Part 1: Prevenient/Preventing Grace I would like to take several of these articles to unpack the Wesleyan understanding of salvation. I am hardly the first person to do this, so this may sound somewhat familiar. I am hoping to put the most important issues right up front and then spend a bit of time highlighting implications that don’t always get raised for those who want to go just a bit deeper. The first stage on the way to salvation from a Wesleyan perspective is Prevenien

As I reflect on this past year, I realize much of it was shaped by a long and unexpected health journey. In January of 2025, I went to the doctor because of a loss of strength and mobility in my right (dominant) shoulder. What began as a diagnosis of a torn labrum eventually led to the realization that I needed a total shoulder replacement. Three months later, I was back in surgery, followed by months of physical therapy to regain strength and movement in my new shoulder. Thr

The Upper Midwest Missions Team is excited to announce that we have approved Blessman International ( www.blessmaninternational.org ) as a Conference endorsed mission!  (It is also endorsed by the Global Methodist Church.) It’s a perfect match as South Africa is our partner Conference! Their ministries are located in South Africa where they provide food for over 55,000 children each week. There are regular outreaches supplying shoes and socks, eyeglasses, and hygiene kits to

Advent confronts us with a question as old as Christmas: Is there room? When Mary and Joseph arrived, “there was no room for them in the inn.” The Son of God entered a world too busy, too full, too occupied to receive Him.   And so we must ask: In your church and in your life, is there room for the mission Christ has given us? If we have truly made room for Jesus, it affects every part of who we are - our desires, our priorities, our calendars, our families, our witness. Jesu

“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