Recent content by Origen

In addition to stating that homosexual practice is "incompatible with Christian teaching," the Discipline also states that: Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth; We affirm that God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together...

This has and will play out according to the Disciple. The pastor was removed because of his violation of the Discipline, as discussed above. He was removed by the Clergy Session according to the Discipline. And their action will be upheld by the Judicial Council in a couple of weeks, as per the...

Agreed. Good job connecting the dots. ;) It is while in the body of Christ that I'm most likey to be convicted of my sin by the Holy Spirit and by Grace led to freedom. During our Baptism, we are asked and we affirm this: "Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the...

Yes. This is not a hypothetical question.

Hungree, here is some information straight from UMC.org. And:

A question, not hypothetical, for those who think the pastor in Virginia acted correctly in denying membership to another: Should Church membership be denied to whites who belong to whites-only social organizations outside the church, for example a country club? For reference, the Church...

De Colores!

This is the first year that formal training is not required (see here for more about that), but I'd still recommend the formal training if you can do it. I got certified to instruct several years ago and I thought the training was outstanding: in addition to the solid foundation you recieve...

This story was provided by the news service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America just this week and reprinted by the United Methodist News Service: I would also share your assessment the ELCA and the UMC share a common heritage with Christians of every age and nation and share basic...

The first step is to take the Basic Course. Completion of the Basic Course will qualify you as a Local Church Lay Speaker. To become a Certified Lay Speaker, able to preach throughout your Conference, you need to take one or more of the Advanced Courses. Talk to your Pastor or District...

Fascinating figure from early, early Church history:

SandyLou, This may sound premature, but I'd like to plant the seed that you may be hearing a call to teach. Just something to think about while you enjoy this and later Disciple classes. I can tell you from my personal experience that taking the Disciple Training Seminar and later facilitating...

Hi Kayanne: I think you'll get a better, more accessible and personal answer from WesleyJohn, but this would be a book answer:

I imagine it's natural to feel a little nervous, but that will only heighten your experience on Sunday. And don't worry, Methodists are usually very friendly to visitors; that "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors" campaign is not just marketing hype. And they won't have any problem at all with...

Many, perhaps most, United Methodist Churches celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month, and this weekend is World Communion Sunday, so I'd be surprised if you aren't invited to table. We practice open communion, so you will be welcome and invited to table. Communion Sundays...