Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup # 64

Here's the week in review in the Methodist blogosphere:

2Theo2 lives in Texas and wonders why people are worried about illegal immigration.

Steven Manskar wrote that the purpose of Sunday morning worship services is not to encourage people to accept Christ and join the church, but to worship God. He also distinguished between worship and evangelism.

Andy Bryan wrote about why JC Decision 1031 should be overturned.

Andy Stoddard lectionary blogged for May 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Chris Morgan compared the Christian journey with exploring a cave system.

Bad Methodist says that it's wrong for adults to have sex with kids, even if the adult is a woman. She also wrote about how American Christians should respond to immigration policy.

At Bandits No More, Richard Heyduck wrote that UMC ecclesiology is bipolar -- part Catholic and part Protestant -- which effects our definition of membership (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!). He also wondered if the enemy of our nation is our (Christians') enemy as well.

Beth Quick reviewed the books Night and The Historian. She also wondered if Christians too often respond with disbelief to the Gospel instead of joy.

Brian Russell wrote that the Christian community is one that sacrifices and that churches should be enthusiastic about the witnessing opportunities that the DaVinci Code gives us.

At Connexions, Richard Hall wrote about whether Christians should support the death penalty for Zacarias Moussaoui. Joel Thomas wrote about the Judicial Council upholding its ruling 1032.

Josh Tinley wrote about a controversial (lesbian) performer at an upcoming UMW conference.

Dave Faulkner blogged about the importance of keeping pedophiles from harming children at church.

Dave Morris wrote about how the church can have unity.

Dave Warnock is fond of recumbent trikes. But not in, you know, a kinky way. Just normal. Really. He also wrote about the theological conference Together for the Gospel.

Dave Camphouse is trying to define local church membership in regards to JCD 1031 and 1032.

Sally Coleman wrote about how she lives her life as Job and how shame debilitates people.

Steve Heyduck reminded us that we should give to the poor like we're giving to Jesus.

Sleepwriter is suggesting a moderate approach to immigration policy, by both the government and the church.

Gavin Richardson has been trying to help the Episcopalians of Tennessee elect a new bishop. They have not been able to thus far. Coincidence? He is also pondering using his on-line clerical credentials to marry a couple of friends.

Gerry Charlotte Phelps would like to inject some facts into the illegal immigration debate and wrote that the death penalty is a deterrent against crime.

Greg Hazelrig wrote about following the example of King Josiah.

Henry Neufield wrote about the difficulties of textual criticism in Isaiah 24-27 and the complexities of Biblical instruction in high schools.

Chris Roberts blogged about how American Christians should participate in the National Day of Prayer and it means when a candidate for the ordained ministry in the UMC is 'discontinued'.

Jay Voorhees wrote about the Judicial Council reconsidering 1032.

Ken Carter wrote about the dangers of global warming.

Larry Hollon blogged about poverty in Bulgaria, life when computerized media are always on, being a Christian behind the Iron Curtain, what it means to be seeker-sensitive, and keeping UMC communications up with changing times.

Matt Kelley wrote about whether UMC pastors should have absolute authority over membership, as 1032 suggests.

Keith McIlwain reacted to the Judicial Council's decision and that our primary mission field should be the poor.

Michael Daniel wondered if judges should be elected, appointed, or put on the bench through some other option. He also wrote that many of the hinderances of racism can be overcome with hard work and that we should be thankful for our manna.

Michelle Hargrave wrote that the UMC should be inclusive of all people, including homosexuals. She also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Methodist Church and that this legacy should be continued by ordaining homosexuals.

Mike Lamson wrote about the famous Mars Hill church.

Neil Bishop wrote about the quintessential themes of Methodism.

At New Reality Blog, Ric wrote that political activism induces unhappiness. Jared Williams wrote that one of the failings of the modern church is that it stripped the Christian faith of its sense of mystery.

Olive Morgan wrote about how people respond when their children are incarcerated.

Pulpit Perspectives wrote about what essential elements make up a church, good sources for demographic statistics, and that his county has the highest unemployment.

Joe Tiedemann is struggling with the concept of grace.

Jason Woolever heard the Apostles' Creed from an autistic child.

Todd Bergman wrote that he enjoyed reading the DaVinci Code and that the country is filled with tension.

Rereason wrote that American Christians should be more welcoming to immigrants and that the American economy isn't as good as people think.

Ross Parmly has proposals for how America can limit illegal immigration.

Sandpiper asked readers if they have open hearts, minds, and doors.

Lorna Koskela wrote about handling conflict through the example of Mary and Martha and the new RevBlogGalPals book.

Sky Lowe-McCracken wrote that UMC politics over homosexuality have gotten really ugly.

Steven Webster wrote that the Judicial Council has arranged for all gay UMC members to be subject to church trial.

Brett Royal wrote that Christians need to have more confidence that truth is knowable.

Tim Sisk wrote about what is UMC court due process with regards to the Ed Johnson case (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!). He also says that the Gospel of Judas has been sexed up.

Tony Mitchell wrote about God's TQM for the Church.

Valtteri Mujunen preached on what Easter does for revival in history.

Shane Raynor wrote about why he's sold ad space to Wal-Mart and the Judicial Council decision.

Bruce Alderman wrote about Cleveland Hell. What does the NT say on the subject? He also wrote about options to extend health insurance to those who don't have it.

Corrections? Additions? Do you know of a blog that should be included in the MBWR? Would you like to receive the MBWR via e-mail? Leave a note in the comments or e-mail locustsandhoney2005 at yahoo dot com!

UPDATE: Bruce Alderman added.