e-Review archive
Global Connection
April 2011
 

COMMENTARY: Who’s afraid of Rob Bell?

April 18, 2011 | The United Methodist Reporter I am curious why Mr. Bell’s new book Love Wins has put him on the evangelical hot seat. No one is more surprised than Mr. Bell himself. At the beginning of the service he emphasizes, “I believe in heaven and hell. I’m not a universalist. I believe people get to make a choice. And I believe it’s best to discuss only books that you have read.” full story

On ‘overarching crisis’ of faith and knowledge

April 14, 2011     News media contact:   Wayne Rhodes  *  202-488-5630 *  Washington DC General Board of Discipleship of Church & Society ‘Our beloved United Methodist Church needs to re-discover the art of imagination.’ —Dr. Jerome Del Pino (Nashville). Del Pino made his remark at a retirement celebration last month following nine years as chief executive of the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry. He cited Albert Einstein, who said imagination is more important than knowledge. full story

UMW seeks to become separate church agency

April 5, 2011 | United Methodist News Service The division responsible for United Methodist Women has decided to seek denominational approval for status as a separate agency of the church. Directors of Women’s Division, the organization’s administrative body, unanimously voted during their April 7-11 meeting to “structurally separate” but remain “missionally connected” with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries rather than continue as a division of the mission agency. full story

United Methodist Bishop to join Candler as Bishop-in-Residence

April 13, 2011    News media contact: Vicki Brown *  615-340-7383  * Nashville, Tenn. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Charlene Kammerer, bishop of the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church, will join the faculty of Emory University’s Candler School of Theology as bishop-in-residence in January 2013 and serve in this position until 2016. Kammerer is retiring from the active episcopacy in 2012. As bishop-in-residence, Kammerer will teach, mentor students, and act as a key resource for spiritual formation. full story

Going virtual: Building community through online small groups

April 15, 2011 | The United Methodist Reporter The United Methodist Church’s Call to Action report revealed small groups to be a telltale sign of church vitality, and now a growing number of United Methodists are shaping their faith through online small groups. full story

New Music Support Recommended for Singing Black UM Churches

April 6, 2011  News media contact: Steve Horswill-Johnston * (615) 340-1726 * Nashville, Tenn. General Board of Discipleship A comprehensive study confirmed—with little surprise—that music is a critical part of the worship life in black United Methodist churches, but other details learned in the clergy and laity surveys may help the denomination create new ways to support the music and enhance cultural traditions. full story

Set apart, lay people vow a life of service

April 8, 2011 | United Methodist News Service The United Methodist Book of Discipline defines deaconesses, who are laywomen, and home missioners, who are laymen, as “professionally trained persons who have been led by the Holy Spirit to devote their lives to Christ-like service under the authority of the Church.” full story

7 ways to worship from the grassroots

April 12, 2011 | United Methodist Communications Make your summer worship services a little different this year. Let laity plan services and lead in new ways. The pastor and worship team members can get a little respite, and participating members may find a deeper connection within the church. full story

Situation in Japan is not conducive to sending volunteers

April 14, 2011    News media contact:   Melissa Hinnen  *  212-870-3815  *  New York UMCOR - General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church At this time, we are honoring the request of the Japanese government, who has asked that outside groups not come to Japan. Our missionaries and mission partners who are already in Japan are providing a ministry of presence and service on behalf of The United Methodist Church. They have shown particular concern for migrants and minorities, many of whom have lost so much and face uncertain futures. UMCOR is working on your behalf through relief and church partners in Japan to respond and provide immediate assistance and long-term rehabilitation. full story

Change the world: 5 sweet outreach ideas

April 12, 2011 | United Methodist Communications Outreach ministry can be spiritually rewarding for you and for the people you serve. Many unchurched community members would prefer to be introduced to your church by participating in outreach rather than attending a worship service. So plan for a service day and choose a specific group to help such as older adults, veterans and single parents. The ideas are endless. Cook, clean or shop for these people and become missionaries in your own backyard and town. full story