Navigation Back Search

Ask The UMC

Mission and Ministry
The ordination of Bishop Francis Asbury performed by Bishop Thomas Coke in Baltimore, Md., at the Christmas Conference, the historic meeting establishing the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States in 1784. An engraving by A. Gilchrist Campbell from a painting by Thomas Coke Ruckle, 1882. Courtesy of the Drew University Methodist Collection (Madison, New Jersey) via Wikimedia Commons.

Ask The UMC: What influence did Francis Asbury have on the role of bishops?
Francis Asbury set the precedent for the work of Methodist bishops as organizers of ministry, as a source of unity, and in developing consensus.
Theology and Education
Eucharist is shared during the morning prayer held in the chapel of Sarum College during the 2016 Wesley Pilgrimage in England. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Is communion simply a ritual of remembrance?
Holy Communion recalls the last supper Jesus had with his disciples. But it is more than just a ritual of remembering.
Theology and Education
Before receiving communion, we are invited to confess and turn from a state of sin as part of the liturgy. It is only through acknowledging our sin that a process of restoration can begin. Communion elements photo by hudsoncrafted, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Why do we confess our SIN, not SINS, in communion?
What is the difference between sin and sins? United Methodists confess both before celebrating Holy Communion.
Theology and Education
An artist's rendering of Newbury Seminary in Newbury, Vermont, in 1839. The seminary would evolve into Boston University School of Theology. Betsey Dow Twombly became a teacher and head of "women's work" at the school in 1837 at the age of 19. Original image courtesy of Boston University School of Theology; graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Pioneer in Methodism, Betsey Down Twombly
Betsey Dow Twombly was a pioneer in education for women and men and a leader in supporting women in mission.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION
Loading