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Top Stories | Personal & Family | Church & Ministry | Social & Cultural | Blogs & Commentaries TOP STORIES 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. Biblical Mothers – not a job for the faint of heart From Eve to Ruth, Bible stories tell of strength and love of extraordinary women. Wenner’s ‘stepping stones’ to bishop German episcopal leader and new council president always felt welcome in the UMC. Young adults + social media = future UMC More than 150 participate in May 14 tweetup to chat about GC2012 and where the church goes from here. PERSONAL & FAMILY Commencement Season Graduations call us to look forward to what lies ahead, while also compelling us to examine what is behind, says Stephanie B. Crowder. Communicating in real time The Rev. Scott Carnes isn’t afraid to bare all, including his head, to foster relationships via social media, says Linda Bloom. 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. CHURCH & MINISTRY Survey finds clergy’s worries add on pounds Pension and health board reports United Methodist clergy exercise more than other U.S. adults do but still have more medical issues. Volunteers change world in 1,500 places Fun runs, block parties, picnics, malaria fundraisers—and more—connected United Methodists to their communities. 12 lessons from 12 General Conferences Rich Peck has seen a lot of history and worn a lot of hats in five decades attending General Conference. Young adults + social media = future UMC More than 150 participate in May 14 tweetup to chat about GC2012 and where the church goes from here. SOCIAL & CULTURAL Bridging the poverty gap Taking on the role of someone in poverty gives participants in the Circles Initiative a different perspective on how to help. Finding God in unexpected places Denver encounter with a homeless man reminds traveler that ‘we all have a hole in our soul.’ Pastor mixes faith, life in online ministry After a medical scare, Scott Carnes learned the digital divide is not as wide among older and younger church members as often is presumed. 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.” BLOGS & COMMENTARIES Commencement Season Graduations call us to look forward to what lies ahead, while also compelling us to examine what is behind, says Stephanie B. Crowder. Communicating in real time The Rev. Scott Carnes isn’t afraid to bare all, including his head, to foster relationships via social media, says Linda Bloom. 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.”