Basingstoke Methodist Circuit

UMR Communications Headlines

1. Q&A: Reaching out through ministry of music
   Melvin Butler, a jazz saxophonist and ethnomusicologist, speaks to Faith and Leadership about his research into music and religion in the African diaspora.
2. WESLEYAN WISDOM: Some reflections on early American Methodism
   In his Wesleyan Wisdom column, the Rev. Donald Haynes looks back to the early days of American Methodism, and finds lessons for today.
3. Questions remain after painter Kinkade’s death
   Questions linger after the death of Thomas Kinkade, a hugely popular painter who used Christian imagery in his works. Religion News Service reports.
4. UM Men has strength, purpose at Mo. church
   United Methodist Men at St. James UMC in Kansas City sponsored a 6 a.m. worship service on New Year’s Day, pulling in a much-larger-than-expected crowd.
5. Reporter launches new website

   To coincide with the start of General Conference 2012, the United Methodist Reporter has launched its new website!
   
   Click here to go to: UnitedMethodistReporter.org

6. GC2012: Young delegate gets help, homework from bishop
   Ricky Harrison is just 20, but he was a top vote-getter for North Texas Conference delegate to General Conference. He’s been preparing rigorously, including tutorials in Methodism from Bishop Dan Solomon.
7. COMMENTARY:‘Old wineskins’ hurt African-American churches
   F. Douglas Powe, Jr., of Saint Paul School of Theology, argues that African-American churches too often “perpetuate an old-wineskins mentality” and need to learn to adapt.
8. GC2012: Work continues on issues, details as GC 2012 looms
   General Conference 2012 looms, and that means attention to last-minute details, as well as lobbying on key issues. Our story looks at the home stretch of the lead-up, and previews the Episcopal Address.
9. COMMENTARY: Robert’s Rules of Order aren’t best guide for GC
   The Rev. James Howell writes that General Conference delegates need less time with Robert’s Rules of Order and more with prayerful discernment.
10. Q&A: Sibling delegates share hopes for GC 2012
    The Rev. Rebekah Miles and the Rev. John Miles are siblings who will both be General Conference delegates. UMNS has a Q&A with them.
11. Best Laid Plans: Structure struggles continue
    The main proposal for restructuring the UMC’s general agencies has found fans but also many critics. As General Conference approaches, alternatives have emerged, including one called simply Plan B.
12. GC2012: No more free cookies at General Conference
    Free cookies have been a staple and a symbol of General Conventions past. But not this time. It will be BYOC - bring your own cookies. Staff writer Mary Jacobs talks to GC officials about the change.
13. GC2012 Q&A: Choosing symbols for worship at GC 2012
    Marcia McFee will be worship and music director for General Conference 2012. In a Q&A with staff writer Mary Jacobs, Ms. McFee shared how she’s planning for the big event and what to expect.
14. Worthy partners: Two churches get support for preservation, outreach
    Two historic urban UM churches in Dallas have won building preservation grants through Partners for Sacred Places. The group noted the community outreach work of both Oak Lawn UMC and Grace UMC.
15. Student Initiative - Sophomore’s fundraiser helps UM school in Africa
    A sophomore at UMC-affiliated Southwestern University organized an event benefiting Kamina Methodist University in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Special contributor Joan La Barr reports.