"Even when we're not good, God's goodness and kindness pursue us." - Memphis Area Bishop Bill McAlilly.
Methodist history mixed on abolitionism
MADISON, N. J. (UMNS) - In his final letter written on Feb. 24, 1791, John Wesley encouraged William Wilberforce to continue his efforts to abolish the slave trade. But, as the Rev. Robert J. Williams, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, notes, "The story of the efforts of the predecessor churches of The United Methodist Church to abolish slavery is a mixed one."
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Bishop helps start new congregation in prison
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (UMNS) - Bishop Bill McAlilly drew laughter during a Feb. 16 worship service at Grace Place United Methodist Church in Memphis when he asked members of the congregation if they had ever been pursued. Lane Gardner Camp of the Memphis Annual (regional) Conference explains that Grace Place is inside a prison for women and the bishop wasn't referring to being pursued by law enforcement. He was talking about being pursued by God.
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E-store offers United Methodist resources
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - United Methodist Communications has launched a redesigned denominational e-store at shop.umc.org. The new store provides a one-stop shop for a variety of denominational resources, including local leadership products, resources and promotional materials - including new product offerings.
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Gentzler retiring from adult ministries post
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(UMNS) - Richard H. Gentzler Jr., who has served as director of Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship for 13 years, is retiring effective July 1. Gentzler began his ministry 38 years ago, serving as pastor of United Methodist churches in Pennsylvania and Maryland. He has been involved in adult ministries for 22 years at the Board of Discipleship.
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Pastor loses Chicago election
CHICAGO (UMNS) - Robin Kelly, a former Illinois state representative, won the Feb. 26 special Democratic primary to fill the Congressional seat of Jesse L. Jackson Jr. The Rev. Larry Pickens, pastor of Southlawn United Methodist Church, was among the 15 other candidates on the Democratic ballot. The general election will be April 9.
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