"Before I knew I would be a United Methodist pastor, before I knew I would serve in administrative roles for over half of my ministry, God knew," says Rev. Arlene Christianson, who is retiring from the position of assistant to the bishop. "It was through the leading of the Holy Spirit, my introduction to The United Methodist Church during seminary, and the trust of wise and gifted bishops that I have taken this journey."
Read MoreUnited Methodists have heard the phrase General Conference tossed about frequently these days. A General Conference is a representative gathering of laity and clergy who come together to set church laws, processes, budgets, elect committee members, consider resolutions on social issues, hear reports, and frame the work of the denomination for the coming four years.
Read MoreWith the decision of our North Central Jurisdictional Conference delegates to move the Wisconsin Conference and Northern Illinois Conference into a relationship of sharing a bishop (not merger) beginning in September, we to can lean into our past to plan for the future.
Read MoreOne of the strengths of the United Methodist Church is our connectional nature. We are a denomination that values the strength of the whole, knowing we can do more to the glory of God when we combine our prayers and resources then we could ever do alone. That sense of community, support, and strength for the mission is part of our ethos.
Read MoreOn Nov. 11, North Central College installed their eleventh president, Dr. Anita Jones Thomas. This Midwest institution is more than home to a winning football team. North Central College traces its roots to the early faith movements that spread across our country.
Read MoreThis is the season of assessment and planning for most organizations. As we near the end of the year, our congregations are gathering for their church conference. They will reflect on the past and plan their future. This cycle of reflection (evaluation) and planning is important for any organization. This work happens at many levels in an annual conference: in congregations’ committees; at the Annual Conference Shepherding Team table, where chairs and leaders of the conference gather to coordinate and collaborate; in Cabinet meetings, and on the floor of the annual conference session.
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