Bucking the trend, in the Nov. 13 Reporter
Greetings, e-Readers!
Many United Methodist churches braced themselves for a
depressing membership report at this year's charge conference or breathed a
sigh of relief when they saw a net gain, however small. Others, though, are
celebrating better news. In our cover story this week, Mary Jacobs explores
several congregations that are seeing amazing growth in both numbers and faith.
This week I've been covering the Council of Bishops meeting in Lake Junaluska, N.C., where President Gregory Palmer said Monday that the church must find a courageous balance between evangelism and justice to cultivate future leaders. (See more reports from the week's events in our 11-20 edition, including the release of a pastoral letter on "God's Renewed Creation" and a Call to Action on reordering the life of the church)
Commentaries this week include Missy Buchanan, who reminds us that older adults didn't get there by skipping past youth; Wesleyan Wisdom columnist Donald Haynes, who looks at possible organizational alternatives for small-membership churches; and campus minister Jan Rivero on offering ministries that can keep college grads connected to the church.
And it's that time of year again: We're soliciting nominations for the 2009 United Methodist of the Year. The deadline is Dec. 11 to nominate someone-and remember, your nominee should be someone of national or worldwide significance.
Speaking of "that time," it's also the run-up to holiday movie season. Bill Fentum and Ken Lowery provide an overview of November and December releases that got the newsroom buzzing about what we are planning to see in theaters.
All this, plus a report on a recent Judicial Council ruling; History of Hymns; a Q&A with a campus minister about dormitory living for Wesley Foundation students and more.
Enjoy!
This week I've been covering the Council of Bishops meeting in Lake Junaluska, N.C., where President Gregory Palmer said Monday that the church must find a courageous balance between evangelism and justice to cultivate future leaders. (See more reports from the week's events in our 11-20 edition, including the release of a pastoral letter on "God's Renewed Creation" and a Call to Action on reordering the life of the church)
Commentaries this week include Missy Buchanan, who reminds us that older adults didn't get there by skipping past youth; Wesleyan Wisdom columnist Donald Haynes, who looks at possible organizational alternatives for small-membership churches; and campus minister Jan Rivero on offering ministries that can keep college grads connected to the church.
And it's that time of year again: We're soliciting nominations for the 2009 United Methodist of the Year. The deadline is Dec. 11 to nominate someone-and remember, your nominee should be someone of national or worldwide significance.
Speaking of "that time," it's also the run-up to holiday movie season. Bill Fentum and Ken Lowery provide an overview of November and December releases that got the newsroom buzzing about what we are planning to see in theaters.
All this, plus a report on a recent Judicial Council ruling; History of Hymns; a Q&A with a campus minister about dormitory living for Wesley Foundation students and more.
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Robin Russell, Managing Editor
Robin Russell, Managing Editor
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