In the sixth of seven special episodes focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflection on Luke 23:36, “Father into your hands I commend my spirit.” The bishop shares his thoughts on how Jesus turned over His spirit to God after being beaten and mocked and…Read more »

Designed for the youth group at Lawrence Central United Methodist Church, this online activity is meant to be completed within a two hour time frame. It must be completed by 4 p.m. Sunday, April 5. Each item is worth a point, with some questions offering opportunities for bonus points. The person who scores the most…Read more »

In the fifth of seven special episodes focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on John 19:28 and John 19:30, “I thirst” and “It is finished,” respectively. The bishop provides his reflections on these two verses and provides guidance of why the writer of the…Read more »

In the fourth of seven special episodes of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on Mark 15:34, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.” The bishop explains how these words from Jesus shouldn’t necessarily be looked at…Read more »

In the third of seven special episodes of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on John 19:26-27, “Woman, here is your son,” and “Here is your mother.” The bishop explains how Jesus gives us a glimpse into how Christians…Read more »

In the second of seven special episodes of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast focusing on the final sayings from Christ on the cross, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. shares his reflections on Luke 23:43, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Through this statement to a criminal on the cross, Jesus…Read more »

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church, is the featured guest for a special series of episodes that explores the seven final sayings of Jesus from the cross. In this first episode, Bishop Saenz explains why Lent is special to him, and he provides some reflection…Read more »

Where does the 46 days (40 when we subtract the Sundays) of Lent come from? We trace it back to the 40 days and 40 nights Jesus spent in the Judean wilderness following his baptism in the Jordan River. Jesus spent time preparing for the critical ministry ahead. During that time, Jesus was tempted by…Read more »

Jesus tells his believers to make disciples. That’s not a command just for clergy. Laity actually play the biggest part, but that important role requires leadership. The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church will host its first Laity Summit on March 21 in Kearney, Nebraska. In this episode, Todd talks with Shane Warta,…Read more »

In the second of two episodes exploring the concept of a culture of call, Todd talks with the Rev. Ashlee Alley Crawford, coordinator of clergy recruitment and development for the Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church. In their discussion, Ashlee shares resources available to local churches, young adults and others to help them…Read more »