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Commentary: Claiming the name 'United Methodist'
"What is so troubling about United Methodism that pastors and congregations would no longer want to claim the name?" a pastor asks. Mission agency reviews impact of economic crisis
Global economic turmoil will not immediately affect operations of the United Methodist agency, but will present new opportunities. Global Ministries launches effort to start 400 churches
United Methodists can help plant churches around the world through a fund launched with an initial gift from an Atlanta businesswoman. New mission head makes poverty fight a priority
As he takes leadership of the United Methodist mission agency, the Rev. Edward Paup is convinced poverty can be eliminated. Got a Methodist question? Go to Archives and History
The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History is beefing up its Web site—and expanding access to church history. Commentary: John Wesley’s advice on the economy
With today's world markets in turmoil, thoughts on the economy from the founder of Methodism hold insights more than two centuries later. UMCOR advocates to provide Cuba storm relief
The United Methodist Committee on Relief makes some progress toward obtaining government licenses to assist Cuba's hurricane survivors. Caregiving clergy need to give self-care, too
Amid the 24/7 demands of a pastor's life, clergy learn to move personal health and fitness up from the back burner. Duke Divinity initiative targets clergy health
Responding to a disturbing diagnosis on clergy health, Duke Divinity School is helping pastors in North Carolina get fitter. With globalization, church must offer different view
The church must challenge the power philosophy of globalization in order to make a difference, says this year's Willson lecturer. Fairly traded chocolate is sweet treat for Halloween
United Methodists partner with a Massachusetts coop to raise awareness about a product that can be a "tricky treat." Palmer urges U.S. candidates to stop the rhetoric
The president of the Council of Bishops calls for an end to "divisive and demeaning rhetoric" in the U.S. presidential race. Women’s Division backs U.S. sex ed legislation
United Methodist Women support a proposal in Congress to fund comprehensive sex education at the state level. Mission Conference Looks Beyond the Walls
"Awesome" was the word Nancy Crissman of Crossroads United Methodist Church, Conyers, Georgia, used to describe an early October conference that pointed Christians toward mission "Beyond the Walls"--meaning beyond church walls.
Planning Puts Local Church in Forefront of Ministry to Retirement Community
"We are trying to think of a way to thank the people of Christ UMC," said Ed Bell, executive director, Edgewater Retirement Community.
Commentary: Stop the cruelty of immigration raids
A recent raid on illegal immigrants in South Carolina draws United Methodist voices speaking in behalf of broken families. Judicial Council hires former member as first clerk
Sally AsKew of Athens, Ga., will aid the church's top court as it grows into the digital age. Commentary: Respect others in election year
The Rev. Gilbert Caldwell urges Americans not to demonize one another during the presidential election season. Retired pastor receives compensation for torture
The Rev. Frederick Birten Morris has also received an apology from the Brazilian government for torture endured 34 years ago. Local church kids find no mission impossible
For the Mission Possible Kids in Plano, Texas, no point on the globe is too remote for outreach – even Antarctica. New commission aligns with areas of focus
The Commission on Religion and Race will integrate its work with the denomination’s four priority areas. United Methodists in Angola play role in election
Church’s bishops help voter turnout by urging all people to exercise their “sacred and patriotic” duty at the polls. Commentary: The Bible vs. the gravy train of greed
“The rescue of the rich is taking place right now,” writes Jim Winkler. “The rest of us are being thrown to the wolves.” Path 1 focuses on ‘biggest mission field’: the U.S.
With 1,500 U.S. members leaving the church each week, United Methodist leaders are emphasizing new church starts. Youth, young adults are church of today, not tomorrow
Though they provide leadership in many ways, young people are often overlooked or limited in their roles, leaders say. Church has place in new planned community
A Tennessee community promoted as a space to "live, shop and play" now has a new verb in its lineup: Worship. Hoosier United Methodists establish new conference
The South and North Indiana conferences have united after years of work by task forces and a team of clergy and lay members. Rising fuel prices force choice between gas, church
For many United Methodists, the price of gas is affecting attendance at Sunday worship, choir practice and other church functions. Church members can address trafficking locally
Advocates against human trafficking urge local churches to educate themselves and make a difference to end "human retail." Clergywomen break new ground in large churches
More than 50 years after receiving full clergy rights, United Methodist clergywomen are trying to break through a new stained glass ceiling. Human trafficking becomes ecumenical target
Representatives from 15 church denominations hear stories of child abductions, beatings and forced sex—all done in the name of profit. Lack of donations challenges Ike relief
U.S. economic setbacks and lack of media attention hurt contributions, United Methodist official says. Pastor stayed behind in hurricane to minister to flock
After riding out the storm, the Rev. Marty Boddie and his wife, Nicole, were able to help area residents in need. United Methodists plan campaign to ‘rethink church’
“What if ‘church’ were a verb and not a noun?” asks the Rev. Larry Hollon. A new campaign aims to change people’s thinking about church. Local Churches Step Up to Ministry in Their Communities
When a mission team from League City United Methodist Church, Texas returned from a trip to Red Bird Mission, Kentucky in early August, the members were on fire to expand their outreach. Bayous, bays and oceans sent waves of destruction
Texans in hurricane-whipped coastal cities clean up their churches, homes and businesses. Nashville church gives homeless a church home
Even homeless people deserve to have a church home, says the pastor of an unconventional congregation in Tennessee. New seminary president relishes 'opportunity to serve'
The Rev. Wendy Edwards of United Theological Seminary becomes the first woman president of a U.S. freestanding United Methodist seminary. Little church feeds multitudes after Hurricane Ike
A small Texas church feeds hundreds of stranded people with a handful of volunteers, a modest pantry and a belief that they could. United Methodists call for stewardship over greed
The church’s social action agency calls for regulating Wall Street, while its finance executives stick to a long-term outlook. Church center hosts hearing on U.N. poverty goals
Women, children and human rights advocates testify on efforts to end poverty in their countries. New Center for Health focuses on clergy, lay workers
Center will address growing health concerns among United Methodist clergy and lay workers by focusing on their holistic wellness. Native American women hear call to be role models
United Methodist Native American women from more than 20 tribes gather to celebrate their heritage and listen to God's call on their lives. Texas United Methodists need help to rebuild after Ike
Bishop Janice Riggle Huie asks for a Sept. 28 offering for hurricane recovery aid in Texas, Louisiana, Haiti and elsewhere. Commentary: Who is visiting small churches today?
Large-membership churches aren't for everyone, reminds the Rev. Lewis A. Parks in a commentary about small congregations. Drive-in worshipers opt for bucket seats over pews
On Sunday mornings, the Rev. Norman Markle turns the front steps of a Georgia church into a pulpit and a parking lot into a sanctuary. Bishop James M. Ault was prominent church leader
Dead at age 90, the retired bishop is remembered as an educator, ecumenist and leader in The United Methodist Church. Church finance leader dismisses two executives
Three weeks into his new job, the leader of the United Methodist finance agency announces staff changes. Sidorak brings ecumenical expertise, justice concerns
The new top staff ecumenical officer for The United Methodist Church knows ecumenism from the pew up. United Methodists organize for new ecumenical efforts
The church's ecumenical agency has new leadership at its helm, many new members on its board and an expanded agenda.

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