In her column, Rev. Danita R. Anderson calls the church to embrace practicing hope as a way of navigating loss, change, and uncertainty. Rather than remaining stuck in despair, she invites readers to recognize God’s ongoing work of renewal and new beginnings. Through hope, we are challenged to see our lives, churches, and communities with new eyes and renewed trust in God’s faithfulness.
Read MoreRev. Christian Coon challenges a familiar Wesleyan phrase by urging churches to make their mission more local and personal. Instead of starting with the world, he encourages congregations to see their immediate communities, their streets, neighborhoods, and towns, as their parish. This shift, he suggests, leads to deeper relationships, more meaningful ministry, and a renewed commitment to social holiness
Read MoreEugene Williams calls on believers to embrace hope as the foundation for facing the uncertainties of 2026. Rooted in Christ’s victory, this hope equips Christians with courage, strength, and authority to live faithfully and persevere in ministry. Laity Convocation 2026, “Moving Forward With Hope,” offers an opportunity to gather and strengthen this resolve together.
Read MoreAs churches review their 2025 finances, Rev. Chris Walters invites leaders to consider whether surplus funds and reserves are truly working for ministry. Rather than leaving money idle in low-yield accounts, churches can cultivate their financial “pots” through thoughtful investment strategies that help funds grow and keep pace with inflation.
Read MoreWheatland Salem United Methodist Church in Naperville is extending Christ’s welcome to the growing Ukrainian and Slavic community in DuPage and Will counties through multilingual worship and vibrant children’s and youth ministries, supported by a 2025 Bishop’s Appeal for Migrant Needs grant. The congregation now hosts weekly programs serving children and teens, along with worship offered in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Beyond programs, the church is providing advocacy, prayer, and practical support for families facing immigration uncertainty, embodying compassion and solidarity in a time of deep need.
Read MoreEmmanuel UMC in Evanston is celebrating Christmas with a stunning display of traditional Indian Christian decorations, featuring thousands of individually hand-cut paper elements crafted from special decorative paper imported from India.
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