News
Tuesday, Jan 7, 2020
A number of proposals for the reorganization of The United Methodist Church will be considered by General Conference delegates at its upcoming meeting May 5-15, 2020 in Minneapolis.
Below you will find a link to each of the major proposals as well as a downloadable comparison chart. Plans are listed in alphabetical order and does not include proposals from individuals. Further details are in the documents and legislation. All proposals will be open for amendmen... (read more)
Friday, Jan 3, 2020
A diverse group of representatives from United Methodist advocacy groups with contrasting views and bishops from around the world has collaborated on a proposed agreement for the separation of The United Methodist Church (UMC) that has the unanimous support of all the parties involved. The agreement, the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, was achieved on December 17, 2019 and announced today. The action comes amid heightened tensions in... (read more)
Thursday, Dec 26, 2019
A Just Resolution in the judicial complaint against Rev. Donald “Bud” Heckman has been reached. Effective December 23, 2019, Heckman was “retired under complaint.” He is no longer under appointment nor allowed to conduct sacerdotal functions and will perform no ministerial activities in the name of The United Methodist Church. As a result of the Just Resolution, there will be no church trial.
During this process, Heckman acknowledged his regret in not being f... (read more)
Thursday, Dec 19, 2019
Imagine for a minute you're one of the shepherds interrupted by an angel in the midst of your night shift caring for your sheep.
You receive a message that the Savior of the world is born. But, before that ever registers, there's a problem.
You're terrified.
The phrase "they were terrified" means both fear and flight, as in running away. The shepherds could have run the other direction in terror-stricken flight. They could have tried to outrun the angels. They... (read more)
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019
2019 W-2 forms are due to all employees by January 31, 2020. Information to help with preparing IRS Form W-2 for clergy, which can be complicated, can be found on the Conference website. Use the worksheet and example here as a guide for preparing your pastor's W-2. This sample spreadsheet and W-2 is just that, a sample. Your fact set may include more or fewer items to report (for example, moving expenses which are now taxable if paid or reimbursed are not in t... (read more)
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019
The United Methodist Church has a long history of tackling complicated, controversial and contemporary topics such as polygamy, child marriage, abortion, violence and treatment of migrants.
While much attention currently is focused on the church's stance on LGBTQ people, it is not the only human struggle the church prays about and addresses.
For the past eight years, a diverse group of writers and editors has been revising the denomination's Social Principles,... (read more)
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019
The confirmation retreat at Camp Wesley is an enhancement to your church's current confirmation program. Students who are already in the confirmation process at their church can attend this great retreat designed to supplement the confirmation experience. This weekend retreat will provide students an opportunity to explore their own faith journey through 4 selected topics: Covenant, Spiritual Gifts, Wesleyan Tradition and The Apostles Creed.
Youth Pastors who... (read more)
Thursday, Dec 12, 2019
By now, many of you have heard or read the headlines regarding the future of The United Methodist Church and a proposed separation plan. Headlines are often deceiving which may increase the number of visitors to their social media channel but often confuse the reader. Depending on the news outlet you frequent, their interpretation of the proposal may affect your immediate response. For that reason, I urge you to refer to the following information.
The firs... (read more)
Monday, Dec 9, 2019
Advent is here. And with it, all the preparations for Christmas. Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at a few people who appear in the story of Jesus' birth and how they demonstrated courage. Today we're beginning with Mary.
And before you say, "what about Joseph?" we're exploring the Courage of Joseph on the Transforming Mission blog.
We're pretty sure if you've ever spent any time with an expecting mom and dad, excitement, joy, and wonder aren't th... (read more)
Monday, Dec 9, 2019
A new survey from United Methodist Communications found willingness to visit a United Methodist Church rose to 42 percent in 2019 among U.S. adults seeking more spirituality in their lives and who are aware of the denomination. That's up from 28 percent in 2017.
About half of those who would be willing to visit a United Methodist church said they would definitely or probably do so in the next three months. Millennials are more likely than GenX-ers to say they... (read more)