United Methodist Portal
REGARDING CHILDREN: Story of 'Precious' told too often
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:38:33 GMT
The dark yet enlightening story told in the film Precious reflects the secret truth of abused children everywhere, says Audrey Ward.
REFLECTIONS: Reducing number of bishops doesn’t fix membership loss
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:38:24 GMT
Though the measurements for church success are constantly being shifted, Bishop Woodie White says that in the end, it really is numbers that matter.
Manhattan UMs find niche in Colombia
Tue, 9 Mar 2010 11:01:03 GMT
A 600-member United Methodist congregation in Manhattan is discovering anew what the church is all about, by helping grow Methodism in Colombia. Barbara Dunlap-Berg has the story.
United Methodists respond to quake in Chile
Tue, 9 Mar 2010 11:01:00 GMT
Methodists in Chile began to assess damage after a massive earthquake struck the region Feb. 27, killing more than 700 people. Linda Bloom has the story.
Creativity at work: Artisans earn wages, serve community in rural Haiti
Mon, 8 Mar 2010 02:15:43 GMT
In a country with few employment options, the Haitian Artisans for Peace International fair-trade business gives women a chance to make a living for themselves. Bill Fentum reports.
Going green when going under
Mon, 8 Mar 2010 02:15:03 GMT
In a world that is increasingly renewable, recyclable and energy-efficient, many Americans are opting for “green” burials, which range from burials in wicker caskets to simple shroud burial. Jeff Diamant reports.
Q&A: How funerals can better reflect Christian faith
Fri, 5 Mar 2010 01:14:26 GMT
Christian funeral practices have drifted off course from their theological heritage, says Thomas G. Long. He spoke with Robin Russell about making funerals a profound witness of faith.
New country, new life: Is adoption the best way to help Haitian orphans?
Fri, 5 Mar 2010 01:14:26 GMT
Some estimate a million children were orphaned in the Jan. 12 Haiti earthquake, which has complicated the adoption process for Americans who now want to adopt Haiti children as well as for those whose adoptions were already in the works. Bill Fentum has the story.
GEN-X RISING: Searching the Scriptures
Thu, 4 Mar 2010 01:29:20 GMT
In the third of a multi-part series on the means of grace, Andrew Thompson explores the different theological interpretations of what it means to be saved.
COMMENTARY: On making disciples
Thu, 4 Mar 2010 01:29:19 GMT
In the first of a three-part series, the Rev. Mike Slaughter says disciples of Christ should not be in the business of making churches, but in going out and making more disciples.
WESLEYAN WISDOM: Can United Methodism break the institutional mold?
Wed, 3 Mar 2010 02:29:48 GMT
It’s true that everything must change in the United Methodist Church, says Donald Haynes, and nowhere are we more in need of change than in how we minister to young spiritual seekers.
Movie lifts up racial struggle in North Carolina
Wed, 3 Mar 2010 02:29:46 GMT
Filmmaker Jeb Stuart and Tim Tyson came together to film an adaptation of Mr. Tyson’s book, Blood Done Sign My Name, about tension and violence during the civil rights movement. Linda Bloom reports.
Help with Haiti earthquake relief through UMCOR
Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:00:00 GMT
When you give through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR Advance #418325), 100 percent of your donation goes directly to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.
REFLECTIONS: In times of financial crisis, church must offer real hope
Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Businesses and institutions once thought indestructible are now collapsing, says Bishop Woodie White, and now more than ever, the church and its clergy must step up to the challenge of a changing climate.
AGING WELL: Finding ways to be creative benefits both mind and soul
Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Creative arts—from painting and sculpting to journaling—provide a valuable emotional and cathartic outlet for the elderly, says Missy Buchanan.
Q&A: Inside the Evangelical Ivy League
Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT
Photographer Jona Frank spent four semesters documenting life at the evangelical Patrick Henry College in Virginia. RNS’ Kevin Eckstrom talks with her about the experience.
Christian Science Monitor
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From same sex marriage to medical marijuana, states take the lead
States can have more influence on American lives in everything from same sex marriage to medical marijuana because state legislators get along in ways not possible in Washington's political gridlock.
How to beat partisan politics? Ask your state government.
To avoid gridlock and partisan politics look to your state government. The states increasingly hold the power and influence over Washington in shaping American law – from safety to energy to social justice.
Ladybug invasion
One homeowner finds that a winter ladybug invasion isn't so bad.
Top 10 American jihadis: Where does Jihad Jane rank on the list?
Pennsylvania woman Colleen LaRose, or 'Jihad Jane,' is only the latest in a string of American-born Muslim extremists, experts say. Here's a Top 10 list.
Talk to the Editor: Is the economy OK now?
Monitor business writers Ron Scherer and Laurent Belsie look at consumer spending, job creation, and the year-old bull market in our 1pm (EST) webcast on Thursday.
Organic activists protest free San Francisco compost
San Francisco's free compost, which comes from sewage sludge, is being protested by an environmental activist group, which says it may contain harmful chemicals.
Obama administration shifts gears on Iran sanctions
On Iran sanctions, the Obama administration shifts gears to focus less on UN sanctions and more on modifying measures before Congress.
'Jihad Jane' alleged target Lars Vilks: 'I have an ax here'
Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, allegedly the target of a group led by 'Jihad Jane,' relies on international policing efforts to stay safe. But safeguards are shifting as European views evolve on free speech and blasphemy.
Spring seed shopping
It's almost spring, and that means it's time to shop for vegetable seeds.
Joe Biden, in Ramallah, stymied by new settlement construction
US Vice President Joe Biden visited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah Wednesday and warned that fresh Israeli settlement construction is undermining confidence in the peace process.
Hurricane season forecast: seven storms to reach land
In the upcoming hurricane season, two or three storms will be major events along the coastal US, according to AccuWeather.com.
As David Beckham returns, anger at Manchester United US owner
Manchester United prodigal son David Beckham returns home to Old Trafford for the first time in seven years today, representing AC Milan in a clash for a quarterfinal place in the European Champions League, the world's richest club soccer competition. There's a brewing insurgency in Manchester, though, against the clubs US owner Malcolm Glazer.
Is defense spending topping out?
After Pakistan attack, World Vision suspends operations
Militants assaulted an office of World Vision, a US charity, in northwest Pakistan. World Vision said it will temporarily suspend all aid operations in the country after the Pakistan attack killed six Pakistani employees.
Despite low interest rates, people aren’t buying homes
Is the great recession really less miserable than ‘70s were?
Saudi award to Turkish prime minister signals deepening strategic ties
A Saudi award to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his 'service to Islam' underscores Saudi backing for Turkey's bid to take a more activist role as a Middle East power broker.
Two weaknesses in the bullish scenario
In the debate between bullish Jeremy Siegel and bearish Robert Shiller, Siegel makes two mistakes.
Economic stress index is falling
Greece's Papandreou wants to curb speculation. Actually, we need more of it.
Confronting the Greek debt crisis, Papandreou joins an ancient tradition of blaming speculation for a nation's woes.
Will Millennials leave US to avoid becoming the 'chump' generation?
If Millennials realize they're going to have to pay the fiscal price for baby boomers' sins, they might choose to leave the US for more financially friendly locations.
Iran President Ahmadinejad attacks US during Afghanistan visit
Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad accused the US of playing a 'double game' during his Afghanistan visit, echoing an accusation lobbed at Tehran by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates earlier this week.
Haiti earthquake: As Obama meets Préval, US quietly pulls out of Haiti
As President Obama meets with Haitian President René Préval in Washington, Haitians worry that the US reduction of troops (from 20,000 after the Jan. 12 Haiti earthquake to 9,000 now) may cause instability.
Beyond hockey: Does Canada need to fight off a US bookseller?
The Canadian government will decide "soon" whether to allow giant American bookseller Amazon.com to set up a distribution center in Canada.
'Let's Move': Michelle Obama takes on childhood obesity
First lady Michelle Obama has made childhood obesity her signature project with the 'Let's Move' campaign. Wednesday she takes the message to the national Parent Teacher Association at a National Legislative Conference in Arlington, Va.
A weaker euro isn't inevitable
Despite the arguments of some analysts, there are also reasons it may retain its value.
Rep. Ryan’s tax roadmap: ambitious, but revenues fall short
Instead of collecting eventually 19 percent of gross domestic product, his plan would generate less than 17 percent, according to the Tax Policy Center.
Google Maps rolls out trail and street directions for cyclists
A new layer on Google Maps will let cyclists access maps of 150 cities around the US. It's a bike geek's dream come true.
Afghanistan war: New rules of engagement don't pit civilians vs. soldiers
New rules of engagement in Afghanistan that are designed to better protect civilians will safeguard US soldiers, too.
US schools in need of bailout
In the coming days, the Obama administration is expected to announce $4.35 billion in extra funds for under-performing public schools. In contrast, last year the nation committed $700 billion to bail out Wall Street banks.
NATO renewal requires European courage on Afghanistan
NATO reform can’t come fast enough. European leaders must step up and persuade the public of the importance of the Afghan mission and the threat of Al Qaeda.
At World Cup, Riesch beats Lindsey Vonn at her own game
German skier Maria Riesch beat Lindsey Vonn in the World Cup downhill event Wednesday, though the American is still on track to win her 33rd World Cup title, beating Bode Miller's 32-title record.
Google Apps Marketplace open for business
The Google Apps Marketplace will make it easier for companies to download and manage third-party applications, Google says.
Massa to Glenn Beck and Larry King: 'I can't fight anymore.'
Former New York congressman Eric Massa went on Glenn Beck's show and 'Larry King Live Tuesday night, defending his decision to leave office and alleging a campaign to push him out for his opposition to healthcare reform.
Indonesia says killed leading militant Dulmatin
Indonesia said Wednesday that it had killed leading Islamist militant Dulmatin, who helped organize the murder of 202 people on Bali in 2002.
In bailout Britain, you can be too small to fail, too
Buy-to-let speculators, who snapped up properties during the boom, would be in deep trouble were it not for easy money from the Bank of England.
Aid after Haiti earthquake: President René Préval sees need for shift
Almost two months after the Haiti earthquake, President René Préval is in Washington to outline his plan for the kind of aid Haiti needs next. It includes seeds and fertilizers for this summer’s crops.
'Jihad Jane' and 7 others held in plot to kill Swedish cartoonist
'Jihad Jane,' as Pennsylvania woman Colleen LaRose dubbed herself, was indicted Tuesday for helping recruit a network for suicide attacks and plotting to kill a Swedish cartoonist. Seven Muslims were arrested in Ireland in connection with the alleged plot.
Dousing the flames of anger in US politics
A Christian Science perspective.