“Thus says God, the LORD,  who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it.” Isaiah 42:5 (ESV) We enter the most blessed seasons of Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. For me, this year, God’s faithfulness, grace, and mercy in seasons of change have been recurring themes. The year began with news of a church member’s passing, then a friend’s Lewy body deme

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4 NIV We are grateful for all of you who support Women’s Ministry in your local churches and in our wonderful Upper Midwest Conference! We encourage you to read this following update of the Global Methodist Women’s Ministry and how the larger church is joining us in celebrating ministry among women. A New Day for Women’s Ministry by Katy Kiser (modified and used with permission)   The Global Methodist

As we finish out this year, I wanted to share some of the things I have learned from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement. There are many things we can learn from him about the gospel. We have and will consider those as well. However, I wanted to share a few of the very practical things I have learned from Wesley. 1. We always need to read the Bible in context. In my earliest days as a Christian, I noticed that most people talked about the Bible a verse at a tim

For God so loved small towns that He sent His one and only Son… That’s not how John 3:16 reads, of course—but it was the theme of a workshop I attended at the Exponential Conference last month. I went to four workshops, and this one was by far the most encouraging and impactful. The heart of the workshop was simple: God loves small towns, and God longs to reach people in small towns. I’ll admit that when I think about church planting or multiplication, I often focus on popula

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I cannot help but have a grateful heart for what God is growing across our Conference. I pray that when we see what the Lord is doing that it helps fuel the desire to keep our hand to the plow for the work still ahead. Because there is much work to be done! Nominate Vision Carriers We’re praying for 1–3 Vision Carriers per district — faithful laity who will help champion the multiplication vision of Every Church Plants. Vision Carriers

They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.  – Psalm 112:9   Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (except for Easter). It holds a special place in my heart. Valerie and I started our married life serving the Union Church in Bogota, Colombia. We were far from home, serving a congregation of people who were also far from home. Summer holidays and Christmas found our congregation scattering to t