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Local Church

Bishops
Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone, who also leads the Indiana Conference, delivers her final presidential address during the bishops’ spring meeting in Jacksonville, Fla. She challenged the bishops to let go of anxiety about the institution and see how God is forming the church for the future. Screen shot courtesy of the Council of Bishops via Facebook by UM News.

Bishops urged to stop looking backward
In a time of great instability and injustice, United Methodist Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone encouraged fellow church leaders to move beyond institutional anxieties and be formed anew as witnesses for Christ.
Faith Stories
Emily Yellin (center), co-author of civil rights leader the Rev. James Lawson Jr.’s memoir, speaks during a book launch Feb. 18 at Woolworth Theatre in Nashville, Tenn. Judge John C. Lawson II, Lawson’s son, is to her right, and to her left is Dennis Dickerson, a historian from Vanderbilt University. Photo by Joe Howell, Vanderbilt University.

Why Lawson selected Yellin as his co-author
The relationship of veteran reporter Emily Yellin with civil rights leader the Rev. James Lawson began when Yellin was 5 years old.
Faith Stories
A new book, “Nonviolent: A Memoir of Resistance, Agitation and Love,” documents the Rev. James Lawson Jr.’s prominent role working with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. At top right, Lawson helps lead the March for Peace, Jobs and Freedom in Washington in 1984 with members of Holman United Methodist Church. He was the longtime pastor of Holman, located in Los Angeles. At bottom right, Lawson makes a point during a 2016 interview with United Methodist News. Book cover courtesy of Random House; march by John C. Goodwin, Board of Global Ministries; portrait photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

The heroic life of the Rev. James Lawson
A new book documents the late United Methodist pastor’s prominent role working with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.
Mission and Ministry
Holly Petti and her dog Paisley chat with people entering the Sanctuary at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. The church has a designated dog greeter every Sunday in addition to numerous pet outreach ministries the congregation offers. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Dog church welcomes people and pets
A United Methodist church in Little Rock celebrates Earth Day by recognizing God’s care for his people and the pets they love.

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