In a Word

In a Word - March 2012
Bishop Woodie White
Some further thoughts on sin! Perhaps we visit a discussion of it during Lent more often than in any other season of the Christian Year. more...

In a Word - January 2012
Bishop Woodie White
Let’s see, there is the calendar year, the fiscal year, the liturgical year, the school year, the conference year, and even leap year. Of course there is the New Year. There are doubtless, still others designated. more...

In a Word - December 2011
Bishop Woodie White
I greet you this Advent morning on December 7th. For many of you the date will not mean a great deal. For others it will immediately summon a historical reference of the beginning of our nation’s war with Japan. For me and I am sure others, the date still carries an emotional response. For those older than I it will carry a far greater emotional impact for sure. more...

In a Word - November 2011
Bishop Woodie White
Sometime ago at a retreat for United Methodist chaplains and pastoral counselors, a beautifully bound little book was placed at the table where I was sitting. more...

In a Word - May 2011
Bishop Woodie White
I can’t believe it is annual conference season already. For many of you, the year no longer revolves around the June-to-June cycle, during which time the majority of U.S. annual conferences convene. more...

In a Word - December 2010
Bishop Woodie White
Advent is nearly over. The waiting can cease. The journey will be complete. It will soon be time for rejoicing! more...

In a Word - May 2010
Bishop Woodie White
Often I wish there were more words to express appreciation other than thank you. These two words are so frequently used they seem to lose the depth of meaning. Perhaps we hear them too often. Yet, they still carry the best expression of gratitude in the simplest way. more...

In a Word - February 2010
Bishop Woodie White
The act of confession is very much a part of the Season of Lent. Indeed, it is the initial step in the penitential drama. The sinner acknowledges wrong doing, expresses regret or sorrow, promises a new way of living, and seeks God’s forgiveness. more...

In a Word - November 2009
Bishop Woodie White
We are entering a season of thanksgiving, expectancy, hope, and celebration. It is most often characterized by a sense of optimism and exuberance, festivity, and generosity. more...

In a Word - October 2009
Bishop Woodie White
Sometimes it is difficult to reach out to others in time of need! Perhaps it is particularly true for clergy. We often labor under the delusion of spiritual invincibility, or allow others to convince us this is so. It can be especially challenging if surrounded by colleagues who mask their own limitations by projecting an image of unfettered strength. more...

In a Word - July 2009
Bishop Woodie White
Sometimes it is difficult to reach out to others in time of need! Perhaps it is particularly true for clergy. We often labor under the delusion of spiritual invincibility, or allow others to convince us this is so. It can be especially challenging if surrounded by colleagues who mask their own limitations by projecting an image of unfettered strength. more...

In a Word - May 2009
Bishop Woodie White
Soon United Methodists will break into singing, "And are we yet alive, and see each others face?" It is conference time! The sons and daughters of Wesley will gather in the annual ritual to give account of their year's ministry, to greet one another, and to plan for another year. more...

In a Word - March 2009
Bishop Woodie White
In this season of Lent, a time of acknowledging misdeeds, a time of seeking and offering forgiveness, you may be holding on to a hurt that needs to be let go. Your act of forgiveness is waiting. more...

In a Word - January 2009
Bishop Woodie White
Some years ago while serving an Episcopal Area, a person serving in an Appointment Beyond the Local Church said some haunting words to me. They were not said in anger but in longing. “I don’t think anybody in this conference cares about me or my ministry!” Not only did I feel an overwhelming sense of grief, I felt an immediate pain for his pain. more...