Methodist General Conference over eight days in Minneapolis. The group is also taking steps to protect delegates amid heightened immigration enforcement.
Worship
Dr. Brett McKinley Pardue. Photo courtesy of the author.

Grace doesn’t grab: Why consent belongs in worship

If a sanctuary cannot honor a boundary, it cannot credibly preach liberation, writes Dr. Brett McKinley Pardue, artist-theologian in residence at North Raleigh United Methodist Church.
Immigration
John W. Coleman. Photo by Corbin Payne.

What comes next after ‘Faithful Resistance’ march?

After the mountaintop experience of the Feb. 25 rally, we now must do the work in the valley, writes John W. Coleman.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved