UMR Communications Headlines

Q&A: Reaching out through ministry of music

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:40:42 GMT

Melvin Butler, a jazz saxophonist and ethnomusicologist, speaks to Faith and Leadership about his research into music and religion in the African diaspora.

WESLEYAN WISDOM: Some reflections on early American Methodism

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:37:42 GMT

In his Wesleyan Wisdom column, the Rev. Donald Haynes looks back to the early days of American Methodism, and finds lessons for today.

Questions remain after painter Kinkade’s death

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:37:32 GMT

Questions linger after the death of Thomas Kinkade, a hugely popular painter who used Christian imagery in his works. Religion News Service reports.

UM Men has strength, purpose at Mo. church

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:37:31 GMT

United Methodist Men at St. James UMC in Kansas City sponsored a 6 a.m. worship service on New Year’s Day, pulling in a much-larger-than-expected crowd.

Reporter launches new website

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:35:02 GMT

Now that General Conference 2012 is over, keep up with the latest commentaries and more news at the United Methodist Reporter's new website!

Click here to go to: UnitedMethodistReporter.org

GC2012: Young delegate gets help, homework from bishop

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:07:46 GMT

Ricky Harrison is just 20, but he was a top vote-getter for North Texas Conference delegate to General Conference. He’s been preparing rigorously, including tutorials in Methodism from Bishop Dan Solomon.

COMMENTARY:‘Old wineskins’ hurt African-American churches

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:14:52 GMT

F. Douglas Powe, Jr., of Saint Paul School of Theology, argues that African-American churches too often “perpetuate an old-wineskins mentality” and need to learn to adapt.

GC2012: Work continues on issues, details as GC 2012 looms

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:55:18 GMT

General Conference 2012 looms, and that means attention to last-minute details, as well as lobbying on key issues. Our story looks at the home stretch of the lead-up, and previews the Episcopal Address.

COMMENTARY: Robert’s Rules of Order aren’t best guide for GC

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 03:11:45 GMT

The Rev. James Howell writes that General Conference delegates need less time with Robert’s Rules of Order and more with prayerful discernment.

Q&A: Sibling delegates share hopes for GC 2012

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 03:10:41 GMT

The Rev. Rebekah Miles and the Rev. John Miles are siblings who will both be General Conference delegates. UMNS has a Q&A with them.

Best Laid Plans: Structure struggles continue

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 01:06:20 GMT

The main proposal for restructuring the UMC’s general agencies has found fans but also many critics. As General Conference approaches, alternatives have emerged, including one called simply Plan B.

GC2012: No more free cookies at General Conference

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:26:42 GMT

Free cookies have been a staple and a symbol of General Conventions past. But not this time. It will be BYOC - bring your own cookies. Staff writer Mary Jacobs talks to GC officials about the change.

GC2012 Q&A: Choosing symbols for worship at GC 2012

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:53:39 GMT

Marcia McFee will be worship and music director for General Conference 2012. In a Q&A with staff writer Mary Jacobs, Ms. McFee shared how she’s planning for the big event and what to expect.

Worthy partners: Two churches get support for preservation, outreach

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:42:25 GMT

Two historic urban UM churches in Dallas have won building preservation grants through Partners for Sacred Places. The group noted the community outreach work of both Oak Lawn UMC and Grace UMC.

Student Initiative - Sophomore’s fundraiser helps UM school in Africa

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:20:54 GMT

A sophomore at UMC-affiliated Southwestern University organized an event benefiting Kamina Methodist University in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Special contributor Joan La Barr reports.

On display - Exhibits focus on children’s books, Civil War Methodism

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:10:32 GMT

Drew University has an exhibit on Civil War Methodism and Bridwell Library at Perkins School of Theology has one on centuries-old religious books for children. Our story looks at both displays.

REFLECTIONS: Letter to Martin Luther King Jr.

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:40:23 GMT

Retired Bishop Woodie W. White pens his annual “Letter to Martin” column, this time with a focus on progress made in race relations and the challenges that remain.

BOOK REVIEW: Wesley’s advice inspires guide to essential books

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 03:51:44 GMT

Staff writer Mary Jacobs reviews 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics. She notes that John Wesley was an inspiration for this new volume.

HISTORY OF HYMNS: Hymn expresses longing for arrival of our Savior

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:26:10 GMT

C. Michael Hawn’s latest History of Hymns column looks at the Advent hymn “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” with text by Charles Wesley.

COMMENTARY: An unusual advocate in call for divestment

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:57:56 GMT

The Rev. John Wagner writes about finding an unlikely ally – a socially and politically conservative UM lay member – on the issue of using divestment to pressure Israel to treat Palestinians more fairly.