Ask The UMC

Lent is a journey of preparation for following the way of Jesus. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: What is Lent and why does it last forty days?

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday.

Bishop Warner H. Brown preaches at the opening worship for the United Methodist 2016 General Conference in Portland, Ore. File photo by Maile Bradfield, UM News.

Ask The UMC: How are General Conference delegates chosen?

Every four years, delegates gather from all over the world to make decisions on behalf of the denomination. Learn more about these members of the church's highest legislative body.

Mission and Ministry

The Adoration of the Magi tapestry dating from 1894 from the Manchester Metropolitan University, England. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Ask The UMC: How do United Methodists understand Epiphany ?

Epiphany is the day Christians remember the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus, bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Theology and Education

Green is the color for the Season after Epiphany. Readings during this season offer two distinct paths to follow. Photo by Susanne Nilsson, Flickr, Creative Commons.

Ask The UMC: What is the purpose of the Season after Epiphany?

The purpose of the Season after Epiphany is to help the congregation prepare for its work during Lent — to walk with candidates preparing for baptism.

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