News and Views

Diversity is key to discipleship

Posted by Melissa Lauber on Apr 19, 2017

To really be the church God intends, United Methodists “need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” said Pastor Ramon Jackson of Inspire D.C. in Washington, D.C.

The annual Feed the Hungry Potato Drop was a successful event again this year, distributing 44,000 pounds of potatoes throughout Washington and Frederick counties, as well as locations in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. More than 70 volunteers came to Bethel UMC in Smithsburg to help on a...

Grace and peace to you in Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior! As we enter this season of Eastertide, we are more aware than ever of the powerful work of God, through the Holy Spirit, to overcome death in all its forms. Where the limitations of humanity see only the impossible, God breaks through and...

The United Methodist Church’s top court, the Judicial Council, will meet at the end of April for what is likely to be one of the most-watched decisions in recent memory.

Essex UMC opens new doors to ministry

Posted by Melissa Lauber on Apr 12, 2017

At Essex UMC, there is an entire community that comes in through the “other doors” of the building. Making sure these people experience the love of God is one of the congregation’s best strengths.

Many churches of all denominations begin worship on Easter Sunday by singing “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.” Charles Wesley’s lyrics wonderfully celebrate how Jesus’ resurrection is God’s victory over death, and call us to tell the world.

Creative sharing sparks new ideas about church

Posted by Melissa Lauber on Apr 12, 2017

“It only takes a spark …” goes the praise song. On March 11, more than 360 sparks were ignited as clergy and lay people from the Washington Region gathered at Leadership Days to ignite new ways of doing and being church designed to transform lives and create thriving communities.

The 32 members of the Commission on a Way Forward are getting down to the business of doing what their name says — helping a denomination deeply divided over homosexuality move toward some sort of future together.

Ancient church mothers and fathers often greeted one another with the phrase, “Give me a word.” This greeting led to the sharing of insights and wisdom. Today we continue this tradition with this monthly column.

American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr is best remembered, if he’s remembered at all, for being the author of the Serenity Prayer.