This is the category for Advocate editorials and other viewpoints.
By Jessica Brodie Once in a while, I get the opportunity to speak about writing to kids, which is one of my favorite things to do. Kids are incredible—like sponges…
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As we shift into summer in the aftermath of Annual Conference, let’s all take a deep, full, Spirit-filled breath of gratitude that we all have the opportunity to be children of God—every one of us. God made each of us, and God loves each of us. No matter what. A commentary by Jessica Brodie.
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Some of the final words we hear each year during Annual Conference are these: “Sine Die.” Adjournment indefinitely. The completion of the agenda. The time for everyone to go their separate ways back home. While this is a necessary action in accordance with parliamentary procedure, as People of Hope, we know that the conclusion of Annual Conference is not the end of our time together as Christians. As United Methodists. As disciples of Jesus Christ. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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Editor Jessica Brodie on how sometimes sharing the Gospel has absolutely nothing to do with the words that come out of our mouths but the way we live our lives.
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“As we breathe a collective breath together, it is my hope that we will stay in conversation with one another, focus on the things that unite us and remain steadfast in our mission to walk together toward a future with hope.” An annual conference column by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie on a recent mentoring experience that reminded her beyond a shadow of a doubt what our church is meant to do on behalf of our savior, Jesus—not argue with fellow believers about sexuality or other issues, but instead to powerfully and earnestly make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
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Bishop Jonathan Holston on his expectations that the 2019 Annual Conference will be “a glorious time of celebration where the graciousness of God and the generosity of God’s people called United Methodist will be experienced in excellent ways.”
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In the aftermath of General Conference, Editor Jessica Brodie reflects on how no matter what we sinful and imperfect human beings get wrong, God is on the move in spite of and perhaps because of us, shining through us in big ways and small.
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Bishop Holston reflects on prayer in his latest column for the Advocate.
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Editor Jessica Brodie on how—despite how many are hearing rejection in the aftermath of General Conference—we should all work to send a different message and narrative: one of God’s love and unity.
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Bishop Holston reflects on Lent, General Conference, and how we are still one church and God’s people as we work together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
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Editor Jessica Brodie on being alive in Christ and how in accepting Jesus as our savior we have the freedom to let all the unworthy aspects of ourselves go—fully and completely.
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Bishop Jonathan Holston on how men’s ministry is not only about the opportunity we have to disciple men and their families in their faith journey, but it is also about empowering men and women to return to their communities ready to continue the witness of faith locally and beyond.
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By Jessica Brodie Prayer works. I know this in my core, to the very edges of my infinite soul. It’s my dialogue with God, my ultimate connection and surrender to…
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In the midst of all we plan, God is at work among us in marvelous and magnificent ways. However, to remain focused on following God’s plan for our lives—rather than simply our own plans—requires discipline, dedication and a commitment to prayer. This shift in focus requires a deep well of faith. A column by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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When I was a kid, preparing for Christmas involved a whole lot of me, myself and I—what I wanted to receive for Christmas, where my family was going to celebrate Christmas, you get the picture.But now, I’ve come to realize that a focus on Advent—the four weeks when we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ—is what I was always missing in the holiday. By Jessica Brodie.
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For many of us, this season will be an endurance marathon of way too much to do, way too much to eat and way too much stress. However, the true blessing of the Christmas season can be discovered when we focus on preparing our hearts to receive again the greatest gift given to humankind: the hope, comfort, joy and glad tidings the baby Jesus brought to earth. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.
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Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie’s reflection on gratitude.
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Professional athletes often find success through their keen ability to remain focused in moments of high pressure. Certainly they practice and train to continually improve their skills, but the difference between a novice and a champion can come down to the ability to focus when it matters most. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.
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By Jessica Brodie. What started as a restoration project has become a full-scale catalyst for one United Methodist church in South Carolina, St. John’s UMC, helping members honor their history while invigorating their future.
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