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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.

United Methodist Reporter closing

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

UMR Communications, publisher of the Reporter and 45 other editions, traces history to pre-Civil War Methodist newspapers in Texas.

Church vitality: What is the secret to growth?

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Florida pastor sees congregation grow by 25 percent in one Sunday as he does ‘what a pastor is called to do.’

When disaster hits: Churches must prepare

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Texas tornados left six dead, many homeless. Learn how UMCOR, annual conferences provide disaster response training.

Mental health: Activity benefits aging

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

“As a church,” says successful-aging leader Barbara Bruce, “we must not let our older members languish and become stagnant.”

Newtown responders get ‘Strength for Service’

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

First responders receive blessings and healing after witnessing “a vision that no one should” at scene of Dec. 14 tragedy.

The Big Garden grows food and communities

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Learn how some United Methodists in Omaha helped create a network that is addressing hunger and more in their region.

Bulgaria-Romania Provisional Annual Conference

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

About 50 people participated in the 2013 session of the Bulgaria-Romania Provisional Annual Conference.

Hungary Annual Conference

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

“Younger, more educated and more caring” — this could be the headline on the Hungarian Methodists after the 2011 census.

Effort to make Social Principles more global

Thu, 9 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

2012 General Conference adopts petition to revise to make them “more succinct, theologically founded and globally relevant.”

Mental Health: Church needed on or off campus

Wed, 8 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Students facing mental health crises fastest-growing group on college campuses as they struggle to cope and look for help.

Campus ministry keeps students safe

Tue, 7 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

At The Barn, the fun environment brings students in, but the safe environment and support system bring them back.

Earthquake relief continues in China

Tue, 7 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Amity Foundation, a partner of UMCOR, is expanding its relief efforts to earthquake survivors in China’s Sichuan Province.

Theologian charged for same-sex wedding

Tue, 7 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

The Rev. Thomas Ogletree, a retired seminary dean known for his work on Christian ethics, presided over the wedding of his son.

United Methodists monitor immigration bill

Mon, 6 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Church leaders have signed a statement outlining how the U.S. Senate bill fits — and does not fit — with United Methodist teachings.

Steps for vital older adult ministry

Sat, 4 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

United Methodists observe Older Adult Recognition Day in May, but churches can reach out to older members all year long.

United Methodists prep for 2013 conferences

Fri, 3 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Amid serious deliberations, members also take time to celebrate in United States, Africa, Europe and the Philippines.

‘My struggle for the American Dream’

Thu, 2 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

“We need to work…towards an immigration reform…we should make a difference.” Young person reflects on her role in the immigration debate.

Bishops hold 2nd closed meeting

Thu, 2 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Gathering will be more like a retreat to exchange ideas, say bishops. Still, some longtime church observers say the meeting should be open.

‘By all means, save some!’

Thu, 2 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

After U.S. Senate fails to pass gun safety bills, Bishop Felton May writes “keep working for gun safety—gun sanity—laws that will save lives.”

Mental health care: Training equips churches

Thu, 2 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

Two-day event in Northern Illinois Annual (regional) Conference draws clergy, laity starting initiatives to address mental illness.

Mental health care: Education is key

Wed, 1 May 2013 00:00:00 PST

After her son’s tragic death, the Rev. Cheryl Magrini made it her mission to fight the stigma and raise awareness of mental illness.

Church vitality: How do you define it?

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Leaders across the denomination ponder that question even as they try to increase the number of highly vital churches.

How old is too old to join the clergy?

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

A Texas Conference proposal to encourage people over 45 not to seek ordination is igniting debate.

Remembering Bob Edgar and his impact

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

A tribute to a “tireless champion for vulnerable people” who will be sorely missed.

United Methodists mourn Bob Edgar

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

The top executive of Common Cause, longtime advocate for the poor, and United Methodist pastor died today at 69.

Women making history: Sandra Steiner Ball

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

“I had some learning challenges in my early years … the church was where I found sanctuary, peace and encouragement.”

West Church service honors the helpers

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Following Texas explosion, pastor says community will not be defined by death and destruction, but by how “we show the love of God to each other.”

UMCOR pledges China earthquake relief

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Committee on Relief makes donation, joins in prayer with China Christian Council for 1.5 million affected by devastating April 20th quake.

Judicial Council splits East Africa decision

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Denomination’s top court says complaint process still incomplete; rules only that South Sudan pastor be paid.

Seeing God’s presence in a week of tragedy

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

In an unprecedented time of challenges, many see God’s love in multiple ways. Read what they say and share what you have seen.

Interfaith service offers comfort in Boston

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Civic, religious and elected leaders gather to offer prayer and comfort and express gratitude. “You will run again,” President Obama noted.

UMCOR helps in Texas explosion

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Emergency grant authorized; town still off-limits but agency outlines ways to help and to prepare for later.

Church responds to West, Texas explosion

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

As rescue efforts continue, Central and North Texas conferences mobilize to provide information on what people can do in response.

Church fire guts building, not spirit

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Outreach to Athens, Ga., community will continue as Oconee Street United Methodist Church faces uncertain future.

Messages of caring and hope for Boston

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Bishop and United Methodists around the globe testify to seeing God in action after the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

Church offers help in wake of tragedy

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

We can never know why tragedy occurs, but The United Methodist Church offers resources to help those seeking consolation.

United Methodists invest in Sandy recovery

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

On April 12, UMCOR directors approved $3 million grants to both the New York and Greater New Jersey conferences.

United Methodist schools focus on service

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Many United Methodist-related schools are "developing a new culture of service among young people," says Autumn Dennis.

Bishop urges peace in Korea

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

As the situation on the Korean Peninsula raises concern throughout the world, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung calls for an end to threats of war.

Church TV show and Jackie Robinson

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

The TV program produced by the Methodist Church offers a glimpse of Jackie Robinson in the role of civic leader.

Chabadza! Zimbabwe-Norway project pays off

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

Tradition of lending a helping hand results in new medical facility for mothers and babies and other projects on the boards.

Disaster recovery: Harvest reaps blessings

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

The tornado gave church new opportunity to reinvent itself, learn from past, embrace a brighter future, says Alabama pastor.

Disaster recovery: Indiana town bounces back

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

One year after tornado levels Henryville, pastor says, “When we bind together as the body of Christ, we are a force to be reckoned with.”

Disaster recovery: Minot celebrates beginnings

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

"The flood changed my entire ministry here," says the Rev. Debra Ball-Kilbourne, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church.

When disaster hits: Lessons from others

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

As tornadoes and floods challenge churches, one clergywoman says, “People do not recover without support, nudging and compassion.”

Zimbabwe preschool struggles but succeeds

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

‘Ministering church’ serves through preschool begun in 2009 with three teachers and operating from makeshift facilities in church hall.

White House honors youth solar ministry

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

United Methodist church and Rotary Club partner on program that brings light to places without electricity.

United Methodists plan Sand Creek project

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 00:00:00 PST

As massacre’s 150th anniversary approaches, denomination wants to set record straight on Methodist involvement and work on healing.