Arcola Club

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

To those who are contemplating leaving the United Methodist Church

I write this letter with an aching heart. I have heard the pain in the voices of so many of you, wondering if it is time to “shake the dust off” and leave your local church. As your bishop, I cannot ask you to stay in a place where your soul cannot be at rest. However, I will share with you why I, a

Does U.S. theological education have a future?

Scholars see a coming shortage of teachers for The United Methodist Church's teachers. They met to discuss the problem and what to do about it.

What names can we use for God?

Why say "the body of Christ, broken for you"?

Learn the two reasons those words are spoken at communion.

Real happiness is more than putting on a face

What makes us happy? A United Methodist pastor and a professor agree that it is not about externals we receive or achieve, but an 'inside job.'

Pacific Beach United Methodist Church

What do these stories say to us about hope for ourselves, for our loved ones and for our hurting world?

6 examples of effective Wesleyan evangelism

United Methodist Harry Denman Award winners show that sharing the good news doesn’t have to be scary or intrusive.

Ways to help when fire strikes

There are several ways United Methodists can assist communities affected by wildfires through support of victims, firefighters, and others.

Can health care law save conferences money?

United Methodist conferences, facing mounting health care costs, are turning to the Affordable Care Act for relief.

Could reorganizing agencies boost church vitality?

Plan UMC aims to align denominational resources toward fostering vital congregations. United Methodists debate whether it does.

Turning to the Bible when sorrow strikes

When natural disasters or other tragedies occur, some struggle with questions about God. A scripture written after devastation offers a ray of hope.

Does the church have an official Bible?

United Methodists are not restricted to one version of the Bible. Learn why.

What churches can do when students are home on break

When college students return home on break, some struggle to reconnect. United Methodist churches can use these creative ideas to minister to them.

40 Days of Lent: Find your own spiritual path

United Methodists are invited to observe a holy Lent. These ideas will help us find our way to a more meaningful season.

Does Jesus have something to teach us about toxic busyness?

There's definitely a lot of important things to be done. But is our busyness always productive?

We’re getting a new pastor! What can I do?

When leadership changes, so do churches. A pastor who has been there before shares lessons learned and tips to make things work well right from the start.

Why do so many churches have red doors?

Remembering Who We Are: Where covenant, justice and unity meet

This fall I have used a simple drawing of three circles to portray something of where we are as a church in the present moment. The three circles are...

What is Nautical Boat Club?

Experience the joys of owning a boat without having to deal with the expenses and maintenance with Nautical Boat Club.