laity

Ecumenism
Stephen Ministers from First United Methodist Church of Haddonfield, N.J., discuss how to share and use information gained during a celebration and learning event for the ecumenical ministry Sept. 26. While the church has 17 active Stephen Ministers and two supervisory Stephen Leaders, it hopes to recruit more to meet growing needs in its community.  From left are Dan Gendron, Michael Persons, Betty Jo Zeno, Bud DelCamp and Stephen Ministry Co-Leader Lou Schopfer. Gendron joined the ministry after appreciating the care his late wife received from a Stephen Minister.  Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Stephen Ministries marks 50 years of training caregivers

The ecumenical ministry is hosting nationwide training events to equip church members, including United Methodists, to provide one-on-one support to people facing life’s challenges.
Mission and Ministry
Participants in the Korean Association of The United Methodist Church’s 50th anniversary convocation pose with San Francisco Bay behind them after morning worship Oct. 6. The theme of the Oct. 5-8 gathering in Burlingame, Calif., was “Encounter, Engage, Empower.” Photo by the Rev. Eung-Sun Kim, UM News.

Korean church leaders welcome new generation

The Korean Association of The United Methodist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary with 315 clergy and lay leaders. Those gathered explored ways to nurture the next generation’s leadership and strengthen partnerships across communities.
Church Leadership
Dr. Katelin Hansen. Photo by Maxine Moore, courtesy of the author.

Deaconesses are still here – let’s invest in them too!

A distinctly separate order from deacons, deaconesses and home missioners serve in a wide variety of full-time lay ministries for the church.
General Conference
Micheal Pope (right) speaks during the Laity Address during the United Methodist General Conference April 25 in Charlotte, N.C., along with (from left) LaToya Redd Thompson, John Hall, Jennifer Swann and Mele Maka. The speakers urged United Methodists to work together and keep the faith despite the setback of church disaffiliations. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

A journalist and a cartoon fish can point the way

With the future of The United Methodist Church at stake, believers need to trust in God, be faithful witnesses and work together, said speakers during the Laity Address at General Conference.

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