links page
TORRANCE FIRST UMC RELATED LINKS
Exploring our spiritual gifts. . .
- Spiritual Gifts--This site, from the United Methodist Church, offers an explanation of spiritual gifts and an on-line assessment tool to help us determine our spiritual gifts.
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RELATED LINKS
From the Upper Room Ministry Family. . .
Boards and Agencies. . .
- The United Methodist Church Homepage
- The California-Pacific Annual Conference Homepage
- Igniting Ministry
- Cokesbury
- General Board of Global Ministries
- General Board of Discipleship
- DISCIPLE Bible Study Web Site
- United Methodist Women
- United Methodist Men
- UMCOR
News Services. . .
- United Methodist Church News
- United Methodist Reporter (UM Portal)
- Interpreter Magazine
- UMCOR-Hotline
From the 2004 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. . .
- Our Beliefs
- Part 1: Our Doctrinal Heritage
- Part 2: Our Doctrinal History
- Part 3: Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules
- Part 4: Social Principles
- History of the Church
- Structure and Organization
- The Council of Bishops
Miscellaneous. . .
- The Wesleys and Their Times
- Wesley Center Online: a huge resource for Wesleyan studies and lots of other theological study material
LAY SPEAKING RESOURCES
- Lay Speakers Web Site from the General Board of Discipleship
- General Board of Discipleship's Worship Page
- The Text This Week - RCL, Scripture Study and Worship Links
- Sermon Illustrations
- S.A.M.U.E.L. (UCC)
- RCL Commentary
- Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Revised Common Lectionary
- Logos Productions: Worship & Preaching
- Fr. Brian Cavanaugh's "Apple Seeds" Page
- Hasidic Stories
- Sermon Illustrations
- Inspirational Christian Stories and Poems Archive
- Bag O Laughs
- Christian Humor Web
- John Wesley's Sermons
DISCIPLESHIP RESOURCES DOWNLOADS
We invite you to use these General Board of Discipleship resources as free leaflets or handouts for new members, for study groups, for hospital or nursing home visitation, in the church foyer, as discussion starters . . . any way you feel they will be of help to persons seeking information and inspiration!
Brochures. . .
- Ministry in My Community (33K)
Know, see, and serve your neighbors, your community. - You Can Make a Difference (32K)
This leaflet for new leaders in your congregation (or past leaders with new responsibilities) encourages persons to act to genuinely make a difference, and to invite and inspire others to do the same. - Caring for Others (37K)
Care is as essential to human life as food and drink. We are called and empowered by God to support and care for others, following Jesus' example. - What's Next for New Members? (33K)
"Now that I'm a member of this congregation, what can I expect? And what is expected of me?" A brief description of commitments we make as members of a congregation and as disciples of Christ. - How to Pray for the Sick (40K)
When we pray for the sick, we are using our spirits as channels for God's Spirit to reach and heal. - How God Answers Prayer (37K)
Do you sometimes wonder if God hears our prayers? if God answers prayer? How God Answers Prayer is an assurance of God's love and response to faithful prayer. - "As We Forgive Others" (31K)
An examination of this challenging phrase from The Lord's Prayer . . . what God's forgiveness means and what forgiveness of others can mean for us as Christians. - How to Live at Your Best (31K)
Ten steps toward a healthier, more spiritual life. - Accepted: Understanding Our Relationship with God (27K)
Four truths that can bring your life new joy, meaning, and purpose. - 25 Ways to Build Up a Church (23K)
This leaflet for congregational members provides 25 practical suggestions for strengthening and nurturing the life and work of the congregation.
Lay Speaking Ministry Brochures. . .
Your life may be the only Bible some people ever read!
- Lay Speaking Ministry (96K)
As lay speakers care, lead, and communicate, they encourage, equip, and support others for deeper commitment to Christ and to faithful discipleship. - Youth can be in Lay Speaking Ministry! (101K)
A Youth in Lay Speaking Ministry Is:- An active, supportive member of a United Methodist church;
- Eager to serve through the church;
- Well-informed on the scriptures, and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church;
- Committed to witnessing her/his faith through church and community leadership, caregiving ministries, and spoken communication;
- Willing to improve his/her skills for service
