Quotes of the Day for 4/24/2012

“We are not your history, we are not Tampa’s or Florida’s history. We are living, breathing vibrant people. You are welcome in our homeland.” --Marcus Briggs-Cloud, a member of the Maskoke Nation
“Like the first four by the Sea of Galilee, we have gathered beside Tampa Bay to clean and mend our nets. It is our business because once every four years we have this need to get together to amend and fix the nets we know as United Methodism.” --Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster, president of Council of Bishops in opening worship
“I have it on good authority that Jesus will show up here in Tampa while we are busy with our nets. We will be invited to leave it all behind and follow Jesus.” --Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster, president of Council of Bishops in opening worship

Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Social Concerns
Retired Bishop Peggy A. Johnson. Photo courtesy of the author.

Remembering who we are amid US budget fight

United Methodists should remember their Wesleyan heritage and seek to defend the marginalized people being targeted in the federal budget, writes retired Bishop Peggy Johnson.
Church Leadership
Participants in the 2025 United Methodist Church Deacons Gathering sing during opening worship at the Upper Room Chapel in Nashville, Tenn. From left are the Rev. Shannon Howard, the Rev. Tina Marie Rees, the Rev. Sherry Brady and Candace Brady. A focus of the event was deacons’ new sacramental authority approved at last year’s General Conference. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Deacons explore new sacramental authority

United Methodist deacons are discussing best practices now that General Conference has approved their new responsibility to preside at baptism and communion “when contextually appropriate.”
Church Leadership
The Rev. Dr. Darryl W. Stephens. Photo by Brian Tolbert.

Deacons serve diverse, specialized roles

The role of the deacon is gaining visibility and importance, but what do we really know about this ministry?

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved