Greetings, e-Readers!
Our cover story this week chronicles a trip that North Texas
United Methodists made to Africa University to help dedicate a health center
and scholarships that their fundraising efforts made possible. Joan LaBarr's
story proves that even in a slumping economy, people of faith can make a
world-changing difference when they commit to a cause.
We also have a story detailing what our parent company, UMR Communications, is looking for in a CEO. There's still time to apply, if someone you know fits the bill!
Commentaries this week include Donald Haynes's Wesleyan Wisdom piece on how Methodists view evangelism as beginning with God's love, not our sin; Allen Ewing-Merrill is weary of an inward-focused attitude among church folks; and Creighton Alexander reflects on the perceptions and realities of UM campus ministry.
Plus, a story on anti-gambling initiatives, with an interesting subtext: The governor of Ohio, an ordained United Methodist elder, is supporting gambling initiatives, which his denomination opposes. (Pennsylvania has become a battleground for the issue, too, as noted in a related piece.)
All this, along with History of Hymns, Bill Fentum's review of the latest Harry Potter flick, and more.
Enjoy!
We also have a story detailing what our parent company, UMR Communications, is looking for in a CEO. There's still time to apply, if someone you know fits the bill!
Commentaries this week include Donald Haynes's Wesleyan Wisdom piece on how Methodists view evangelism as beginning with God's love, not our sin; Allen Ewing-Merrill is weary of an inward-focused attitude among church folks; and Creighton Alexander reflects on the perceptions and realities of UM campus ministry.
Plus, a story on anti-gambling initiatives, with an interesting subtext: The governor of Ohio, an ordained United Methodist elder, is supporting gambling initiatives, which his denomination opposes. (Pennsylvania has become a battleground for the issue, too, as noted in a related piece.)
All this, along with History of Hymns, Bill Fentum's review of the latest Harry Potter flick, and more.
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Robin Russell, Managing Editor
p.s. -- You can now follow the Reporter on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook!
He's an Elder?? And is supporting the gambling initiatives? Really??
ARGH!
Posted by: UMJeremy | July 30, 2009 at 11:48 AM
States around the country are desperately looking for ways to balance their budgets. Raising taxes is political suicide and cutting services is very painful so states are looking for painless wyas to raise revenue. Since sin taxes are seen as voluntary taxes that is the way to go. If there was a better way I am sure they would do it.
Posted by: Kevin | August 05, 2009 at 12:27 PM