"Jesus' answer was you can't have good fruit from a bad tree. I think that was the story of Martin Luther King Jr. - his dream was such good fruit for all of us, and more should have been listening 50 years ago." - Jaydee Hanson, co-chair of the board of church and society for the Virginia Annual (regional) Conference.
United Methodists remember and look ahead
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - "It was not an African-American event; it was a broader experience," said the Rev. Larry Pickens, pastor of Southlawn United Methodist Church in Chicago, who participated in the Aug. 24 events marking the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.
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The March on Washington, then and now
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - President Obama headlined a long list of speakers for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, urging Americans of today to capture the spirit of those who marched for freedom and justice. "In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it," he said. The Rev. Kristin Stoneking, a California-Pacific Annual (regional) Conference elder and recently appointed leader of the interfaith group Fellowship of Reconciliation, was among those who preceded Obama in addressing the crowd from the steps of Washington's Lincoln Memorial. Elsewhere, United Methodists shared their memories of the 1963 March and hopes for social change going forward.
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Hymn of Hymns: 'God of the Sparrow'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - C. Michael Hawn offers insights into "God of the Sparrow," No. 122 in the United Methodist Hymnal, and its author Jaroslav J. Vajda, arguably the preeminent Lutheran hymn writer of the 20th century.
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Camp Joy gladdens special-needs adults
EVA, Tenn. (UMNS) - Camp Joy at United Methodist-related Lakeshore Camp and Retreat Centeroffers many of the usual summer camp activities (swimming, crafts, hayrides, skits, singing, dancing, worship, awards, evening vespers and more), but with distinctive care and attention for adult campers with special needs. Lane Gardner Camp of theMemphis Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
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100-year-old pipe organ restored to grandeur
COLUMBIA, Tenn. (UMNS) - After a silence of more than 40 years, when church organist Debbie Evenson strikes the first chord on the newly refurbished pipe organ at Spring Hill United Methodist Church, its majestic music will resonate throughout the sanctuary and beyond. The Daily Herald tells the story of the restoration of this instrument installed before the turn of the 19th century.
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Science and religion course offered
CLAREMONT, Calif. (UMNS) - United Methodist-related Claremont School of Theology will offer an introduction to science and religion online and in class for laypeople, working clergy and students. The 90-minute lectures will be offered 11:30 a.m. PT Mondays, Sept. 9-Oct. 14. Theologian Philip Clayton, an international leader in the dialogue between science and religion, and Tripp Fuller, youth minister and co-founder of HomebrewedChristianity.com, are instructors. Course costs $30.
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9 questions church visitors are not asking
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - So how soon can I get involved in your committees? Matt Rosine, a congregational consultant for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), offers this and other questions church visitors aren't asking but churches are still trying to answer. His blog appeared on the United Methodist Publishing House's Ministry Matters site.
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