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1. Postmoderns and an ex-atheist pastor in the Jan. 9 Reporter
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Greetings, e-Readers!
Cultural shifts are nothing new. But they’re a lot easier to figure out when they’re already over. The shift some have dubbed “postmodernism” is still in full swing, though, and for this week’s cover story Bill Fentum takes a look at what that means for churches—from changing worship styles to understanding that some people equate joining a church with subscribing to a magazine.
Also on our cover, a reprint from the Toledo Blade shares the story of an atheist college professor turned believer, and has become a United Methodist pastor to boot.
Commentaries this week include Donald Haynes’ suggestions for how to connect with people’s innate need for God; Bishop Robert Schnase shares how a brief conversation inspired him to pray for his pastors; a non-denominational pastor says God intends us to have greater diversity in the Church; and Joseph Yoo reminds us to carefully consider what we give to those in need (hint: not the pants with holes in them, OK?).
Plus, tour buses converted into homeless shelters in Hawaii; speculation on what kind of church the Obamas will seek as they settle into the White House; a cross-border Communion service; History of Hymns tackles a Bonhoeffer classic; a review of the new Jackson Browne release and more.
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Robin Russell, Managing Editor
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Attachment:
Date Sent: 12/31/2008 10:59:47 AM
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2. Sneak Preview UM Reporter 11-14
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Greetings, e-Readers! I’ve been hanging with the United Methodist Council of Bishops this week, covering their first meeting since episcopal elections in July added new active bishops. In his first address to his peers, new Council President Bishop Gregory Palmer said it’s OK to “stumble” a bit as the church takes risks in working to fulfill its mission.
Too late for the 11-14 print version (but it will be in the 11-21 hard copy), is a story about bishops’ reactions to the election of Barack Obama. Here’s a link to the online version that’s posted already on the portal:
Also on the 11-14 cover: Just in case we’re headed toward another Great Depression, Mary Jacobs wants to make certain that we’re ready. She talked with some older Methodists who remember how their families and congregations coped during the hard times of the 1930s.
Hard times already abound for some folks. I had the opportunity recently to screen the documentary Lost In Woonsocket, which focuses on the plight of homeless people as told through the story of one man. Now no longer homeless, he works as an advocate for those who are still in need. I spoke with him and the United Methodist pastor whose outreach to the homeless is also featured in the documentary.
Bill Fentum has two reviews this issue: One is of the DVD release Eating Mercifully (tough topic; difficult images; worth watching) and the other for the new Clint Eastwood film Changeling (can’t Clint make a movie anymore that doesn’t rely on depressing clichés?).
Plus, more on Hurricane Ike recovery, Andrew Thompson looks at Internet-based Communion (yes, you read that right) and Donald Haynes says we’re too Enlightenment-oriented and need to recover a connection to the Spirit.
All this, and more. Enjoy!
Blessings,
Robin Russell, Managing Editor
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Attachment:
Date Sent: 11/6/2008 11:45:17 AM
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3. Sneak Preview UM Reporter 11-7 issue
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Greetings, e-Readers!
If we’re honest, we’ll admit that we all make assumptions about people. For example, we might be tempted to assume that someone over age 80 doesn’t have e-mail. Think again. For our cover feature, Amy Forbus interviewed an octogenarian blogger and some other retirees who are keeping up with evolving technology just fine, thank you.
And if you think women can’t construct a building or two, you’ll be impressed with Mary Jacobs’ essay about a mission trip she took with 37 other women last month to Juarez. While she was getting into the mission-work mindset, she interviewed Don Richter, author of Mission Trips That Matter. Our Q&A this week resulted from that conversation.
And OK, one more. You might assume it would be easy to choose a United Methodist of the Year for 2008, but we’re soliciting some nominations. Last year, we recognized Bishops Sally Dyck and Scott Jones for staying in dialogue despite their theological and political differences—setting an example for all United Methodists as the 2008 General Conference approached. This year’s honoree will be announced in our Jan. 2 issue. The deadline is Dec. 10. Send your nominations—and reasons why you think he/she/they should be chosen—to news@umr.org.
Commentators this week include Bishop Robert Schnase, on how we ought not do ministry from a position of worry and fear, because it doesn’t do anyone much good; Bishop Woodie White, on an interracial friendship where race ceased to matter; Shannon Vowell, on holiday busyness supplanting holiday holiness; and young clergywoman Melissa Yosua-Davis, with an experience of receiving extravagant generosity from an unexpected source.
All this, plus a feature on military chaplains, History of Hymns, book reviews and more.
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Robin Russell, Managing Editor
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Attachment:
Date Sent: 10/30/2008 12:01:13 PM
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