Scripture

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.

Worship

Ask The UMC: How do the Sunday readings for Advent differ from year to year?

The Advent readings pursue three different themes in the three different years.

Worship

The St. John's United Methodist Church Choir in Lubbock, Texas, performs "My Soul Gives Glory to My God." Photo courtesy of St. John's United Methodist Church.

Ask The UMC: The liturgical history of Lessons and Carols

Increasingly over the past four decades, United Methodist congregations with choirs have included a service of Lessons and Carols among their Advent or Christmas musical celebrations. While the music may be what draws people to the services, what actually drives the vigil form of worship historically is an extended period of listening to the Scriptures.

General Church

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston gives the Episcopal Address during the United Methodist General Conference April 24 in Charlotte, N.C. Holston, who leads the South Carolina Conference, encouraged delegates to tune out the noise and focus on God’s work. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bishop Holston: Become ‘who God needs us to be’

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston of the South Carolina Conference delivered the Council of Bishops’ Episcopal Address to kick off Day 2 of The United Methodist Church’s 2020 General Conference.

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