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Top Stories | Personal & Family | Church & Ministry | Social & Cultural | Blogs & Commentaries TOP STORIES GC2012: General Conference wrap-up United Methodists contend with structural and social issues at legislative assembly in Tampa. May 3 wrap: Gay rights protest closes morning session A morning of tense debate leads to a demonstration preventing GC2012 delegates from doing their work. GC2012: Bishops urge ‘communities of love’ Kiesey and Matthews emphasize practice of ‘blessing each other, rather than cursing each other.’ Week 2: GC2012 flurry of motions, ministry Frustrated by not voting on major restructure legislation, some felt as if GC2012 accomplished nothing. That’s not the case. PERSONAL & FAMILY Canine Theology Scott Black Johnston reflects on how his new puppy is teaching him “about grace — about receiving unmerited favor again and again and again.” Remember maternal health on Mother’s Day Mothers are vital to families and communities, but many women struggle to have healthy pregnancies and births. UMTV: The Art of a Lost Boy James Makuac is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. He knows all too well the hardships faced by his fellow refugees, and paints to tell their story. Iowa church was shelter in the storm Congregation’s decision not to lock its doors leaves a safe haven for a family of five as tornados wreak havoc through Central Plains. CHURCH & MINISTRY Avoiding church signs that make people cringe What should a good church sign do? Here is a list of blunders, as well as some ideas for messages that are inviting and inspiring. Missionaries: Sent forth to serve In this video, four missionaries talk about their calling and ministries. We participate in their service through our prayers and our financial support. GC2012: 40 more sent to mission service Worldwide church gathers at General Conference as church sends new people to witness for God throughout the world. United Methodists ready to Change the World More than 1,500 congregations, charges, districts and conferences around the globe take the church into the community. SOCIAL & CULTURAL Pastor mixes faith, life in online ministry ‘Personal is public’ world of social media is relevant, necessary to United Methodism, he says. Facing Global AIDS Global AIDS Fund puts a face on HIV and AIDS. “If we personalize the pandemic, people may move from indifference to involvement.” New wave of leaders will transform church A generation of young, diverse and globally-aware leaders is rising that will reshape the church and take it in new directions, says Larry Hollon. UMTV: Ministry with the Roma In Hungary, church members are welcoming the Roma people, called Gypsies, who have faced discrimination for centuries. BLOGS & COMMENTARIES Canine Theology Scott Black Johnston reflects on how his new puppy is teaching him “about grace — about receiving unmerited favor again and again and again.” General Conference and the Avengers Narcie Jeter hopes that the church will, like the Avengers, “unite not just against a common enemy, but for a common purpose.” New wave of leaders will transform church A generation of young, diverse and globally-aware leaders is rising that will reshape the church and take it in new directions, says Larry Hollon. A prayer for General Conference “Inspire us to use reason for the cause of Christ without damaging the cause of Christ by the use of our reason,” says Bishop Whitaker.