Archives for Member Resources


Wesleys Take the Web: Hymn for Easter Day
In this episode, Charles Wesley kicks around an idea for an Easter hymn and John chimes in. View

General Conference is happening. What can I do?
You may feel far removed from the General Conference Special Session, but there are ways to support those doing the work and follow along. More
Survey asks “What do United Methodists believe?”
Members in the U.S. were polled about theology, and most identified themselves as "conservative/traditional." Read More

Celebrating What Makes Us United Methodist
What makes you glad to belong to this church? Hear members talk about responding to God's call and being part of a global faith community. View

Campaign reflects United Methodist response to God’s call
We are one church with many expressions. Free resources celebrate the ways United Methodists respond to God’s call. Yesterday. Today. Forever. Read More

Get Them Talking: Discussion starters for families
Each month we provide a scripture, reflection, prayer, activity and some starter questions to help families initiate conversations about faith issues. Read More
Wesleys Take the Web: Baptism
In a splashy new animated feature, John and Charles dip their toes into the deep waters of baptism. View

Get Your Spirit in Shape podcast
United Methodist podcast offers tools, tips and thoughts to help us live our faith more fully. Listen to individual episodes or subscribe. More

Get Them Talking: Kindness
Looking for a good family discussion starter? A new monthly series begins with reflections on how being kind is a way of serving God. Read More

Coffee Brews Fresh Start After Prison
A United Methodist ministry is helping former inmates find jobs. At Red River Roasters, coffee is changing lives one cup at a time. View

What’s your spiritual type? Online quizzes can grow faith
Are you a sage, a lover, a mystic or a prophet? Find online options that help us dig deeper into our spirituality. Read More

United Methodist Beliefs: Forgiveness
United Methodists don't have to look far to find what the Bible says about forgiveness. Pastor Don Underwood says it's spelled out in The Lord's Prayer. View

2018 United Methodist Quizzes
UMC.org offers a variety of interactive quizzes to inspire and inform readers. Test your knowledge by trying a few of the top quizzes of 2018. More
United Methodists celebrate 200th year of “Silent Night”
Church choir members use their voices to celebrate 200 years since the debut of the beloved hymn. View

Make Room for Christmas: Advent Devotions
Five short devotions help us pause to reflect on how we will make room in our lives for Christ this Christmas. Read More

2018 United Methodist Podcasts
Revisit favorite conversations with leaders in The United Methodist Church, to help us keep our souls as healthy as our bodies. More

Wesleys Take the Web: Watch Night
Out with the old and in with a new commitment to God. John and Charles observe Watch Night on New Year's Eve in this new animated episode. View

2018 United Methodist Prayers
Find some reflections you may want to include in your own faith journey and share with others. More

20 United Methodist Favorites in 2018
You may have missed some of our stories about United Methodists in 2018. Good news, we have a quick list so you can catch up. More

Christmas Carols at United Methodist Landmark
Step back in time and enjoy traditional hymns at Barratt's Chapel. “Worshipers were singing those same carols here, same notes, same words, 200 years ago, and that’s special.” View

Advent Meditation: O Come, O Come Emmanuel
The human condition can, at times, be one of struggle, yet through faith, the spirit rises above even tragedy, and hope and love prevail. View

Finding faith in “The Nutcracker,” a Christmas classic
You may be very familiar with this seasonal favorite, but a United Methodist pastor says we can see it in a new way through the lens of faith. Read More

Advent Reflection: Waiting on the Light
"Advent done well helps us center ourselves." Watch and share this meditation on how to prepare yourself for the birth of Jesus. View

Making Room In the Inn at the Border
United Methodists in Arizona are providing rest and hope to weary travelers at the U.S. - Mexico border. View

Ways United Methodists can stand with migrants
Learn what The United Methodist Church says about global migration and how you can make a difference in your community and around the world. Read More

Wesley hymn devotions for Advent and Christmas
Four devotions drawing on Charles Wesley's hymns help us reflect upon the miracle of Christmas. Read More

Christmas in the Hymns of Charles Wesley Infographic
This beautiful infographic highlights some of the Advent and Christmas hymns of Charles Wesley. View

Singing our Faith at Christmas with Paul Chilcote
Hymns aren't just for singing! The hymns of Charles Wesley also teach us about our faith and help us draw closer to Christ in this holy season. Listen
United Methodists around the world celebrate Christmas
Christmas is a season of anticipation, giving and joy. Here's a look at how United Methodist churches around the world celebrate the birth of Our Lord. Read More

Prayer for People Living with HIV/AIDS
A reflection reminds us all to fight the stigma and stand with those who have HIV. “Together with love, we can end this epidemic.” View

Let Us Give Thanks: A Photo Prayer
'And in our gratitude, make us to be instruments of your peace.' Take a moment to lift up your thanks to God this season. View

United Methodist Beliefs: Saints
A pastor shares his understanding of the Wesleyan tradition about the subject. "I’ve known saints." View

United Methodist Meditation for All Saints Day
We recall with thanksgiving those who walked in faith. "May we learn from their examples of dedication, worship, and love." View

How to support the military on Veterans Day and beyond
Here are several ways to let military members and their families know that they are not only appreciated but also needed in the body of Christ. Read More

Methodist History: Why Isn’t Communion Every Sunday?
You may know that in The United Methodist Church communion is offered to all, but here's why schedules for the sacrament vary among churches. View

What church members can do about bullying
October is Bullying Prevention Month in the U.S. but this problem spans the globe. Get some good ideas to address the issue. Read More

Church Embraces Families with Special Needs
From Sunday school, to Bible study, to bell choir, there’s a place and a role for everyone at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. View

The Movement Continues
Discover stories of United Methodists responding to their own calls and more about our Wesleyan heritage as the people of The United Methodist Church. Read More

Top four worst, and best, ways to help after a disaster
When storms strike, what are the best ways to support those in the path? United Methodist programs make your donations and volunteering have more impact. More

Five ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Find easy, fun tips to celebrate diversity and the positive contributions of our Hispanic/Latino brothers and sisters to our community. Read More

“Fishing with a large net”: United Methodist camp meetings
Francis Asbury praised this early evangelism tool by referencing Jesus’ call to “fish for people.” The format has changed, but some still meet today. Read More

A Prayer for My Grandchildren
To know your children's children is a great gift from God. Watch and share this short reflection that celebrates the love of a grandparent. View

United Methodist Blessing for Those Who Wait
There are countless ways humans wait. This short reflection reminds those waiting in fear and sadness that God offers comfort and strength. View

God and Dog: A Spiritual Reflection
Sometimes pets can give people great insights into the love of God. A slideshow celebrates the many ways canines can remind us of the divine. View

A Must See: Wesleys Take the Web
Meet the creative team behind the animated series about United Methodist history which brings John and Charles Wesley into the digital age. View

A United Methodist Prayer for the Classroom
When students go back to school, so do teachers, administrators, and other staff. Take time to offer this quick prayer for those beginning another school session. View

Ways to help when fire strikes
As people of faith, United Methodists long to aid those affected by wildfires. These tips offer some ways we can support victims and first responders. Read More

A United Methodist Prayer for Animals
God has granted us stewardship of creation. This prayer celebrates our delicate coexistence with the animals of the earth. View

Where the world meets to pray: The Upper Room
In 35 languages, in over 100 countries, this United Methodist publication unites people in Bible reading, prayer, and faith reflection every day. Read More

How United Methodists can support immigrant families
Distressing stories of children separated from their parents at the U.S. border lead us to ask, what can we do? Get ideas. Read More

Wesleys Take the Web: A mobile-friendly history of the UMC
What if John and Charles Wesley were alive today, and using social media and smartphones to tell the story of the people of The United Methodist Church? View

A United Methodist Prayer for Fathers
A short reflection offers words to honor the sons, brothers, fathers and grandfathers who have shaped our lives. View

Church Renews Faith for Job Seekers
Job networking ministry changes lives. ‘People experience grace. They may have been told things that have broken their spirit, but when they come through our doors, they get love!’ View

United Methodist Beliefs: What does it mean to be saved?
Junius Dotson describes the assurance that comes after accepting Christ. “Because I am saved, I have the ability to walk with the presence of the Holy Spirit.” View

Organ Donation
The church celebrates Organ Tissue and Donor Sunday each November. This short video talks about the "gift of love and hope" you may not have considered. View

United Methodist Back-to-School Blessing
As families and students and teachers begin another school year, take time for prayer too. View

A United Methodist Prayer for Workers
'In your glory, we offer all the work of our hearts and hands and minds.' Video reflection offers a blessing for all those who labor or are seeking work. View

United Methodist Now: 2017 Archives
United Methodist Now is a biweekly e-newsletter for church members to highlight examples of Christian living, share inspirational messages, and focus on what it means to be part of our... Read More

The United Methodist Lent Quiz
How much do you know about the themes and practices during the season of Lent? Take this quiz and be sure to share it with others. Read More

Three ways to say “I love you”
Couples’ coach gives tips to be year-round Valentines. “I'm convinced that if couples focus on these three things, the romance will come.” Read More

Where in the world are United Methodists? Part 1
The world really is our parish. Take this short quiz to see how much you know about the places United Methodists live, work, play, and pray. More

Is the Bible Literal?
Adam Hamilton talks about interpreting biblical stories. ‘They’re really not trying to tell us the story of some ancient people. They’re trying to tell us about ourselves.’ View

A United Methodist Prayer: Turning to God in Days of Trouble
When struggling with tragedy in the news or in our personal lives, we turn to God for comfort, peace, hope, and strength. Watch and pray. View

Downloadable prayers for your home
“Help us to make room for the blessings that are in store for us.” Read and share these printable prayers to focus on faith as Christmas approaches. Download

Prayer Beads for United Methodists
United Methodist artist says anyone can find focus and improve their prayer life with beads. View

A short but important list of books just for United Methodists
The right resource can strengthen our faith and practice. This guide contains a Bible, songbooks, and titles in beliefs, history, and sacraments. Read More

A United Methodist Meditation: Knowing God is Nearby
Even when it seems things could not get any worse, we can take a moment to reflect on the wonder of all creation and to thank the Creator. View

Embrace love through social media
When violence occurs, we need to be a source of goodness in our communities. Here are some ways you can spread a message of love on social media. Read More

Ask The UMC: How do United Methodists understand human suffering from natural disaster?
When tragedy strikes, it is common for us to ask why. We turn to our faith for answers, but answers don’t come easily. Read More

Sunday Scriptures
Prepare for Sunday worship services with these readings, articles and prayers. Read More
Advice from Children: Embrace Love
Young United Methodists talk about how we can overcome evil with good. “Stand up for other people.” View

10 books to feed your faith: Great reads for United Methodists
When we have more time to relax and read, these enjoyable titles—fiction, inspiration, Bible study, devotion and more—also feed your spirit. Read More

United Methodist Prayer for Families
A short video reflection reminds us to pray for those closest to us. Share with someone you love. View

Ideas for celebrating Pentecost at home
From red candles on a cake, to a shared prayer, there are many ways United Methodists can mark the church's birthday with family devotionals. Read More

Risen today! A Wesley hymn devotion for Easter
United Methodists sing, “Raise your joys and triumphs high!” as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The final word is life, eternal life with God. Read More

Psalm 121: A Prayer for Travelers
Whether you are taking a journey or starting out on a new path in life, consider "The Traveler's Psalm" and let it guide your way. View

Sign up for United Methodist Now!
Get a free e-newsletter with examples of Christian living, inspirational messages, and a focus on what it means to be part of our connection. Sign Up Now

Lost in love: A Wesley hymn devotion for Lent
The hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” is Charles Wesley’s prayer for God to fill us with love more and more each day. Read More

Delve deeper into Holy Week with Jesus films
“When Scripture becomes script, the camera adds an almost subliminal depth to God’s story,” writes a pastor whose book describes the impact Jesus films can have on viewers. Read More

United Methodist Now: Inspiration for Daily Living
This e-newsletter for church members highlights examples of Christian living and what it means to be part of our connection. Read More

United Methodist bishop part of “Finding Jesus” series on CNN
"Archaeological and historical work cause us to stop and reflect on Scripture in a different way," says Bishop Minerva Carcaño. Read More

Where was the first Methodist annual conference in America?
The first annual conference in America was held in 1773 at a church that is still in existence today. Read More

Hardships, faith of Methodist circuit riders inspire new music
A new video project uses excerpts of letters and journals from the circuit riders who first brought Methodism to rural America. Read More

Comic Books Animate United Methodist History
John Wesley and Francis Asbury join the ranks of action heroes like Batman and The Hulk in comic books designed to educate and entertain. View

Cokesbury launches Christmas campaign to help refugee crisis
Cokesbury will donate $3 from the sale of this "important Christmas book" to assist UMCOR's refugee resettlement programs. Read More
A Prayer for the Advent Season
"Let something wonderful begin in us." Video reflection offers inspiration and words to share during this Advent season. View

20 ways to reach out on Veterans Day
November 11 is Veterans Day. Learn ways individuals and congregations can engage in ministry with U.S. military, vets and their families. Read More

Domestic violence: We want our churches to be talking about it
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn more about how people of faith can understand the problem and interrupt the violence. Read More

Does The United Methodist Church have an official Bible translation?
Find out which versions of the Bible United Methodists use, and why. Read More

“All is prayer”: How words and actions serve God and others
United Methodist ministries prove that intercessory prayer makes a difference for others and in our own spiritual journeys. Read More

Sacraments, Rites and Rituals
Explore how United Methodists understand baptism, communion, rites and rituals other Christian churches view as sacraments. More

United Methodist sacraments, rites and rituals
Some churches recognize 7 sacraments; United Methodists only 2. This series of articles explores each of these important acts in the life of a Christian. More

40 Days of Lent: Find your own spiritual path
There is no one, right way to observe a holy Lent. These ideas and resources will help you stay on track throughout the season. Read More

Becoming a Peacemaker: A Reflection
In a world that can seem to be full of violence, this meditation offers a prayer and a call for United Methodists to be peacemakers. View

Prayers of comfort and peace for the people of Paris
Terrorist attacks have taken many lives and our world can seem to be full of unthinkable violence. Find ideas for a faithful response after tragedy. More

Ways to mark Native American Heritage Month
Each November since 1990, the U.S. has celebrated the contributions of Native Americans. See reflections to keep in mind this month. More
Prayer for All Saints Day
“We thank you, God, for hardworking saints.” Discipleship Ministries offers a reflection perfect to use as we mark All Saints Day. More

5 Ways of Diversifying the Table
How can we model our invitations to the table – both literally and metaphorically – in ways that honor Jesus’ model and hopes for the world? Read More

Resources for responding to violence
News in the U.S. seems full of tragedies like recent shooting deaths. What can people of faith do when the unthinkable happens? More

Sexual misconduct at church: What every member should know
More and more women are speaking up against sexual harassment. Here are resources the church offers to address this issue. Read More