Ask The UMC

Theology and Education

A wreath with three lit candles marks the third week of Advent. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: What do the candles in our Advent wreath mean?

The candles mark the weeks of Advent during a time of anticipation.

Theology and Education

At the time of Jesus, cremation was widely practiced by the Romans, but rarely by Jews and Christians because of their belief that the bodies of believers would one day be physically resurrected. Photo by MaryW, courtesy of Pixabay.

Ask the UMC: How does the church view cremation, organ donation?

Find out the history of cremation from a Christian viewpoint and the church's stance today.

Theology and Education

Seawall cross and moon at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, Murrells Inlet, S.C. Photo by Austin Bond Photography.

Ask The UMC: What is The United Methodist Church's view of Halloween?

Find out how cultural celebrations for Halloween have evolved alongside church celebrations for All Saints Day.

Theology and Education

Admittance to a Society Meeting required a ticket from a Class Meeting. Around the edges of this ticket from 1814 are several reminders of acts of piety. Photo courtesy of the General Commission on Archives and History.

Ask The UMC: How did John Wesley empower lay people?

Weekly class meetings nurtured and equipped lay people to become disciples.

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