From the UM Portal

As church memberships decline, many congregations are merging and leaving church facilities. Linda Bloom of UMNS has the story of churches weighing decisions to invest in ministry or into repairing aging buildings.

The documentary Lost in Woonsocket begins touring Sept. 1 and follows two homeless men living with addictions. The documentary is endorsed by UM agencies with hopes that churches will begin ministries for the poor. Shanta Bryant Gyan has the story.

The 2010 Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly in Berlin welcomed 350 delegates from around the world. Joey Butler of UMNS has the story of these young adults being not only the future but also the “now” of the UM church.

The Wesley Rankin Center in Dallas helped lower-income families prepare for school with backpacks filled with school supplies in exchange for volunteer hours. Mallory McCall has the story.

Eric Van Meter shares the second installment of participating in Tour De Faith 2010 and tells of his own spiritual awakening through the eyes of an un-churched participant.

On Sunday, August 1, a husband-wife team of Jonathan Coppedge-Henley and Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley began as the “dynamic duo” of First United Methodist Church Charlotte, a historic uptow n church with roots dating back the 1920’s. Methodist officials believe this is... Liz Applegate

I had a phone conversation three weeks ago with famed actor-turned-director Rob Reiner (Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally) about his new movie, Flipped. Haven't heard of it? That's not surprising—even I haven't been able to... Bill Fentum

In an independent study earlier this year, United Methodist churches that used topical preaching showed greater vitality than those using the lectionary. Mary Jacobs explores both styles of sermons and shows why neither should be discounted.

In an independent study earlier this year, United Methodist churches that used topical preaching showed greater vitality than those using the lectionary. Mary Jacobs explores both styles of sermons and shows why neither should be discounted.

Demonstrations mount with the anniversary of 9/11 and the controversy of the Islamic center to be built near Ground Zero. Heather Hahn examines national reactions, including church leaders.

Demonstrations mount with the anniversary of 9/11 and the controversy of the Islamic center to be built near Ground Zero. Heather Hahn examines national reactions, including church leaders.

Adults face added concerns in caring for their aging parents, yet many do not plan until the situation arises. Missy Buchanan shares how one church is helping prepare adult children for the task ahead.

Adults face added concerns in caring for their aging parents, yet many do not plan until the situation arises. Missy Buchanan shares how one church is helping prepare adult children for the task ahead.

Creationism or evolution? Adam Hamilton asks why Christians need to battle over science in the second excerpt from his new book, When Christians Get it Wrong.

Creationism or evolution? Adam Hamilton asks why Christians need to battle over science in the second excerpt from his new book, When Christians Get it Wrong.

Greetings, e-Readers! Does your pastor preach topical sermons or follow the lectionary? In a recent study, United Methodist churches that used topical preaching showed greater vitality. “Not so fast.” says Mary Jacobs in this week’s cover story, as she explores... UMPortal Blogger

It's hard to believe, but we're into September next week. September always felt like the beginning of the year to me, because it marked the beginning of a new school yearl. But September also marks another new beginning - freedom... Mary Jacobs

The 2010 Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly in Berlin welcomed 350 delegates from around the world. Joey Butler of UMNS has the story of these young adults being not only the future but also the “now” of the UM church.

Eric Van Meter shares the second installment of participating in Tour De Faith 2010 and tells of his own spiritual awakening through the eyes of an un-churched participant.

Well-intended sayings can often hurt those in need of encouraging words. Rich Peck offers advice on using Scripture instead of phrases that don’t really reflect God’s character.