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1. Sneak Preview UM Reporter 10-17 issue
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Greetings, e-Readers!
Three Sneak Previews ago, I was on assignment, but didn’t say where. The answer is on this week’s cover: I was getting a rare glimpse into the denomination’s “boot camp” for new bishops. Our nine newly elected episcopal leaders and their spouses spent time with those who are no longer rookies, having questions answered and benefiting from a wealth of experience. (You know, some bishops do miss being called by their first names... dare you to see if your bishop is one of them!)
For our cover Q&A piece, Bill Fentum talked with the author of the new book, Bursting the Bubble. Which bubble is that, exactly? It’s the one that lets you trust the so-called “common wisdom” that guides your ministry planning.
In other news, remember Hurricane Ike? Got overshadowed by the stormy news from Wall Street, didn’t it? Well, the Texas Gulf Coast still needs help. It will take a lot of money and work to recover from what’s now being called the biggest disaster that the Texas Conference of the UMC has faced. We have a UMNS report on that situation.
And this week’s Reporter includes two special sections packed with items related to United Methodist higher education. There’s plenty of good reading for you there, including a piece by Mary Jacobs on whether there’s a “theology gap” between what’s taught in seminaries and what people in the pews believe.
In commentaries this week, Donald Haynes takes a look at the importance of conversion in historic Methodism; Andrew Thompson spots a potential bright side of the economic downturn; and guest columnist Tyra Damm explains how silver linings have become much more important in her family since her husband’s brain-tumor diagnosis.
All this, plus History of Hymns, music and book reviews, a feature on a college program that helps its students discern their life’s calling and more.
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Robin Russell, Managing Editor
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Attachment:
Date Sent: 10/9/2008 10:55:55 AM
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2. Sneak Preview UM Reporter 10-10 issue
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Greetings, e-Readers!
You may be surprised to see a full-color mug of beer on the cover of this week’s Reporter. Have we gone mad? What’s up, you ask? Well, the nice big mug o’ brew on the cover symbolizes the struggle United Methodist colleges have in trying to combat underage drinking on campus. Bill Fentum has a report on how presidents of these institutions have helped spark conversation about how to curb this syndrome.
And with the current financial crisis on everybody’s mind lately, Mary Jacobs takes a look at how it might be affecting giving in the church. Turns out the stewardship fear factor, as we’ve dubbed it here in the newsroom, may not be so catastrophic after all. (In a related commentary, Bishop Robert Schnase says that stewardship appeals should focus on the top reasons people contribute, not the reasons they might refrain from giving.)
Other commentaries include one from Missy Buchanan, our Aging Well columnist, on the importance of helping the elderly have some fun; a Children’s Sabbath-related piece from Audrey Ward about an organization helping to narrow the literacy gap in Southern Appalachia; and some thoughts from Shannon Vowell on a clergy acquaintance’s alleged sexual misconduct (and, in the interest of building up the Body of Christ, we left the details to the Dallas Morning News on that one).
And a heads-up: an inside story gives an advance look at an “Extraordinary Ordination” – an ecumenical event that purports to give credentials to two women denied ordination in the United Methodist Church. I report on the details, and response from a bishop as well as conservatives.
All this, plus reports on the severity of Hurricane Ike damage in Texas and Louisiana, a feature on one of many churches not yet finished with Hurricane Katrina recovery, History of Hymns, a review of a documentary on the devil, and more.
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Robin Russell, Managing Editor
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Attachment:
Date Sent: 10/2/2008 10:13:17 AM
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3. Sneak Preview UM Reporter 10-3 issue
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Greetings, e-Readers!
Is it just us, or are we having a lot of bad weather this year? Seems as though every time we run a story on disaster relief, there’s another waiting in line.
So our cover story this week considers the possibility of disaster fatigue: Do people just get tired of helping? Will United Methodists keep up their generous pace? How much can a faithful UM be expected to give? Mary Jacobs has a look.
Speaking of disaster, have you noticed the economy? Well, the folks at the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits certainly have. They’re the folks who handle clergy pension funds. Our secondary cover story this week is where those experts remind us that “Hey, in the big picture, this downturn isn’t all that significant.”
In leadership news, African United Methodist bishops have outlined a plan to combat poverty. And denominational leaders from African-American churches met recently in Dallas to focus on church vitality as part of the Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century initiative.
And in our commentaries, Andrew Thompson reminds us that lone rangers don’t follow Jesus very well, and Donald Haynes has some thoughts on faith as inner truth. Plus, a pastor on leave shares her experience of looking for a place to worship (turns out not every congregation is really interested in welcoming newcomers).
Other highlights include copy editor Ken Lowery’s review of the new flick Ghost Town, a literacy program for homeless kids, History of Hymns and more.
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Robin Russell, Managing Editor
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Attachment:
Date Sent: 9/25/2008 11:38:07 AM
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