Bible

The Rev. Jesse Baker preaches at First United Methodist Church of Elon, N.C. A poet as well as a pastor, Baker writes a sonnet based on the Scripture he intends to preach on each week, then uses the sonnet to inspire his sermon. His new book, “Clarity and Light: Meditations on Scripture,” is a collection of his sonnets. Photo by Patrick Abbott, courtesy of First United Methodist Church.

Grasping Scripture using poetry

A pastor in North Carolina is writing sonnets to put Scripture in perspective, which he says helps him write more compelling sermons.

General Agencies

Shirley Watkins, a member of Travis Park United Methodist Church in San Antonio, Texas, addresses the 90th anniversary celebration of The Upper Room on Aug. 21 at The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tenn. Watkins was one of three representatives from Travis Park, where the idea for The Upper Room devotional was born. Photo by Laura Buchanan, UM News.

The Upper Room devotional celebrates 90 years

From an idea born in 1935, the devotional guide has become a fixture in homes, churches, care facilities and other places around the world.

Bishops

Father Emmanuel Katongole, a Catholic priest and theologian who previously worked at Duke Divinity School, addresses the United Methodist Council of Bishops, meeting this week at Epworth by the Sea Conference Center in St. Simons Island, Ga. At the invitation of the bishops’ Anti-Racism Leadership Team, Katongole spoke of the challenges racism and tribalism present to Christians. Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops.

Bishops hear call to be an ‘Ephesians church’

On U.S. Election Day, United Methodist bishops heard about the ongoing work of overcoming racism and tribalism. A theologian urged them to look to the Bible for guidance.

Theology and Education

New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine enjoys quality time with Morey, her labradoodle. Levine is the author of a popular series of books about the New Testament, published by Abingdon Press, an imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

United Methodists embrace Amy-Jill Levine

An Abingdon Press book series by Levine, an acclaimed Jewish scholar of the New Testament, has been a hit with Sunday school classes and other small groups, yielding her speaking invitations from many churches.

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