March 27, 2025

THE GLOBAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

General Conference delegates share enthusiasm for worldwide regionalization

The United Methodist Church is on the cusp of having a new structure with more flexibility thanks to worldwide regionalization, which aims to give The United Methodist Church’s different geographic regions equal standing in decision-making. This package of legislation was adopted by 78% of General Conference delegates last year, but because it requires a change to The United Methodist constitution, it must now be be ratified by annual conferences to take effect. As members of the Minnesota Conference prepare to vote on worldwide regionalization at our Annual Conference in June, Dakotas-Minnesota Area delegates share why they support it.  Read article
 

RACIAL EQUITY & JUSTICE

Rev. Brittany Radford: Showing up for women

The United Methodist Church has a long line of women from all backgrounds who have stood in the fire, not to be consumed, but to be transformed and to transform the world around them. During this Women’s History Month, Rev. Brittany Radford, director of racial equity and justice, explores in her latest blog post: How do we show up for our sisters, our daughters, our churches, and ourselves? She offers an activity for reflection, and some concrete ways we can honor and and support women all year long.  Read blog post

LENTEN STUDY

Chapter 4: Emmaus, with Rev. Woojae Im

In the fourth chapter of Tom Berlin’s “The Third Day,” we explore the journey of two sad and disappointed disciples walking to Emmaus on the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion. Their experience likely mirrors moments in our own lives when we have felt abandoned by or distanced from God. We are reminded that even in these moments, God’s grace is already at work, and Jesus is present with us. Through the disciples’ eventual recognition of the risen Christ, the Third Day transforms from a day of despair into renewed hope.  Chapter 4 resources: Video / Study guide + Full Lenten series

GROWING IN LOVE OF GOD

Luke-Acts 2025: Reflections and resources for Luke 12

In this Lenten season of self-examination, Luke 12 offers us some challenging things to wrestle with—our own hypocrisy, things we are hiding, fear that keeps us from standing up or doing the right thing, our witness of Christ, our need to control or hoard resources, worry that holds us captive, our stewardship of the call and gifts God has given us, and our readiness and attentiveness to God’s Spirit. Make time this week to reflect on these things. Join Dakotas-Minnesota Area Facebook group / Additional resource: A reflection on Luke 12 from Rev. Luke Edwards of the Western North Carolina Conference

Resources and opportunities

• 2025 legislation submission period closing soon: The 2025 Minnesota Annual Conference Session is about three months away! One of the important things we do at this gathering is vote on legislation to help us advance our work as the Minnesota Conference and fulfill our collective mission to make disciples. The period to submit legislation is now open, and submissions are due TOMORROW, March 28.  Submit proposed legislation

• How to get what you need from AI: New to AI? Or just looking to get better results? Either way, United Methodist Communications has a course for you...and the best part is that it’s free and self-paced! You will learn what AI is, its capabilities and limits, how to use AI ethically, and how AI tools can be powerful partners. You’ll also discover how to craft AI prompts that get results.  Learn more

Across the connection

• United Methodists grapple with loss of foreign aid: United Methodists are feeling the effects of the dismantling of U.S. foreign assistance and speaking out about how such aid saves lives. Africa University and the United Methodist Committee on Relief are among the United Methodist ministries that have long worked with partners in the U.S. government.  Read article

• Churches confront mass federal layoffs: Pastoral care, prayer, and protests—these are some of the ways United Methodist congregations are supporting church members and others affected by Trump administration job cuts and slashing of government services. Many United Methodist churches also are adjusting their budgets to account for laid-off members’ strained finances.  Read article