Author: Crystal Caviness

Methodists and Sand Creek

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Many United Methodists do not know the violent tragedies of our past, including the denomination’s  responsibility and agency in the Sand Creek Massacre, the 1864 attack by the U.S. Army on the Cheyenne and Arapaho people in what is now Colorado. This is that story.

Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes guest, Dr. Gary L. Roberts, professor and author of “Massacre at Sand Creek: How Methodists Were Involved in an American Tragedy.”

Note: This episode is a repeat from October 2021.

To learn more and/or order Dr. Roberts’ book, go to this link.

Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.

Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.

Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.

Sacred Journeys: Weaving Navajo spirituality with Wesleyan faith

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When the Rev. Calvin Yashie Hill discovered the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a seminary student, the Navajo holy man knew he had found his denominational home. Discover how Wesleyan discipleship aligns with indigenous spirituality and how understanding both can lead to a more welcoming church.

Today’s “Get Your Spirit in Shape” episode is part one of a two-part conversation with Rev. Hill as we learn more about the culture and rituals of indigenous people and how we can better live together in the world and the church.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Diversity in The UMC: Telling our stories leads to unity

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As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the Rev. Dr. Lydia Munoz reminds us of the importance of listening to one another’s stories and respecting one another’s journeys as we live into a diverse and inclusive church that encompasses a rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latine heritage in the U.S.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Methodism in Latin America: The journey and the legacy that remains

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Join Dr. Ashley Boggan D., GCAH’s general secretary, and Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo, professor of Missiology, World Christianity and Methodist Studies at Wesley Theological Seminary, as they discuss the vibrant history of Methodism in Latin America. Learn about the courageous pioneers who brought their faith to a region dominated by Catholicism and how the legacy continues to thrive today.

Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.

Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.

Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.

Faith, loss and the fight for inclusion: A mother’s story

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In a poignant and powerful conversation about faith and loss, Julie Hilliard Wood, a lifelong United Methodist, shares her family’s story of how homophobia and rejection within the church had devastating consequences and reminds us of how critically important it is to create safe and loving spaces for all of God’s children.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

For more information or to purchase Wood’s book, “Changing the Message: Cruelty to Persons Who are Gay is Incompatible with Christian Teaching,” visit this link.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Blessed are the peacemakers

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Even as we believe our differences are our downfall, scripture tells us that diversity is the source of our beauty. The Rev. Beth Crissman discusses the Purple Church Initiative, a guide to harmony that challenges us to take up Jesus’ call to be ambassadors of peace, and how, as John Wesley taught, to be of one heart though we are not of one opinion.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Learn more about The Purple Church Initiative, a resource for members and leaders of The United Methodist  Church.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Lessons for 21st-century people of faith from a 19th-century abolitionist

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The Rev. Dr. Christopher P. Momany joins Dr. Ashley Boggan as a return guest on “Un-Tied Methodism” to discuss the new collaborative project titled “Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past.” Inspired by the discovery of a 19th century abolitionist journal and the documentation of a ship used to enslave people, the book challenges us to confront our history in an effort to inspire fresh conversations about race and faith in the church.

Learn more about “Awakening to Justice.”

Watch the “Awakening to  Justice” documentary.

Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.

Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.

Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.

Rediscovering joy: Prioritizing play in a delight-deficient world

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We live in a delight-deficient world, one where we, as adults, are driven to be productive and where play is seldom prioritized. The Rev. Tyler Strange reminds us that soul care means living from the inside out and that by rediscovering joy, we can unlock a playful spirit.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Learn more about and/or purchase Strange’s book, “What I Want My Children (and Me) to Know: Building Better Humans One Napkin at a Time,” here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Safeguarding safe spaces: A UM firefighter’s ministry

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Protecting sacred spaces is a passion for Selena Ruth Smith. A firefighter and deaconess, the cradle United Methodist shares tips for how all of us can promote fire safety in our local congregations.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Methodist Abolitionists: Boldly following a ‘higher law’

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The Rev. Dr. Christopher P. Momany, author of “Compelling Lives: Five Methodist Abolitionists and the Ideas that Inspired Them” joins Dr. Ashley Boggan D. as a guest on “Un-Tied Methodism” to discuss key Methodists whose opposition to slavery and witness for justice was grounded in the “higher law” of godly authority rather than human-made laws.

Learn more about and/or purchase Momany’s book at christopherpaulmomany.com.

Check out this video produced by the Michigan Conference of The UMC that features Momany’s study and outreach in support of “Compelling Lives.”

Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.

Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.

Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.