Socialism for the Rich, Capitalism for the Poor: An Interview With Noam Chomsky

Excellent article to read. Chomsky certainly speaks with great clarity on difficult issues and helps to make things easier to understand, how our "democracy" works and who benefits. Read, and watch the documentary (it is in Netflix if you are subscribed). Enjoy and share. Socialism for the Rich, Capitalism for the Poor: An Interview With Noam Chomsky

How Capitalism Perpetuates Immigration

Powerful article on how are capitalism and immigration linked. Clearly for those of us who have been advocating for changes in immigration policy, we cannot overlook the reality of its causes: i.e., poverty, NAFTA, colonialism, etc. Read and share. How Capitalism Perpetuates Immigration

Ministry Matters™ | Preaching on Race: Theology Rather Than Anthropology

Follow this link to a powerful call from one of our Bishops to take the bull by the horn and start preaching about race, and other issues that matter to our society. PREACHING ON RACE: THEOLOGY RATHER THAN ANTHROPOLOGY is a great way to get the conversation going in church. Enjoy it! Ministry Matters™ | Preaching on Race: Theology Rather Than Anthropology

What draws people to church? Poll has insights

What draws people to church? Poll has insights – BWCUMC.org | Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church



Barna Poll Methodology

Barna’s Seeker Study used a national, random and representative sample of 406 young adults across the United States, drawn from an online panel. Individuals on the panel were screened to identify people who met the criteria of a seeker.



To be considered a seeker, a person must be: currently ages 18 to 34, not affiliated with The United Methodist Church, not an active churchgoer (infrequent church attendance) or not committed to a church (frequent church attendance).



The person also needed to answer “yes” to at least four of the following statements:

• Searching for meaning and purpose
• Something feels missing from your life
• Have emotional pain or frustration that you’d like to resolve
• A spiritual person
• Seeking something better spiritually in life
• On a quest for spiritual truth
• Want to have a difference with your life
• Have a passion for social justice
• Contribute to the common good of your community

Barna weighted the sample by gender and region to be nationally representative. Research took place Nov. 26-Dec. 7, 2015. The margin of error is 4.7 percentage points, and the survey has a 95 percent confidence level. Barna estimates the survey findings represents 20-25 million Americans, about one-tenth of the U.S. adult population.

To see complete study

Church: Can We Get Over Ourselves?

Great Article by Elaine Heath. I believe this is where the conversation on the future of the church needs to be. The article does not cover every detail and nuance but it is great for a conversation starter. So start the conversation, share your views. Church: Can We Get Over Ourselves?

Preaching As Though We Had Enemies by Stanley Hauerwas | Articles | First Things

I decided that I needed to share with you this powerful article by Stanley Hauerwas. In Church we were talking about our need as followers of Jesus to cause trouble in the world, as Hauerwas puts it: "...may we preach so truthfully that people will call us terrorists." Living out the faith in the subversive Jesus should leave a profound mark in the world we live. Enjoy it!

Preaching As Though We Had Enemies by Stanley Hauerwas | Articles | First Things