Offering support (and chocolate) for Valentine's Day
Need chocolate for your sweetheart? Linda Bloom shares how to get fair trade products and emphasizes the importance of supporting farmers.
Rags or riches?
Kathy Gilbert reminds us, “There are as many ways of being kind and generous as there are people who need kindness and generosity.”
‘Tis the gift to be simple
Barbara Dunlap-Berg shares answers from the questions, “Do you hope to simplify your life in 2012? If so, how?” What would your answers be?
Providing help, hope in any disaster
Looking beyond the catastrophic statistics, United Methodists support the individuals and communities struggling to overcome disaster.
Love and prayers for sweet people of Haiti
Kathy Gilbert recalls covering the disaster in Haiti. “I had never been thrust into such a surreal situation before and have not since.”
The bad guy of Christmas
Every great story needs a great villain. And Matthew’s account of the nativity gives us plenty to boo and hiss in the person of Herod.
What’s in a name? Plenty, at Christmastime
Churches like Bethlehem UMC (with Room in the Inn) and Santa Claus UMC use their Christmassy names for extra outreach during the holidays.
A 'Nobel' achievement for women
Linda Bloom shares how peace prize winners Gbowee, Johnson Sirleaf and Karman showed the power of sisterhood at Oslo ceremony.
Interpreting Haiti’s pain and promise
Linda Bloom writes about a new book by Paul Jeffrey and Chris Herlinger that looks at the aftermath of Haiti’s earthquake.
A lesson in perspectives
Joey Butler returned from Exploration 2011 inspired by the more than 600 young people determined to “knock holes in the darkness.”
What would you die for?
Telling stories that help us find meaning and purpose in life is something Larry Hollon would risk dying for. What would your answer be?
Make it healthy, not hungry
Linda Bloom says solutions are needed when ‘food deserts’ are created by lack of access to nutritional, fresh foods.
Holding out hope for Afghan women
Despite the struggles against conflict and oppression, there are ways to improve the lives of women and girls.
I know how that feels
Kathy Gilbert recalls the heartbreak of being unemployed and empathizes with the many who are struggling to find jobs today.
Living Faithfully in a Post-Religious Age
Larry Hollon says in a world of global interconnections, faith is viral, passing from person to person, multiplying and transforming.
Congratulations President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf!
Reporter Kathy Gilbert recalls covering Sirleaf’s inauguration. “I wouldn’t give anything for the experience and the memories.”
Stories of strong Liberian women
Linda Bloom writes that the “Women, War & Peace” series on PBS shows how women helped bring peace to Liberia.
Deciding who lives and who dies
Kathy Gilbert believes what drew attention to Troy Davis’ execution, and not others, was the glimmer of a doubt that he was guilty.
Can we still honor our ‘same difference’?
Linda Bloom urges us to continue the efforts at interfaith connection and understanding started after 9/11.
Drying our tears and moving on after 9/11
Linda Bloom recalls those who lost their lives in the twin towers, “familiar enough to be my friends,” as a new tower rises.
Memories and lessons of 9/11
Watching the second plane hit the tower as he and his family drove into New York City left a memory that shapes Reggie Morrow today.
9/11 brought the world to my neighborhood
Adam Robbins watched the attacks from his high school a few blocks from the World Trade Center, forever changing his awareness of the world.
‘The war’s happening all over again’
College student recalls how 9/11 attacks brought back horrific memories of the Rwandan massacres her family came to the U.S. to escape.
From farm to table, submerged
Irene’s rains flood fields of farmers, large and small, in the Northeast, says Linda Bloom.
Economy trumps terrorism as top concern
Survey reveals that “after 9-11, people did not retreat from the world in fear. Today’s fears are more about financial stability, “ says Larry Hollon.
Clean water is precious gift from God
Millions lack access to clean water. In drought-stricken Kenya, families get only 10 gallons a day compared to the 400 we use, says Kathy Gilbert.
Hurricane 101 for New Yorkers
In the Northeast, waiting for a hurricane to arrive is a lot like anticipating a blizzard.
Pray for those beyond your touch
Kathy Gilbert, as she treasures pictures of her grandson, can’t forget the images of children suffering from malnutrition, disease and poverty.
Transcending the trauma of Norway
In our everyday actions, we can respond to hate-inspired attacks.
Putting some meaning into 'justice for all'
U.N. Women report offers tips on how to improve the chances for women to receive equal justice
Overcoming darkness
Like Harry Potter, we believe we can conquer our own sin. But John Meunier says Wesley learned that only God’s light can overcome darkness.
When the cold, hard facts mean death
Linda Bloom explains why the new FDA warning labels for cigarette packages are good, not gruesome.
Country song packs a hell of a punch
Larry Hollon says a Brad Paisley song brought him back to Wesley’s teachings about the poor.
Speaking of (spiritual) Sisters…
Broadway actress Victoria Clark, 2011 Tony nominee, often speaks of her faith.
Tornado damage of Katrina-like proportions
Joplin is just the latest — and deadliest — example of how this spring’s U.S. tornado activity is setting new records for death and destruction.
Serving others to Change the World
On May 14-15, United Methodists will help their neighbors. To follow Jesus is to be a servant who seeks to change the world, says Larry Hollon.
Lara Logan and the use of rape as a weapon
The CBS correspondent’s experience is just one example of sexual assaults on women worldwide.
Celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden?
Larry Hollon suggests that we can best process our conflicting feelings about bin Laden's death in a community of faith.
New warriors in the battle for equality
As International Women’s Day is celebrated, a new generation refuses to believe “you can’t do that.”
Forecast for South Sudan: Hope
Despite challenges, church leaders are committed to nationbuilding.
Exploring black history transcends race
Gil Caldwell wonders: If we don’t study our past failings, how can we celebrate the progress we have made?
A friend in mission is a friend indeed
Changing the world requires people to offer their contributions and their companionship, Women’s Division executive writes.
Surviving, and perhaps thriving, in rural Ohio
A parish offers glimpses of how the rural church is changing, whether it wants to or not.
The Rural Backbone of American Methodism
Long-time members, like those in Gilboa, Ohio, help keep congregations together.
When grief strikes the workplace
When grief is so deep it has no bottom, co-workers find comfort and support in one another, Larry Hollon writes.
The Global Connection in Action
The United Methodist system connects people in many different ways, Larry Hollon says.
Conversation sparks energy around life and death issue
Larry Hollon finds his creative thoughts soaring in a meeting about stamping out a killer.
Is the connection fraying?
Larry Hollon asks if United Methodists know how our connection works, what it is doing in the world or what it teaches.
‘The People Formerly Known as the Audience’
New media have given us the ability to participate in news coverage in ways that were unknown until now, Larry Hollon says.
19 Ways I used the iPad while traveling in Africa
With apps, Larry Hollon can read the Bible, get news, call home and perform other tasks.
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