First United Brethren Church

How shunned Jehovah's Witness mom killed her entire family

She made a video of herself saying that she was "broken" and that she didn't want to burden her family.

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Blade publisher, aviation expert to wed Nov. 19

John Robinson Block, of Pittsburgh and Toledo, and Mary Fackler Schiavo, of Isle of Palms, S.C., and Pioneer, Ohio, have announced their wedding engagement. ...

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin prohibited in the Bible, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now. And we have really good news for homosexuals.

Why say "the body of Christ, broken for you"?

Learn the two reasons those words are spoken at communion.

Video series, coming seminars show how focus on generosity can invigorate congregations

Say “thank you” early and often, and not just once a year.Talk about faith and generosity in worship. Make it “as central as the spiritual practices of

What God Does When We Strip the Facade

I remember a time when my marriage was falling apart, and I felt desperately alone and afraid. Despite the situation, I could not bear to tell anyone about

How Marriage Is a Picture of Christ and the Church

Marriage is a holy covenant between a man and his wife. It is also a reminder of Christ's commitment to His Bride, the Church, and His sacrifice for her.

To those who are contemplating leaving the United Methodist Church

I write this letter with an aching heart. I have heard the pain in the voices of so many of you, wondering if it is time to “shake the dust off” and leave your local church. As your bishop, I cannot ask you to stay in a place where your soul cannot be at rest. However, I will share with you why I, a

What names can we use for God?

Could reorganizing agencies boost church vitality?

Plan UMC aims to align denominational resources toward fostering vital congregations. United Methodists debate whether it does.

What churches can do when students are home on break

When college students return home on break, some struggle to reconnect. United Methodist churches can use these creative ideas to minister to them.

How to Parent Your Children into Adulthood

We want to start off with the disclaimer that we’re still learning how to parent our adult children, so we’re not claiming that we’ve got it all figured ou

What Does Easter Mean to You?

Something about Easter makes it easy to mark the years. When you’re a kid it’s annual photos posed next to a basket that’s overflowing with neon grass and

What Broccoli and the Bible Have in Common

A friend asked me the other day how I manage to read my Bible every day. She said she has a hard time getting into it or understanding it. How do you “fall

What I Wish I Knew in My 20s

“In your 30s you’ll be tested on the commitments you made in your 20s.” – Gene Edwards, The Inward Journey This quote stuck in my head ever since I read it

Does the church have an official Bible?

United Methodists are not restricted to one version of the Bible. Learn why.

Pacific Beach United Methodist Church

Is Jesus still in the habit of inviting himself over for dinner? How might we respond to such an invitation?

KCKPD and Churches United for Justice team up violence prevention initiative

“We’ve got to build a trust between our communities because we need each other,”

Turning to the Bible when sorrow strikes

When natural disasters or other tragedies occur, some struggle with questions about God. A scripture written after devastation offers a ray of hope.