This is the category for Advocate editorials and other viewpoints.
By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. Prayer focuses us to listen attentively for God to speak. As Mary wrestled with what it meant for her to bear the Son of God, so must we wrestle with what it means to carry the good news of God’s son into today’s world.
Read More
By Jessica Brodie. There I was, zipping through the forest on two wheels and a metal frame, knuckles clenched tight, helmet rattling, knees pumping furiously and a crazed grin on my face. That’s right—for the first time in who-knows-how-many years, I got back on the proverbial bike. Oh, the lessons I learned.
Read More
The cabinet and I have met the Hulapalooza Challenge, and now it is your turn! By Bishop Jonathan Holston.
Read More
Read the 20th narrative accepted for publication (this one by Delaine Armetta Frierson) in the Advocate’s project to help foster racial awareness, dialogue and reconciliation.
Read More
If you’re hired to be a cashier and show up for work in a freshly laundered uniform with a bright smile, a winning personality and a strong work ethic but are willing to do everything but ring up orders, then you’re not a cashier. If we are a Christian but aren’t willing to share the Lord with others (one of our most important job duties!), then how can we be a Christian? By Jessica Brodie.
Read More
By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. Across the Caribbean, Texas and Florida, the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria is extensive. While there is tremendous evidence of God’s faithfulness in our midst, we recognize that these are trying times that are overwhelming and often lead us to think there is nothing we can do to help.
Read More
Read the 19th narrative accepted for publication (this one by the Rev. Elizabeth Murray) in the Advocate’s project to help foster racial awareness, dialogue and reconciliation.
Read More
In her latest column, Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie reflects on faith and the eclipse—and what she might be letting eclipse the Son in her own life.
Read More
In his latest column, Bishop Jonathan Holston reflects on the eclipse, Chatlottesville and the church’s commitment to witness, advocacy and prayer.
Read More
Read the 18th narrative accepted for publication (this one by Sam Watson) in the Advocate’s project to help foster racial awareness, dialogue and reconciliation.
Read More
God doesn’t meow like my cat. But He’s still nudging us daily—all day long. A reflection by Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie.
Read More
Bishop Jonathan Holston reflects on how, as Ephesians reminds us, God does not push us around but is always at work within us.
Read More
Read the 17th narrative accepted for publication (this one by Bill Dowler) in the Advocate’s project to help foster racial awareness, dialogue and reconciliation.
Read More
Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie on how we must deal with our wounds in order to heal.
Read More
Read the 16th narrative accepted for publication (this one by the Rev. Meredith Dark) in the Advocate’s project to help foster racial awareness, dialogue and reconciliation.
Read More
By Jessica Brodie. God can do all things. He made the universe. He made the world. He made us all. He has a plan, and He always works all things to His good purpose. And that is why—even amid arguments and worries and legal disputes and other ways we simple, non-divine human beings attempt to solve problems—I am resting calmly, safely and securely in the faith that God is with us all and will see us through everything.
Read More
By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. When I think about Annual Conference, it has always been a time of reinforcing our identity, mission and ministry as a community of faith. In other words, we are people who love God, seek to do God’s will, love and cherish each other and treat others with dignity and honesty, as well as people who build bridges of understanding and peace. This is who we are, what we do and why it matters…
Read More
Read the 15th narrative accepted for publication (this one by the Rev. John Culp) in the Advocate’s project to help foster racial awareness, dialogue and reconciliation.
Read More
As the UMC debates over issues of human sexuality, Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie reminds us to keep our focus more on God and being united in Christ than on any distractions sent our way.
Read More
Bishop Jonathan Holston writes about the 2017 South Carolina Annual Conference, what he calls “a blessed time to gather for praise, worship, service and holy conferencing.”
Read More
