Ministry Matters™

Rites and rituals

Things are going to get messy: new rituals can help

By Nelson Cowan
Across our connection, many United Methodists are engaging in conversations about the future of the denomination. Some conversations are formal, some informal, some heated, some… read more

Baking Communion bread: a discipline of preparation and prayer

By Mary Beth Franklyn
Church communities develop varying traditions concerning the bread used for Holy Communion.  Some leaders purchase round loaves that are a bit sweet and do not… read more

The U.S. has never had much of a pilgrimage tradition – perhaps now is the opportunity

By James Mills
One feature of the pandemic has been the curtailment of a practice that for millennia has provided an outlet for healing in times of crisis: pilgrimage. From restrictions on the… read more

Why do presidential inaugurations matter?

By Dimitris Xygalatas
As one president’s term ends and another begins, there is a ceremony. Its importance is one of symbolism rather than substance. The Constitution is clear: On Jan… read more

Using Our Rites and Resources

By Theologians and Scholars of Methodist Worship
The worship resources provided in The United Methodist Book of Worship, and the worship books of most other Christian denominations, generally sort into two rough categories:… read more