Communications and News

When it comes to church calendars, there are two primary seasons: Easter and Christmas. If you ask any pastor, next on the list might very well be the back-to-school season.    "That's the time when people are ready to get back into a routine," says Rev. Colleen Bookter, pastor of Belle Chasse United Methodist Church. "People are hungry, especially at this time, for a word of guidance, ...

In the aftermath of the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, Council of Bishops President Bishop Ken Carter is calling for United Methodists to help end white supremacy and xenophobia which he says is fueling a culture of violence. In a statement released today, Bishop Carter commended the statements of Bishop Gregory Palmer and Bishop Earl Bledsoe to the people of their ...

Like so many of you, I am growing weary of the violence in our country. California, Texas, Ohio - when will this stop? While we must offer our prayers of condolence and hope that those prayers might lead to transformative change, we must also add action to those prayers - actions that no longer view this crisis merely through the narrow lens of gun ownership, but also through the lenses ...

Ask any pastor, and they will quickly tell you there are moments in ministry that you simply cannot train for or expect.   Right now, several pastors in the Louisiana Conference are adjusting to a new appointment in a new area and, all the while, coping with the arrival of a very unwelcome guest named Hurricane Barry. Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey says the first 90 days are crucial in a ...

All Louisianians have eyes toward the Gulf as we continue to monitor the developments of the storm, which could be named Barry.  The Louisiana Conference Office of Missional Engagement and Outreach is actively working with all of the districts in the affected area.  "We are monitoring the storm hourly and have been in close contact with the District Superintendents, the Distract ...

Registration is now open for Leadership Institute 2019, held September 25-27 at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. The Church of the Resurrection, along with leading bishops, pastors and laity across the US, believes that the decision at the 2019 General Conference does not represent the vast majority of United Methodists in the US, and that it brought ...

From UMCOR: In light of the recent news about children in U.S. government holding facilities along the U.S.-Mexico border, the United Methodist Committee on Relief has received numerous requests to respond. We have heard the plea for action from the church. Unfortunately, the facilities in question are managed in such a way that precludes even UMCOR’s assistance. Access to these ...

The Theme: In Love The theme “Making Disciples, Transforming the World,” which began in 2018, continued at this year’s Annual Conference. The sub-theme for 2019 was “In Love,” with Romans 13:8-10 anchoring our call to love all of God’s people. We are called to make disciples and transform the world in love. Last year, we introduced a three-fold theme “Making Disciples, Transforming the ...

The Louisiana Conference is excited to announce that Serena Eckert will be joining the Office of Congregational Development and Transformation as the Program Coordinator. Eckert brings experience in coaching and consulting in church transformation work with many conferences, including the Louisiana conference. "She will be an invaluable part of the team," says Rev. Gloria Fowler, ...

Every quadrennium at Annual Conference, delegates from all across the connection gather to elect lay and clergy delegates to both General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference.  The number of delegates an Annual Conference is entitled to send to a General Conference is based on two factors: the number of clergy members of the Annual Conference and the number of members of local ...

Even those who disagreed with Andrew Smith’s petition admired the lay delegate from Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church in New Orleans and his courage for proposing Petition #1 to the Louisiana Conference during Annual Conference 2019.   The petition spoke to the work of the General Conference, specifically the passing of the Traditional Plan, which affirmed and strengthened the ...

Can you imagine if you were just a casual observer today? Or what if you stumbled into this space or maybe on the live stream. The pomp and circumstance of it all, big music, choir, robes, a packed house! I am sure that you would wonder: What in the world are they doing there?   Licensing, Commissioning, and Ordination would be the right answer but it still would not express what really ...

The love of God is here!  The love of God is here to stay,  Embracing those who walk God’s way! Embracing those who walk God’s way! All you need is love!  Love is all you need! The scriptures tells us that:  Nothing can separate us from the love of God!   NOTHING!   NOT.   A.   THING! Not general conferences, not the labels we give ourselves or that we give others  (you know ...

This year’s Annual Conference will be a critical time for us to gather as the faithful people called Louisiana United Methodists. Last year we introduced a three-fold theme “Making Disciples, Transforming the World...Together....In Love...Day after Day after Day.” Our first stop was “Making Disciples...Together.” This year we make our second stop “Making Disciples...In Love.” We will...

The Council of Bishops recently sponsored Rev. Jessica Lowe, a young adult from Louisiana, to participate in the UMEIT: Plunge. Jessica shares this brief reflection on her experience: This past November, I spent two weeks in Indonesia conducting an immersive, Interfaith pilgrimage. For part of this trip, I stayed at an Islamic boarding school in the remote mountain village of ...

It isn’t lost on Senior Pastor Bob Deich of Grace United Methodist Church in Ruston that the tragic tornado that devasted his small city struck in the middle of the Easter season. “It’s still Easter,” he said. “It was a celebration of hope, a celebration of resurrection. Storms produce rainbows.” The people of Ruston are ready for rainbows. The EF-3 tornado with estimated winds up to ...

“An Attitude of Gratitude” was the theme at the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana’s 44th annual meeting and luncheon on April 30 at Juban’s Restaurant in Baton Rouge. The event allowed Foundation leaders and staff to declare their appreciation for the United Methodist pastors, donors and church leaders they have the privilege to serve.   Rob Fairly, president and CEO of the ...

As many of you may have heard by now, the Judicial Council, (the Supreme Court of the United Methodist Church) delivered its rulings on legislation passed at the February Special Called Session of the General Conference 2019.  Portions of the Traditional Plan previously deemed unconstitutional were upheld as unconstitutional and portions previously deemed constitutional remained ...

Recently, the Judicial Council, known as The United Methodist Church’s top court, ruled on portions of the Traditional Plan, adopted by the General Conference during a special called session in February of 2019.  Their ruling - some provisions of the newly adopted plan remain unconstitutional, but others are valid as church law. The Traditional Plan is an effort to strengthen the ...

Nancy Hopkins Local Church Membership: Rayne Memorial UMC District: New Orleans Why Do You Want To Serve? As a delegate to General Conference, I would bring a unique insight of someone who has the prospective of an older adult who has served for years in youth ministry and understands the views and outlook of youth and young adults. I am able to listen to those of different ages and ...

While authorities continue to investigate the fires of four churches in St. Landry Parish, I am deeply saddened as a picture of a disturbing level of hate appears to be unfolding.   We, as Christians, specifically at this time of year know how important churches are when it comes to the practice of worship. In just a few days, we will gather in churches to experience all of the emotions ...

The African American Church Vitality Task Force invites you to Engagement Beyond The Walls Workshop, Saturday, May 4, 2019, from 9am-3pm at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in New Orleans.  Speakers include Sabrina Short - Social Media Engagement, Pastors Robert Johnson and Kaseem Short - Community Engagement.   Register Now →   Mrs. Sabrina Short (Short Speaks ...

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey is pleased to announce Rev. Elaine Burleigh as the new Director of the Conference Office of Missional Outreach and Engagement.  "I am thrilled that in God’s always perfect timing Rev. Elaine Burleigh will be assuming responsibilities as the Director of Missional Engagement," says Bishop Harvey. "She brings strong administrative presence to the position in ...

After a year of working with pilot churches, the Conference Office of Church Transformation is ready to officially roll out the Church Transformation Process for small membership churches that worship under 100.  If your church is interested in learning more about this process or how you can get involved, please join us for one of our informational meetings held on: May 7th, 9th and ...

We will once again celebrate innovative ministry happening across our Conference during Annual Conference 2019. Is there a mission, outreach, project, or program from within your congregation or community that has transformed your church and your community?  If so, tell us about it! We will consider you and your church for a Wesley Award. Nominations close April 20, 2019.   ...

Join Bishop Cynthia Harvey & Jim and Lynette DeLaune for this exciting 10-day tour to Germany, Austria, and Prague.  You'll explore Innsbruck, Prague, Dresden, Leipzig, and Berlin. Tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play are included with time to explore the sites in southern Germany, such as Ettal and more!    The tour departs on July 1, 2020.  About the Oberammergau Passion Play ...

Fill Me Up, Lord Spouses of clergy are often working hard behind the scenes to meet the expectations of so many – their mates, their households, their co-workers, often times their parents and of course... those ‘mixed expectations of the congregation.’   Location: The Wesley Center, Woodworth, La. Date: March 22-23, 2019 REGISTER TODAY! Time: Check-in and registration begins at 4:00...

Most of the 864 delegates arriving in St. Louis, Missouri for the Special Called Session of the General Conference, have been focused on the hard work ahead regarding the issue of human sexuality. And while Louisiana delegate Dr. Sarah Kreutziger is absolutely focused on the mission ahead, she admits there was another objective.  "I met Rev. Aldolphe Kitenge Mukaya from the North ...

Since the flood of 2016, Latasha Zachary of White Castle had endured daily living in a 70-year-old mold-filled trailer with a caved-in roof and a sagging, water-logged floor. “The only safe part was my bedroom and the back bathroom.” Latasha didn’t want to move because the nursing home where her mother lived was across the street, but the situation was dire. The $5,000 from FEMA to fix ...

Join Bishop Harvey & the Louisiana Conference for this exciting 10-day tour to the Holy Land visiting sites from the Sea of Galilee area to Jerusalem including Jericho, the Dead Sea, Shepherds' Field, Cana, the Church of the Fish and Loaves, Nazareth and more!  Add one of the three optional tours to enhance your journey.  See the brochure for more information.  Pricing starts at $2,998*...

Bishop Harvey and the Cabinet of the Louisiana Conference have been in Woodworth this week starting the process known as 'inventory', which is one of the steps in the appointment process. When people new to United Methodism hear that a new pastor will soon be serving their congregation, they may ask: Why don’t we get to choose our pastor? Who makes these decisions? The short answers ...

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the 2005 levee failures, the Louisiana Annual Conference made the difficult decision to sell the heavily flood-damaged property formally known as Napoleon Avenue Methodist Church in New Orleans. Because the stunning stained glass windows that dated back as far as the 1800’s remained virtually intact, the windows were salvaged prior to the ...

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection is excited to announce registration is now open for two conferences hosted by ShareChurch Conferences on April 4 – 5, 2019. Participants may select to attend either The Art of Radical Hospitality Conference or the Empowered: A Model of Care Conference. The conferences are hosted concurrently at Church of the Resurrection’s Leawood, KS ...

Pineville First United Methodist Church's United Methodist Men were recently recognized as Volunteers of the Year at the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston for their work at the Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center.   Ten times a year, for the last 7 years, Pineville First United Methodist Church's United Methodist Men have faithfully traveled to the O.W.L. Center to make ...

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Those visiting Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets in Bossier City with visions of sugarplums might also get a glimpse of the true meaning of Christmas – and it comes with free hot cocoa.   “The True Meaning of Christmas Tour,” sponsored by The United Methodist Church, will be bringing its signature gift-wrapped truck to the mall on Thursday, December 6. The ...

After an exhaustive search, the Louisiana Conference has found its new Associate Director of Congregational Transformation and New Church Development.      Rev. Karli Pidgeon has accepted the position and will transition from her current appointment, Cornerstone United Methodist Church in New Orleans, into her new role, beginning February 1, 2019.    “I am excited Rev. Pidgeon will be ...

For the past week, I have been at the Council of Bishops meeting in St. Simons Island, GA. The work has been important, at times difficult, yet through the power of the Holy Spirit — always rewarding.  This is our last meeting as a Council before gathering in St. Louis at the special called session of General Conference and everything that goes with that important work.  We met, we ...

“…the call was still there. What did it sound like? Something like: “Step out. Serve abroad. I have plans for you.” This is the call Mission Volunteers Adam and Colleen Bookter-Darragh (Louisiana Conference) felt pulling them towards an opportunity to serve as long-term volunteers with the United Methodist Church through Global Ministries. They are currently serving at Asian Rural ...

Hurricane Florence has brought catastrophic damage to the Carolinas. In fact, the storm is larger than North Carolina itself and is affecting nearly 10 million people.  As Louisianians, we know all too well what those in harm's way are dealing with right now - from flooding to power outages and matters that are beyond comprehension. We also know how to help and, perhaps just as ...

The 49th session of Annual Conference, scheduled for June 9-12, 2019, (Sunday - Wednesday) will be moving from the Gold Dome to the Shreveport Convention Center.   “We’re excited to move Annual Conference to the state-of-the-art convention center in Shreveport,” says Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey. “We believe this move will energize the conference and all of the delegates as we strategize...

The Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics recently held its annual meeting and during the meeting, Rick Wheat, CEO of the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home was honored for his extensive work to improve the health of children in Louisiana.  Wheat was honored with the Sandra C. Adams Award, an award that recognizes a non-physician in their efforts to improve the health...

During the Essence Festival in New Orleans, the Apex Youth Center was designated as a destination for the day of service campaign. Together with volunteers from Disney, the Disney Dreamers Academy surprised Rev. Lisa Fitzpatrick with a $25,000 donation. You can read more about the event here and below is a video produced by the Louisiana Conference Communications team.   

The African American Church Vitality Task Force invites churches and congregations interested in creating and understanding the vision for church in African American settings to the Resetting the Vision seminar.  The African American Church Vitality Task Force is excited to roll out a series of workshops for African American churches, to resource and help our churches experience renewal...

During the Annual Conference session in Shreveport this year, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey provided an update from the Commission on a Way Forward, including the work that is currently before the delegates as they get set for the special called session in February of 2019 in St. Louis, MO.  The Commission on a Way Forward was proposed by the Council of Bishops and approved by the 2016 ...

In 1950, the Howard L. Daughenbaugh Memorial Scholarship was established by the Board of Laity of the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church to aid young people enrolled full time at Centenary College in the pursuit of careers in Christian education and service.    In 1982, the Thomas H. Matheny Scholarship increased educational opportunities for United Methodists in the ...

The website for the Wesley Center in Woodworth invites retreat and conference goers to “Meet in the Middle,” a reference to its location in central Louisiana, about 10 miles south of Alexandria. But those who recently have visited the peaceful grounds embraced by a horseshoe-shaped lake are more likely to zip to the bottom or climb to the top as they participate in the Wesley Center’s ...

We've compiled a list of various videos that were featured at Annual Conference 2018.  DVD's of the Episcopal Address, both talks by Rev. Dr. Maria Dixon Hall, the lay leader report, the Board of Ministry report and the Memorial Service can be ordered by contacting John McLaurin (318) 797-1007.  An order form can be found here.  Some of the videos can also be found on our YouTube ...

Making Disciples; Transforming the World: Together The 48th session of the Louisiana Annual Conference was held June 6-9, 2018 in Shreveport/Bossier, Louisiana. "You plan and plan for these moments," said Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey. "And logistically, it went so extraordinarily well. And while you can’t plan for the movement of the Spirit or what I call the 'Surprises of the Spirit',...

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey Celebration of Ministry Service, Louisiana Annual Conference June 9, 2018   Long, long ago and far, far away – "What’s your sign?" was a clichéd pick-up line, referring to your zodiac sign.   Does anyone remember the song No Matter What Sign You Are by Diana Ross and the Supremes?  Didn’t think so – it didn’t meet the legendary Barry Gordy’s expectations and ...

The 2018 Class of Ordinands (L to R): Jay Hogewood, Ronald Southall, Craig Davis, Jo Anne Pounds, Ted Fine, Kelly Berne, Peter Gaughan, Allison Sauls, Ali Young, Laura Nusbaum Course of Study Graduates: (L to R) Perry Anderson, Lisa Fitzpatrick, Dean Register Licensed Local Pastors, (L to R): Kimberly Richard, Karen Roubion, Marilyn Bienvenu Vinnett, Amy Castro, Angeal Roberson    ...