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Bishop Judith Craig interviews all of the living United Methodist women bishops and weaves their reflections together to tell the Church, especially young women and those interested in ministry, the stories of these pioneers at the episcopal level. Each bishop has been asked to reflect on her early life, her education, her call to ministry, how she emerged as a leader, and what she identifies in looking back that helped shape how she carries out her role today. ... Read more

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"What does it mean to be a United Methodist?" The answer to this question, says Kenneth H. Carter, Jr., is to live a particular way of life and follow a particular form of discipleship. The distinctive aspects of that way of discipleship are contained in what has recently come to be known as "the practices." Christian practices are things done together, over time, in response to God's grace. They constitute an extended argument against some harmful alternative in the culture; they address and define a fundamental human need; they come to focus in worship; and they add up to a way of life. Carter contends that there are 6 essential practices in the United Methodist tradition: (1) searching the scriptures, (2) generosity with the poor, (3) testimony, (4) singing, (5) Holy Communion, and (6) Christian conferencing.

Written primarily for those who lead in United Methodist congregations, this book will give the reader not only an understanding of what the central United Methodist practices are, but also how they can be taught. Being formed in and by these practices does not happen overnight; it happens across a lifetime of observing the practices in others and trying them out oneself. Neglecting the Christian practices--failing to attend to them--can mean a life devoid of much of the purpose and power that life in the Spirit can hold.

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What is the distinctive role of seminaries in shaping religious thought and practice, molding professional church leadership, and supporting the extension of the Body of Christ? Are timeless truth and living tradition in creative tension or devastating combat? In this book, Fisher treats these and other critical points of inquiry and reflection from a United Methodist perspective. ... Read more

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It was only a country road with no idea of its destiny as a major thoroughfare running through the heart of Indianapolis. They were simply hardworking men and women looking for a new place to live out their faith. In the midst of the cornfields and woodlands a miracle was destined to take place. Because of their vision to see into the future, their passion to create for their families a new church in that "wild" land, and their tremendous faith to trust where God would lead, a miracle took place on what would eventually be known as 86th Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. That miracle is called St. Luke's United Methodist Church.A church building alone, however, is no miracle. The miracle of St. Luke's began with those founding members whose pioneering spirit, incredible passion and inspired vision continued for over fifty years. St. Luke's has experienced unprecedented growth, and its impact has been felt throughout the world. By embracing the St. Luke's mission statement to be "An open community of Christians gathering to seek, celebrate, live and share the love of God for all creation," the people of St. Luke's have been able to live out the church's vision statement as well: "To transform our world into a compassionate, inclusive and Christ-like community." Policies written on paper don't accomplish these things. People of faith, vision and passion accomplish these things. The stories of those people are recounted in these pages; to read these stories is to intimately understand how St. Luke's came to be one of the premiere United Methodist Churches in the country.There is no one better situated to tell that story than Dr. Carver McGriff. Carver served as St. Luke's senior pastor for 26 years - a length of time virtually unheard of in the Methodist church. Carver offers insights into the early history of St. Luke's, delves deeply into his own time, and brings us to the current life of St. Luke's. Carver's journey and the St. Luke's journey are inextricably linked. The story will appeal to St. Luke's members new and old as they relive favorite memories and learn about the behind-the-scenes workings of their church. Carver's open discussion of pastoral issues will be of interest to ministers as well, providing insight and letting pastors know that they are not alone in their struggles and joys. It is ultimately a story for anyone interested in how a community - through turmoil, joy, disagreement, change and celebration - created and continues to create miracles. ... Read more

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The story of African Americans in the church offers insight into national history because Methodism parallels the history of the United States. Beginning in the 18th century on the Eastern seaboard, Methodism migrated westward and picked up different emphases as the nation developed. In her chronology, Marilyn Magee Talbert lets the past teach us. She traces the strong faith of African American leaders who in the 18th and 19th centuries recognized the denominations racism, which led to the formation of new Methodist bodies. She shows the ministry of African Americans in the late 19th century and helps us see anew the movement to equality in post-World War II denomination and nation. Talbert does not let us forget important people and lessons from our past, and her chronology guides us toward the future. Primary audience: United Methodists of all racial-ethnic groups who are interested in the history and heritage of their denomination, church libraries, church historians, other Wesleyan denominations that are predominantly African American in membership (AME, AME Zion, and CME) and Black Methodists for Church Renewal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great United Methodist Humor
If you (or people you know) are United Methodists, then this book will be very amusing to you.I suppose that parts of it would also be funny to anyone.

Walker speaks lovingly about the idiocyncracies of the denomination and the people.Since the author worked with churches in both the north and south, he does well to compare and contrast them in the beginning part of the book.He seems a bit tougher on the northerners, but it's all in good fun.The remainder of the book speaks of United Methodists in general.

The whole book is good for laughs.It's also a great ice-breaker to start group meetings and gatherings. ... Read more

Product Description

A great deal of time and planning go into planning a wedding. Each couple wants this day in their continuing faith journey to be special and unique. A Marriage Certificate is one of the few things a couple can carry with them throughout their life together to help remember the commitment they made to one another before God and their church family.

This attractive Certificate includes service of Christian marriage beginning with “Friends, we are gathered. . .”; the certificate features a gold-stamped cross and flame in a circle, and the words “CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE” on the cover. Three certificates, with envelopes are included in each package. Certificates are 5” x 7”.

Words on each certificate are:

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE

This certifies that

______________________________________________

 and

______________________________________________

 were united in

 Holy Matrimony

at______________________________________________

________________________________________________

on_________________________________, _____________

according to the ordinance of God and the laws of

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

 Officiant

_____________________  __________________________

 Witnesses

Examine Growing Love in Christian Marriage for use by couples for marriage preparation.

See this, as well as other useful resources, in the Related Product Section below.

Check out our broad on-line selection of Wedding/Marriage Supplies.

Did you know. . .

Marriage Certificates are tangible recognition from the church of significant milestones in each person’s spiritual journey and of their commitment to Christian living.

A couple’s wedding day is one of the most memorable and important days of their lives. In marriage, the union of the two becomes something more and distinct than the individuals involved and are two lives so intertwined.