Illinois announces guidelines on gatherings
You've probably heard by now the guidelines for private and public gatherings issued this evening by the state of Illinois to prevent the rapidly spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Read MoreCoronavirus Response
As we approach another first Sunday communion in April (most United Methodist churches observe communion on the first Sunday although some serve communion every Sunday) and Holy Week, and we continue to find ourselves in the midst of the coronavirus, we need to reflect with each other about how to be faithful in our times.
Read MoreWe live in a coronavirus world...
All of us are undoubtedly watching the news about the coronavirus, wondering how complacent or hypervigilant we should be. As I write this, I’m traveling and trust that I won’t be exposed to it by others. And others are trusting that I’m not exposing them. How do I live as a person of faith in such a climate? I think Jesus would want me to be as kind and courteous as I can to my neighbor in the next seat or standing in line...just like Jesus always wants me to be.
Read MoreFrom the Bishop: Environmental racism exists in our own backyard
With Earth Day coming up, I would encourage churches to think about the ways racism impacts the environment. First, let’s look at the definition of environmental racism.
Read MoreDYK? All about the bishops
In The United Methodist Church, we are led by a Council of Bishops. The United Methodist Council of Bishops consists of 66 active and all retired bishops who meet biannually to shepherd the work of the denomination. The Council is further divided into geographic areas: there are five jurisdictions in the U.S. and 20 episcopal areas outside the U.S.
Read MoreNCJ Recommends Electing One Bishop
In a meeting Jan. 20-22 in Chicago, the North Central Jurisdiction (NCJ) Committee on the Episcopacy and the NCJ College of Bishops proposed to elect only one bishop instead of two during the NCJ Conference, July 15-18 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The two groups have agreed to form a task force to make recommendations on episcopal leadership for the jurisdiction over the next four years.
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