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Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Illinois Great Rivers 2013 Annual Conference session completed a five-year journey through the five practices of fruitful congregations.

Nebraska Annual Conference

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Theme: “Leaving Emmaus – With Burning Hearts”

Poland Annual Conference

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Unity was preserved and will be carried on.

South Germany Annual Conference

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The 11th South Germany Annual Conference gathered June 12-16 in Oberursel und Karlsruhe with Germany Episcopal Area Bishop Rosemarie Wenner presiding.

Arkansas Annual Conference

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock served as the site of the 11th session of the Arkansas Annual Conference, held June 9-12, 2013.

Oklahoma Annual Conference

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Delegates prepared to give themselves in mission during the 2013 Oklahoma Annual Conference. Amid seeking to bless others, they received an extravagance of blessings.

Alaska Missionary Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Alaska Missionary Conference met May 31–June 1, 2013 at St. John United Methodist Church, Anchorage, Alaska.

Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

More than 1,700 United Methodists from 637 area churches in the Baltimore-Washington Conference gathered May 29-31 to sow seeds of worship, learning, mission, stewardship and holy conferencing in their continuing efforts to grow disciples for the transformation of the world.

Czech Republic/Slovakia Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Czech and Slovak Republics Annual Conference met from May 31 to June 2, 2013, in Prague. Several times the 60 participants broached the “Characters of a Methodist.”

Dakotas Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Dakotas-Minnesota Area, called for more than 600 Dakotas Annual Conference members and visitors to listen and feel the “whoosh” of the Pentecostal spirit.

Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Nearly 1,000 annual conference attendees opened with celebrations of church and ministry outreach efforts on each of the six districts.

Indiana Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Indiana Annual (regional) Conference theme, “Transforming the World: Be a World Changer,” was based on Romans 12:1-2 from The Message. Bishop Michael J. Coyner presided over his ninth conference in Indiana.

Kansas East Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Kansas East Annual Conference met May 30 – June 1 for its final regular session at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection under the leadership of Bishop Scott J. Jones.

Kansas West Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Kansas West Annual Conference met May 22-24 for its final regular session under the leadership of Bishop Scott J. Jones. The theme was “Moving Forward/Looking Back.”

Ukraine/Moldova Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The 2013 Ukraine/Moldova Annual Conference declared the theme “FaithHopeLove” in a small village near Uzhgorod, Ukraine from May 31-June 2.

West Virginia Annual Conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The 45th session of the West Virginia Annual Conference was the first led by resident and presiding bishop, Sandra Steiner Ball.

The Church in China: Focus on disaster relief

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

When disaster strikes, Amity goes to front lines, a new action in a country where government traditionally managed disaster response.

Door open to Southern Baptist Scout groups

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

United Methodist Men responds to Baptist action to support church and families that want to cut ties to Boy Scouts.

The Church in China: To serve God, society

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

For the past 28 years, the Amity Foundation has worked to assist those on the margins of Chinese society.

The Church in China: Pews are full

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Many of country’s historic churches now filled with thousands—instead of hundreds—as young people turn to churches in large numbers.

Furor over block to gay clergy candidate

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Bishop asked to rule on due process in case of Texas woman who had completed steps toward ordination when she came out as lesbian.

The Church in China: One pastor’s journey

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

At 69, he looks back on a Christian lifetime nurtured by his father and grandfather, who embraced the faith in the mid-19th century.

The Church in China: A Bible printing press

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

It took 20 years to produce the first 50 million Bibles, but only five years to produce the next 50 million.

The Church in China: A growth in size, faith

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

As the number of Christians in China climbs, Chinese faith leaders work to maintain relationships with faith groups internationally.

United Methodism’s Chinese connections

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Church’s ties began in 1847 with arrival of Methodist Episcopal Church missionaries and continues today.

Young people inspire at preaching festival

Fri, 7 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Indiana Annual (regional) Conference lifted up by 18 youthful sermons at event designed to showcase and encourage.

Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference

Fri, 7 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Bishop Paul L. Leeland, presiding over his fifth annual conference session since becoming the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference resident bishop, welcomed clergy and lay members to Christ United Methodist Church, Mobile.

Louisiana Annual Conference

Fri, 7 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Addressing more than 1,000 attendees, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey delivered her first Episcopal Address on Monday morning, focusing on newly adopted core values for the Louisiana Annual Conference.

Minnesota Annual Conference

Fri, 7 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Are we ready for something special in Minnesota? Are we ready to become bold Spirit-leaders? That is what Bishop Bruce R. Ough asked of the 715 Minnesota Annual Conference members attending the 159th conference session.

North Alabama Annual Conference

Fri, 7 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

The conference opened with the singing of “And Are We Yet Alive,” led by guest worship leader John Elliott. The chair of the Episcopacy Committee, Dr. Andy Wolfe, introduced Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, who is serving her first year as the presiding bishop of the North Alabama Conference.

Northwest Texas Annual Conference

Fri, 7 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Africa U. to offer palliative care degree

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Palliative care treats the whole person — body, mind and spirit.

Oklahoma climbs back after multiple tornadoes

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

United Methodists in Oklahoma extend relief work to areas hit by massive May 31 tornado, widest on record.

McCord Scholar prepares to give in return

Mon, 3 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PST

Program at 11 Historically Black United Methodist Colleges and Universities guides student toward deeper meaning in life.

United Methodists ahead of malaria goal

Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Fundraising for Imagine No Malaria reaches June goal of $40 million early, more than halfway to final goal of $75 million by 2015.

Aviation ministry gets new wings and a prayer

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Slideshow: After United Methodists raised more than $2.1 million, supporters blessed plane bound for medical mission in the Congo.

Church vitality: From ‘dying’ to ‘reborn’

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Failing German congregation had planned to sell its building, but God had other plans. Last year the church was re-consecrated.

Boy Scouts lift ban on gay members

Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Leaders voted on proposal that retained prohibition on gay adult leaders. Decision affects United Methodist ministries.

Methodists mark May 24 Aldersgate milestone

Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

World Methodist Evangelism organizes events in London as “people called Methodist” remember the life-changing moment of John Wesley.

The theology behind disaster relief, recovery

Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

United Methodists put theology to work, “following and finding Christ in disaster situations,” explains head of mission agency.

Detroit Annual Conference

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Beginning a quadrennial theme of "Disciples: Made in Michigan," the 2013 session of the Detroit Annual Conference focused on leadership as it met from May 16-19 in Adrian, Mich.

Philander Smith acts on social justice legacy

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

United Methodist-related Arkansas college looks to actions of its founder and graduates for definition of its mission.

Red Bird Missionary Conference

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Red Bird Missionary Conference held its Annual Conference gathering May 17-18, 2013, at Booneville (Ky.) United Methodist Church.

Mental health: Crises challenge rural pastors

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

United Methodists who serve churches in rural settings have a great opportunity to transform their corner of the world.

Oklahoma pastor asks prayers after tornado

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

D.A. Bennett, who got news of his son’s safety but must perform funeral for another child, describes “how desperately we need prayers.”

Tornado volunteers urged to be patient

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Individuals concerned after storms in U.S. asked to pray but not self-deploy to disaster areas. Find out the best ways to help.

Hockey ministry scores big with youth

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

A couple’s shared love of hockey spawned a ministry that helps kids develop in every aspect of their lives.

Saying farewell to United Methodist Reporter

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Losing the national newspaper like ‘the death of a family member or friend,’ says one longtime reader and alum.

Feeling God’s presence on the border

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

‘God’s mercy will outlast all national boundaries,’ says pastor as bishops join faithful for Holy Communion while standing in two nations.

Tijuana: Where the world’s migrants wait

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

United Methodist Church and Methodist Church of Mexico reach out to those trapped between nations, hiding and becoming prey to many.