When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the...
It appears to me that it will require a miracle for this denomination to survive (here in the United States) another 20 years. Not only is the 2019 General Conference fraught with peril, but even more foreboding is the 20 year prognosis for all historic denominations in the...
By Rev. Bryant M. Oskvig* I serve as a Chaplain at a Catholic University, and for the last few months, I have been part of conversations, panels, and dialogues around the crisis due to the recent revelations of abuse and cover-up that have occurred in the Roman Catholic Church. The number...
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. Expect By Mandy SayersLead Pastor, Glen Mar UMC, Ellicott City Advent...
By Ginger Gaines-Cirelli* Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli The language of “resistance” has a long history. I’m not a political theorist or activist; I’m a pastor-theologian and a follower of Jesus. Thus, the language of “resistance” for Christians evolves through...
The following are excerpts from Evan Moffic’s upcoming book, First the Jews: Combating the World’s Longest-Running Hate Campaign (Abingdon Press, 2018). Evan is a rabbi in the Chicago area who leads Congregation Solel, a synagogue of 500 families. He blogs regularly...
The following letter was submitted by the Baltimore-Washington Conference Chapter of the Wesley Covenant Association in response to a column written by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, titled “We Can Remain Together: Why I Support the One Church Plan.” To our beloved members...
Dear friends, My heart breaks with grief for my Perryman community today in the wake of the mass shooting at the Rite Aid Distribution Center. As of right now, we know that four precious lives were lost, and three others are in the hospital. Many others are dealing with deep wounds of trauma...
As pastor of Fallston UMC, the Rev. Karin Walker, like many pastors in the BWC, have been responding to people caught in the opioid epidemic. Recently, she issued a letter to the first responders in the community who are the front lines of addressing the pain and tragedy that can accompany...
By Chris Schlieckert* Two campers practice canoe safety in the pool at Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center before hitting the river. I have been to approximately 150 weeks of summer camp as a staff person. I have been a dishwasher, a lifeguard, a counselor, a wilderness guide, an...
