Voices

When United Methodists gather in St. Louis next month, Rev. Paul Graves is expecting something akin to a "wresting match". According to Graves, the story of Jacob could provide some helpful insights to delegates and observers of the General Conference.

By Rev. Richenda Fairhurst May 20, 2016 | Camas, Washington I dreamed last night of people gathered around a table. They sat against earthy plush cushions—real people...

By Rev. Richenda Fairhurst May 18, 2016 | Portland, Oregon We who pastor at the local church level are by and large leading struggling churches. Today’s pastoral...

By Rev. Peter K. Perry, Olympia First UMC Last Sunday we had over 50 people walking in the annual CROP Walk from First Olympia, raising...

"Story telling just hasn’t made enough difference." Amory Peck, former PNW Conference Lay Leader and delegate to a number of General Conferences, shares her story of advocating for change in The United Methodist Church and her take on the Uniting Methodist Movement. She believes their proposal to be a overreaching call for unity in the church "done on the backs of too, too many children of God."

Commentary by Rev. Kathy Neary Far from the Mind of Christ “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 Here’s my...

By Kristina Gonzalez May 16, 2016 | Portland, Oregon I am a General Conference junky. I admit it. This is my fifth General Conference. I attended...

By Megan Kilpatrick | WJ Lay Delegate It started with a fairly innocuous question: "What do I wear to General Conference?" True to my Millennial roots,...

Dear Mom and Dad, Welcome back from the mission trip, Dad. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. While Dad was away I joined a group of over...

By Sue Magrath May 14, 2016 | Portland, Oregon I sit in the prayer room, steeped in the holy silence. I am a spiritual director, available...