Posts by Category: Views

This is the category for Advocate editorials and other viewpoints.

Editor's Views June 12, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

Why am I a United Methodist?

The church is the people, and people are far from perfect. I’m grateful to be an imperfect person in an imperfect church striving to do all I can to be like Jesus. By Jessica Brodie.

Bishop's Corner June 12, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

Our journey together continues

In times of change, such as this year of pandemic that we have experienced, what if we were to offer new questions rather than searching for a new “right” answer. Changing the conversation can move us toward a different way of thinking about our future possibilities. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.

Photo by Matt Brodie

Editor's Views May 24, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

Beyond the fear

Fear can create hate and division and cause racism to fester like a septic wound. Fear can make people say “yes” to everyone and everything in their world until that “yes” leaves them exhausted, worn down and empty. Fear can cause us to give up on life, on people, on the beautiful tomorrow promised to us by God. By Jessica Brodie.

hands, sword, Chinese, general

Bishop's Corner May 24, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

The gathering of God’s people

As this edition of the Advocate arrives, the 2021 session of the South Carolina Annual Conference will be starting. On June 6 and 7, we will gather virtually for a time of giving thanks to almighty God and celebrating the ways in which we have been seeking and fulfilling God’s purpose for the church. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.

Editor's Views April 27, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

When I can’t serve

By Jessica Brodie. Have you ever been frustrated because you can’t do something you desperately, fervently want to do?

Photo by Matt Brodie

Bishop's Corner April 27, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

The question is

By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. Walking with Bishop Knox into the town of Alajuela, I asked him his expectations of clergy. He responded, “To be on the cutting edge of ministry, making a difference for the sake of Christ.”

Editor's Views March 31, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

What did Jesus say about social justice?

God cares about justice. Throughout the Old Testament and the New, and through the works of His Son Jesus, we see how important justice, fairness, mercy, compassion, and care for all people is to God.

Bishop's Corner March 31, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

Simple blessings

Jesus’ call for us not to worry about the future is a bold claim. The good news of the Gospel is just that—GOOD news. So when Jesus tells us not to worry, he is not leaving us high and dry. Jesus is calling us to put our trust in him. To trust that he will provide for our every need—the big stuff and the little stuff. All of it. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.

Photo by Becky Porter

Editor's Views February 22, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

It’s time to stop

It’s time to stop ignoring or disregarding views not in line with our own, writing them off as if they belong to “them” or “those people.” We are all the body of Christ, and words can hurt. By Jessica Brodie.

Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS

Bishop's Corner February 22, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

In every situation

Even now—especially now—we have the opportunity to be for someone the Gospel that they may never otherwise hear. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS

Guest Views February 22, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

Why I’m a United Methodist: An imperfect offering

I knew that faith without works was dead, but Methodism teaches that the opposite is true as well. By the Rev. Chrisie Reeves-Pendergrass.

Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications

Editor's Views January 25, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

Christ will make a way

Christ will make a way where no one else can. I hope you will join me in continued prayer for our nation, our culture and our world as a whole to turn to God as our “guiding star.” A reflection by Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie.

Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS

Bishop's Corner January 25, 2021 posted by Jessica Brodie

In these moments

So many of us experienced something of an adrenaline rush that propelled us through the challenges of 2020. As we deal with the ongoing pandemic, many people are feeling more foggy and fatigued. The adrenaline rush has waned, so how do we amass the energy necessary to sustain us through the final stretch of this season? By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS

Editor's Views December 31, 2020 posted by Jessica Brodie

Time to pay up

If every church stretches just a little, prays a bit harder, takes up that last-minute special collection—something, anything—we’ll see change. We’re all in this together. By Jessica Brodie.

Bishop's Corner December 31, 2020 posted by Jessica Brodie

Go for it

My prayer for the new year is succinctly, I trust you, Jesus. That fear loses its grip on me. That adversity becomes an opportunity for growth and that grace is gratefully received. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications

Guest Views December 30, 2020 posted by Jessica Brodie

A Christmas story: What a reunion!

By Janice D. Green I have always loved family reunions, and now that my family and relatives are scattered all over the United States and beyond, I treasure them all…