Home Center Position 3

Getting a jump on electing General Conference delegates

May 24, 2013 Posted by Special Contributor Leave a Comment

Amidst all of the petitions which failed, were never considered at all, or passed but then were overturned by the Judicial Council, at least one new provision in the Book of Discipline that was adopted by the largely “Do-Nothing General Conference” last year, now provides an interesting opportunity to annual conferences across the connection. Originally proposed by the North Alabama Conference delegation, and then amended by the legislative committee which considered it, the provision was adopted by the full assembly by a vote of 889-20, though since it appeared as [...]

United Methodist woman helps arrange burial of Boston Marathon suspect

May 10, 2013 Posted by Sam Hodges, Managing Editor 2 Comments

A United Methodist woman in Richmond, Va., said she was acting out of Christian compassion in helping to arrange the burial of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings. “Jesus tells us to love our enemies, not hate them after they’re dead,” said Martha Mullen, in a phone interview. “That’s why I kind of got this ball rolling.” Ms. Mullen, a 48-year-old counselor in private practice who studied at a United Methodist seminary, was distressed at news accounts about the difficulty of finding a burial place for Tsarnaev, [...]

History of Hymns: Wesley hymn invites all to ‘the Gospel Feast’

May 8, 2013 Posted by Special Contributor Leave a Comment

We are reminded that truth, as well as sustenance, is found in the gospel. Charles Wesley’s hymn, “Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast” is an invitation to that table and a reiteration of that truth.

UMCOR makes grants for Sandy recovery

May 6, 2013 Posted by LInda Bloom, UMNS Leave a Comment

Directors of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) have approved $3 million in grants for Hurricane Sandy recovery in New York and New Jersey. The work will require help from thousands of volunteers through the UMC’s volunteer-in-mission networks. PHOTO COURTESY GREATER NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE

NEW YORK—United Methodists in New York were counting on the regional shipments of 15,000 flood buckets that they distributed to Hurricane Sandy survivors last fall. But they didn’t expect the more than 11,000 blankets from a faraway source, said Bishop Martin McLee, leader of the denomination’s New York Conference. “There was this wonderful call, asking if we would receive blankets from Russia,” Bishop McLee told directors of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries on April 11 as he recounted the conference’s relief efforts. The United Methodist Committee on [...]

Film Review: Place Beyond the Pines survives a few missteps

May 2, 2013 Posted by Bill Fentum, Associate Editor Leave a Comment

Ryan Gosling plays a drifter who turns to crime to provide money for his infant son in The Place Beyond the Pines. PHOTO COURTESY FOCUS FEATURES

The Place Beyond the Pines tells a story in three “acts,” that may or may not be inspired by the Old Testament theme of children suffering “for the iniquity of [their] parents” (Exodus 20:5). Either way, it makes for a compelling if oddly structured drama.

Wesleyan Wisdom: Continuing to mine the Aldersgate experience

May 1, 2013 Posted by Donald W. Haynes, UMR Columnist Leave a Comment

On May 24, 1738, John Wesley experienced what became a key moment in Methodism, when he felt his “heart strangely warmed” during a prayer meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. Sadly most interpreters have found in Aldersgate evidence to document and justify whatever theological premise they bring to their studies. Wesley was not so precise and systematic as Calvin, Luther or Barth, and the unfortunate result is that one can do with Wesley what we shamefully do with the Bible—find quotes to support our own biases! Those who are revivalists [...]

Filed Under: Columnists, Commentaries, Home Center Position 3 Tagged With: Aldersgate, Donald Haynes, Wesleyan Wisdom

Event marks launch of Cameroon music ministry

April 29, 2013 Posted by Special Contributor 1 Comment

Jean Pierre Mviana (l) and Blandine Ngono, one of the singers for the Good Seed band. PHOTOS COURTESY KELSEY JOHNSON

By John Thornburg, Special Contributor… BUEA, Cameroon—“Music comes naturally to Cameroon. When we are happy, we sing. When we are sad, we sing. Music is speaking our language. When the music of the U.S. and Cameroon collides, there is an explosion!” So said the Rev. Ekoka Molindo, pastor of Hope United Methodist Church in Buea, at the conclusion of a recent seminar on musical skills held in this city of 90,000 on the slopes of Mt. Cameroon. At the event, a team of six representing Texas United Methodists and the [...]

Ten reasons why UM bishops shouldn’t meet in private – from a retired bishop

April 24, 2013 Posted by Special Contributor 3 Comments

By Joe E. Pennel Jr., Special Contributor… As one of the retired bishops I join those who are concerned about the active bishops meeting as a closed “forum,” as they are scheduled to do in San Diego from May 5-8. The word “forum” is a public word. Its derivation comes from the open space or market place in an ancient Roman city. It is also used by organizations that hold public meetings for reflections and discussions around themes of common interest. It should be noted that the active bishops are [...]

Dream come true – Minnehaha UMC kept faith with affordable housing project

April 22, 2013 Posted by Sam Hodges, Managing Editor Leave a Comment

If anyone wants to know how long a major mission project can take, and how much satisfaction can be derived at the end, Wanda Driver is a good one to ask. She helped kick off Minnehaha United Methodist Church’s effort to do something big in affordable housing. She stood by beaming when the Riverview Apartments, providing 42 units for low-income seniors, finally had their dedication ceremony last month in south Minneapolis. “I’m 81 now,” Ms. Driver said by phone. “I was 69 when we started.” The project is a testimony [...]

Commentary: Thoughts on reclaiming evangelism in the UMC

April 18, 2013 Posted by Special Contributor 2 Comments

By Heather Heinzman Lear, Special Contributor… As a local church pastor, when meeting new people in the community, I rarely opened with, “Hi, I’m Heather and I am a pastor.” Over the years I discovered that statement usually did not help to break the ice, but rather immediately built new walls. Once people got to know me a bit and discovered that I was fairly “normal” and open, and some level of relationship and trust had been established, they were much more open to share their hearts and ask faith [...]