Reporting to the Council of Bishops on Nov. 2, the denomination's Call to Action Steering Committee laid out a vision of The United Methodist Church of the future and urged a system-wide assessment. Key issues include outreach to youth and young adults and the continuation of guaranteed appointments. A 12-member team led by Bishop Gregory Palmer will lead the evaluation. ... Read More >

Student Day Offering blesses many

United Methodist Student Day awards scholarships and loans to people across the United States...maybe even someone you know. As costs continue to rise, these grants support many in their education goals. Participating Annual Conferences receive 10% of the offering for merit scholarship awards.... Read More >

Judicial Council holds line on gay issues

The United Methodist Church has remained firm in upholding its traditional stance that homosexual practice “is incompatible with Christian teaching.” In a decision released Nov. 2, the Judicial Council struck down a resolution that said the church is divided on the issue. “The effect of the Baltimore-Washington resolution is to negate the church’s clearly stated position,” the council wrote.  ... Read More >

Resource features United Methodist Way

"The United Methodist Way" is a 20-minute flash presentation that shows how following John Wesley's rules leads to transformed lives and a transformed world. It's available for download from the General Board of Discipleship for use in membership classes and other small groups.... Read More >

Session to focus on flexible housing

The 2009 Annual Conference voted to schedule an open meeting for the Bishop and the Cabinet to discuss the process of appointment-making in the West Michigan Conference, with particular reference to the Conference Flexible Housing Policy and how it is administered. That meeting has been set for Nov. 30 at Lansing Trinity UMC.    ... Read More >