Get Your Spirit in Shape

"Racism is the air we breathe, the water we swim in," says the Rev.  Dr. Donnell FitzJeffries. In this conversation about the complexities of racism, and the challenges of honest conversations, we are encouraged to be "holy surprised" at how the church an lead the way to be transformed by our collective diversity. More information … Continue reading "Embracing Diversity in a World Where Racism is the "Air We Breathe""

In a poignant and powerful conversation about faith and loss, Julie Hilliard Wood, a lifelong United Methodist, shares her family’s story of how homophobia and rejection within the church had devastating consequences and reminds us of how critically important it is to create safe and loving spaces for all of God’s children. More information and … Continue reading "Faith, loss and the fight for inclusion: A mother's story"

Even as we believe our differences are our downfall, scripture tells us that diversity is the source of our beauty. The Rev. Beth Crissman discusses the Purple Church Initiative, a guide to harmony that challenges us to take up Jesus’ call to be ambassadors of peace, and how, as John Wesley taught, to be of … Continue reading "Blessed are the peacemakers"

We live in a delight-deficient world, one where we, as adults, are driven to be productive and where play is seldom prioritized. The Rev. Tyler Strange reminds us that soul care means living from the inside out and that by rediscovering joy, we can unlock a playful spirit. More information and a full transcript of … Continue reading "Rediscovering joy: Prioritizing play in a delight-deficient world"

Protecting sacred spaces is a passion for Selena Ruth Smith. A firefighter and deaconess, the cradle United Methodist shares tips for how all of us can promote fire safety in our local congregations. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected] Connect … Continue reading "Safeguarding safe spaces: A UM firefighter's ministry"

A lifelong United Methodist and career minister who describes himself as "conservative" discusses how, rather than focus on differences within the denomination, he concentrates on the common mission to make disciples, a space that supports The UMC’s “big tent” distinction. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question […]

Discover how a “holy nudge” led Jordan Cramer on a journey from self-doubt to self-discovery while earning his Master of Divinity degree. The cradle United Methodist’s story of commitment and faith reveals God’s transformative power available to all of us. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Have a question […]

Mental wellness is a spectrum where each of us resides. Creating inclusive and diverse spaces so all of us can feel safe regardless of where we fall on the spectrum is a primary focus at First United Methodist Church in Holland, Michigan. First UMC’s director of education Jill DeJonge shares her own story of growing […]

“Never waste a good crisis,” Winston Churchill was quoted as saying. In Brian McLaren’s new book, “Life After Doom,” the pastor, author and American theologian urges us to confront the multifaceted crisis facing the world, especially climate change, political polarization, religious supremacy and growing economic inequality. With The United Methodist Church navigating its own crisis […]

Jessica Vittorio is a lawyer by trade, someone who spends her workdays amid conflict and difficult settings. As a lay delegate at the upcoming General Conference, the lifelong United Methodist knows the business of the church also can be challenging at times. But what she has found while preparing for the denomination’s largest legislative gathering […]