4 church agencies propose unifying into one

Four United Methodist general agencies announced April 17 that they plan to unify into a single organization.

At their individual spring meetings, the boards of Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries, Higher Education and Ministry and United Methodist Communications each unanimously supported a framework to combine their ministries under one structure. United Methodist News is part of United Methodist Communications.

“The unification of these four agencies will allow us to better coordinate our mission and ministry for all levels of The United Methodist Church — from the local church to conferences and general church bodies,” said Dan Krause, the top executive of United Methodist Communications.

“It also allows us to meet the changing needs of the denomination by being nimbler and more aligned.”

To go forward, such a union will need the approval of the next General Conference, scheduled May 8-18, 2028, in Minneapolis. If approved, the unification would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2029.

Read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

O continue thy loving kindness towards me and take me into thy protection this night. Let thy holy angels watch over me to defend me from the attempts of evil men and evil spirits. Let me rest in peace, and not sleep in sin; and grant that I may rise more fit for thy service...

Now, to God the Father, who first loved us, and made us accepted in the Beloved; to God the Son, who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; to God the Holy Ghost, who sheddeth the love of God abroad in our hearts, be all love and all glory in time and to all eternity. Amen.

- John Wesley (from A Collection of Forms of Prayer for Every Day of the Week - Saturday evening)

Scripture Lesson for April 19

Join us for worship next Sunday at 9:00 a.m. as the ladies of Glenville UMC lead our worship service. Our service will center around Romans 12:2.

Second Sunday of Easter - Joys and Concerns

 

Joys:

+Praise God for the safe return of the Artemis II astronauts after a successful 10-day mission in space.

+Praise God for a wonderful church ladies’ gathering last Wednesday that Karnella hosted at Hidden Creek.

+Praise God for family members who rally to help one another in times of need.

+Praise God for Easton H. and Savannah H. worshipping with us today.

+Praise God for a recently attended celebration of life service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church which featured beautiful handmade quilts draped over every pew – a celebration of color … and loving attention to detail.

+Praise God for planted flowers, plants beginning to show signs of growth, new life.

+Praise God for the beautiful church bulletin covers we enjoy each week.

+Praise God for the gift of living in small towns.

+Praise God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist, Renae H. and for Mike R. who served as usher today.

Concerns:

+Praying for the family and friends of Gen, Nancy B.’s great niece, who passed away yesterday.

+Praying for the family and friends of all who have recently died in nearby area communities.

+Praying for school children, their teachers, and administrative staff members who are navigating the last two months of this school year.

+Praying for travelling mercies for all those we love.

+Praying continues for Craig R., Judy C., Donna D., and Karnella S. who are dealing with medical challenges.

+Praying for all who are impacted directly and indirectly by conflict in the world.

+Praying for peace.

Bulletin for April 12

Norwich Cathedral - England

“Protect me, O God, for in You I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.” – Psalm 16:1 (NKJV)

Call to Worship (inspired by Luke 24:45-48)

We are witnesses, to the love God has poured into us.

We are witnesses of God’s love, sharing it with each person we meet.

We are witnesses to everyone we encounter,

little children like us, sisters and brothers in God’s family.           

- written by the Rev. Thom Shuman and posted on LiturgyLink. 

Hymn: “Easter People, Raise Your Voices,” #304

Litany: Every day is Easter (The Rev. Roddy Hamilton, Scotland) 

When Thomas touched the wounds and set himself free, it was Easter day. When Peter’s three “yeses” to Jesus finished his three denials, it was Easter day. When Mary ready to embalm the dead ran in fear from the empty tomb, it was Easter day. When the disciples looked from afar at a breakfast of fish on the beach, it was Easter day. When Emmaus became synonymous with welcome and the breaking of bread with strangers, it was Easter day. When Paul was blinded by the light and recognized the voice niggling in his head, it was Easter day. When the hungry are fed at the table the same table as the rich, it is Easter day. When weapons are beaten to ploughshares and peace is a word to be shouted, it is Easter day. When the stranger is welcomed in community and the lonely are restored to relationship, it is Easter day.

Gloria Patri

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer (sung)                                              

Offering / Doxology / Offering Prayer                                                

Epistle Lesson: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Hymn: “The Day of Resurrection,” #303

Gospel Lesson: John 20:18-31

Sermon: “What Would It Take to Convince You?”

Hymn: “Christ Is Alive,” #318

Choral Amen

Remembering Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Christianity stands or falls with its revolutionary protest against violence, arbitrariness, and pride of power, and with its plea for the weak. Christians are doing too little to make these points clear ... Christendom adjusts itself far too easily to the worship of power. Christians should give more offense, 

shock the world far more, than they are doing now."

- Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, hanged by the Nazis on April 9, 1945.

April's UWFaith gathering

L-R: Korla Schuhmacher, Gloria Sharp, Rita Williamson, Pastor Charles Alkula, Belinda Alkula, Karnella Schwierjohann, and Judy Luksik

The United Women in Faith (UWFaith) Unit Glenville United Methodist Church met at Hidden Creek (Good Samaritan) in Albert Lea. Thank you, Karnella, for hosting us! Thank you, Korla, for providing yummy refreshments!

Notes from the Gathering ...

- Belinda Alkula welcomed all in attendance, invited sharing of joys/concerns, & offered opening prayer.

- After the recitation of the UWFaith purpose, Belinda shared the spiritual reflection she wrote for the spring edition of the Prairie Winds United Women in Faith District/Area newsletter. (It is posted on the church’s bulletin board.)

- Belinda shared information about the “love in action maps” featuring the UWFaith’ faith-mission outreach in the world – highlighting the Emma Norton Services based in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Article in the March/April edition of “Response” magazine.)

- “Noisy Bucket for Missions” – Our Church Family gives generously! 

2025: July to December $214.68

2026: January $31.38 / February $72.30 / March $18.61

– UMW Checking Account Balance, to date: Gloria Sharp reported that now there is $531.62.

– Prepared for Women-led Sunday Worship Service: Sunday, April 19, 2026.

- Refreshments: We concluded with Korla Schuhmacher providing scrumptious refreshments that everyone loved: lemon and raspberry angel food cake rolls, chocolates, snack mix, bottled water, and coffee. It was good to spend the afternoon together.

- Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 13, 2-3:30 pm, at Hidden Creek (Good Samaritan). Host will be Karnella Schwierjohann. Refreshments will be provided by Gloria Sharp.