The Scandal of the Incarnation
By David F. Watson -- In Nazareth, there is a large church built over the traditional site of Mary’s house. It is called the Church of the Annunciation. Tradition holds that the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary here: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with...
New Hymnal for a New Day
By Andrew Miller -- For generations, hymnals were the primary tool of worship for churches across denominations. Every few decades, denominational leaders would undertake the task of updating their tradition’s hymnal, containing in it not just hymns to be sung during...
A New Year Leading to a New Day
By Rob Renfroe- It's a new year. But will it be a new day for the people called Methodist? That's the question many of us are asking as we look forward to a year that will be instrumental in determining the future of The United Methodist Church. The called General...
God’s Christmas Gift of Love
In a recent sermon, the Rev. Rob Renfroe reconnects us with the true meaning of Christmas, originating in God's love. "Whatever you have done, God is for you. Wherever you have wandered, God is with you. However you struggle, God understands you. Whatever you feel...
A Snake in the Manger
By Steve Beard One of the memorable scenes in the quirky 2003 British romantic comedy Love Actually is a dialogue about a school Christmas play. Actress Emma Thompson plays Karen and her daughter Daisy (played by Lulu Popplewell) proudly announces her upcoming role in...
Delegate Number Set for 2020 General Conference
By Thomas Lambrecht While we are preparing for the 2019 special called General Conference in St. Louis, it is important to remember that United Methodism will hold its regular General Conference in 2020, just 15 months later. Just released publicly is the number of...
UMW Decline Continues
By Thomas Lambrecht- The latest statistics on United Methodist Women's membership for 2016 reveal a steady slide in local UMW participation. These numbers are reported by the General Council on Finance and Administration and are based on the yearly information that...
A Christian Response to Sexual Harassment
By Thomas Lambrecht- It has been alarming to read and hear the steady drumbeat of new allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by leaders and other powerful men in our country. A small ripple has become a tidal wave of reports, swamping even the...
