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Our Favorites of 2021

In 2021, UMC.org published a variety of stories, videos and podcasts.

We shared about bumblebees to baseball.

We had difficult conversations about racism and personal trauma.

We offered devotions, resources, and tips for worshiping online. 

Here are our favorites of the year. 

United Methodist volunteers Darren Garrett (front) and Dale Krohn use chainsaws to clear downed trees at a home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, following an August 2020 derecho. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
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How We Serve

Chainsaws: An unlikely ministry partner

Wielding a chainsaw takes hundreds of United Methodists into the mission field. For tens of thousands more, the sound of the saw signals hope.

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United Methodists find that beekeeping is a way to take care of God's creation as well as deepen their faith. Canva design by Stacey Hagewood, United Methodist Communications
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Spiritual Life

How sweet it is: United Methodists and bees

United Methodists find beekeeping is a way to care for God's world and deepen their faith.

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Baseball great Jackie Robinson, who helped integrate Major League Baseball, held on to his Methodist faith throughout his legendary career. Canva collage by Crystal Caviness, United Methodist Communications.
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Our People

Baseball icon Jackie Robinson's Methodist faith

Baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who helped integrate Major League Baseball, relied on to his Methodist faith throughout his career.

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Many United Methodists now participate in worship primarily through digital means by tuning in to weekly livestreams of worship services or participating in digital-only worship experiences. Some wonder if digital worshippers are missing out on something. Photo by Canva.
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Spiritual Life

Online worship: God isn't different. We are

Many United Methodists now participate in worship through digital means. Some wonder if digital worshippers are missing out on something.

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United Methodist children's ministry leaders share tips for how to help the children we love build faith in their lives. Image design by Stacey Hagewood, United Methodist Communications
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Family and Faith

Tips for instilling faith in children

United Methodist children ministry leaders share tips for sharing faith with the kids we love.

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When second thoughts emerge, Francis Asbury, who embarked on his historic journey 250 years ago, and Ted Lasso, the main character of the popular Apple TV+ series, give insight into dealing with doubt. Canva image by United Methodist Communications with photos from the National Portrait Gallery and Apple+ Press.
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Christian Living

Asbury, Ted Lasso and second thoughts

We often second-guess ourselves after feeling God’s nudge to act. Francis Asbury & Ted Lasso may encourage us to persevere through the challenges.

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Rudy Rasmus and Jevon Caldwell-Gross are two of the contributors to 'I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist.' Images courtesy United Methodist Publishing House.
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Podcasts

Race, racism and The UMC

Two authors of "I’m Black. I’m Christian. I’m Methodist." talk about the importance of confronting racism both within the church and society.

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Get Your Spirit in Shape, Ep. 096: The healing journey for trauma with Ron Bell
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Podcasts

The healing journey for trauma

Many of us have experienced trauma and how it can keep us from connecting with one another and with God. Ron Bell shares clues to how we heal.

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On our 100th episode of Get Your Spirit in Shape, we meet an influential bishop of our church. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.
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Podcasts

Meet Bishop Minerva Carcaño

On our 100th episode of Get Your Spirit in Shape, we meet the first Hispanic female elected bishop, who is a leader in social justice ministries.

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Family and Faith

Easter: a kid-friendly explanation

A United Methodist children's ministry leader explains how to talk to kids about Easter.

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"Peter's denial" by artist Rosana Casco
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Spiritual Growth Tools

Devotions for Holy Week

Daily devotions by United Methodist pastors to guide us on a journey with Jesus and his followers from Monday through Saturday of Holy Week.

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Although society encourages us to hide our tears, crying helps us discover our authentic selves and connects us with God. And even Jesus wept. Photo by Randy Barnard.
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Ways We Grow

Jesus wept. So should we

Although society encourages us to hide our tears, crying helps us discover our authentic selves and connects us with God, United Methodist leaders tell us. And even Jesus wept.

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