From the UM Portal

Greetings, e-Readers! As we’re still in the “dog days” of summer, it’s hard to believe that students will be headed off to college soon. For students on their way to United Methodist-affiliated schools, one thing is certain—an increasing number of... UMPortal Blogger

The documentary 8: The Mormon Proposition explores the Church of the Latter Day Saints’ support for the California referendum to restrict same-sex marriage. Ankita Rao of RNS has the story on this newly released DVD.

Families with elderly members often face difficult decisions in celebrating weddings. Missy Buchanan tells why helping aging loved ones participate is important for the entire family.

Acts of goodness and kindness are not always met with success. But Bishop Woodie White says goodness still prevails in tragic times.

The Columbus Dispatch has this article about a website, ChurchRater.com, that allows visitors to rate their experience and share their impressions of individual churches. "People have always rated their churches, if only in casual conversation," the article says. "Now, thanks... Mary Jacobs

How is baseball related to our habit of overworking? Eric Van Meter offers his analogy and the need for a day of rest by pastors and congregation members alike.

Even non-Christians know what a Christian should stand for. So how does behaving in an unChristian way impact others? Adam Hamilton tells how in the first of a four-part series.

Football as a mission field? The Rev. Robb McCoy, pastor of Chenoa UMC in Illinois, plays semi-professional football and sees it as a way to build relationships. Mary Jacobs has the story.

Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery, Ala., already had an active Web presence before this summer. But the pace has picked up considerably since June 1, when the church hired a digital ministries coordinator. Brendan Harriff, a 22-year-old graduate of Asbury... Bill Fentum

United Methodist pastor and potter Hue Parnell works with clay to make worship vessels used during Communion and baptism services. Mary Jacobs has the story.

Operation Purple serves 10,000 children whose parents are deployed for military service. Barbara Dunlap-Berg of UMNS has this story of camaraderie and recognition.

Our young leaders have wrapped things up at the 2010 Global Young People's Convocation and Legislative Assembly in Berlin. Check out the closing worship ceremonies and check in again soon as we gather the scoop from some of this year's... Mallory McCall

Equipped with hammers, nails and the word of God, this isn’t your typical army. It’s the U.M. ARMY, a highly organized mission program for teenage participants who want to make an impact on communities. Mallory McCall has the story.

Equipped with hammers, nails and the word of God, this isn’t your typical army. It’s the U.M. ARMY, a highly organized mission program for teenage participants who want to make an impact on communities. Mallory McCall has the story.

United Methodist pensions and foundation funds have stakes in British Petroleum, which can help put pressure on companies to clean up their act. Heather Hawn of the UMNS has the story.

United Methodist pensions and foundation funds have stakes in British Petroleum, which can help put pressure on companies to clean up their act. Heather Hawn of the UMNS has the story.

The nation’s largest organization of Muslims gave its Interfaith Unity Award to the Northern Illinois Conference, and called United Methodists “remarkable.” Susan Hogan of UMNS has the story.

The nation’s largest organization of Muslims gave its Interfaith Unity Award to the Northern Illinois Conference, and called United Methodists “remarkable.” Susan Hogan of UMNS has the story.

I have a confession: I am a church communicator. I don’t mean that in a way that describes my chosen profession, it is something that God put in my heart. It is my God-calling. Coming to work for UMR as... Liz Applegate

Participants at the Global Young People's Convocation and Legislative Assembly(GYPCLA) are not letting the rain stop them from exploring Berlin today. Some of you are probably wondering how sightseeing ties into strengthening the church...or even the Christian faith. Well, here's... Mallory McCall