Memorial United Methodist Church

Melvin Butler, a jazz saxophonist and ethnomusicologist, speaks to Faith and Leadership about his research into music and religion in the African diaspora.

In his Wesleyan Wisdom column, the Rev. Donald Haynes looks back to the early days of American Methodism, and finds lessons for today.

Questions linger after the death of Thomas Kinkade, a hugely popular painter who used Christian imagery in his works. Religion News Service reports.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Rev. James Howell writes that General Conference delegates need less time with Robert’s Rules of Order and more with prayerful discernment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Drew University has an exhibit on Civil War Methodism and Bridwell Library at Perkins School of Theology has one on centuries-old religious books for children. Our story looks at both displays.

Retired Bishop Woodie W. White pens his annual “Letter to Martin” column, this time with a focus on progress made in race relations and the challenges that remain.

Staff writer Mary Jacobs reviews 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics. She notes that John Wesley was an inspiration for this new volume.

C. Michael Hawn’s latest History of Hymns column looks at the Advent hymn “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” with text by Charles Wesley.

The Rev. John Wagner writes about finding an unlikely ally – a socially and politically conservative UM lay member – on the issue of using divestment to pressure Israel to treat Palestinians more fairly.