“The remarkable thing is how people living with dementia teach us that the image of God is beyond our cognitive abilities, and that the possibility of great joy is very much a reality in their lives.” — Retired Bishop Lawson Bryan
NEWS AND FEATURES
Caring for people with memory issues
COLUMBIA, S.C. (UM News) — Millions are dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that affect memory. United Methodist churches and members can offer support in these situations. Washington Street United Methodist Church has started a monthly worship service designed for people with dementia. Jim Patterson has the story.
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UM News: Book aims to help dementia caregivers cope
Florida Conference
Retired Bishop Timothy Whitaker dies
KELLER, Va. — Retired Bishop Timothy Whitaker, who served as resident bishop of the Florida Conference from 2001 to 2012, died March 28. United Methodist News is at work on a feature obituary that will be posted on UMNews.org and shared in an upcoming Digest.
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Mississippi Conference
Equipping ‘lighthouse’ churches to be beacons
JACKSON, Miss. — Lighthouse Congregations are churches that serve as hospitable and healing environments for people who seek to remain United Methodist or are interested in becoming United Methodist. The Mississippi Conference’s office of faith community formation wants to ensure these churches have support. Matthew Johnson has the story.
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Greater New Jersey Conference
Pastor serves church that once served her
PALMYRA, N.J. — Epworth United Methodist Church is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Mandeville Scholarship, a cornerstone of the church’s Planned Giving program. The scholarships are awarded to full-time and permanent part-time graduate students who are members of United Methodist churches in the Greater New Jersey Conference. One of its recipients is the Rev. Rachel Callender, who was appointed to Epworth last July. John W. Coleman reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Podcast explores faith and reason
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “Compass" podcast hosts a conversation with the Rev. Kara Slade, an engineer turned priest whose journey from the world of mechanical engineering to the pulpit is an interesting blend of spirituality and professional transformation. Slade discusses how she struggled with her faith before turning toward ministry.
Listen to podcast
Knoxville News Sentinel
Formerly homeless pastor is on a mission
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Tim Jackson knows intimately what it is like to be homeless. That experience shapes his ministry at the two churches he leads: Magnolia Avenue and Vestal United Methodist. Both churches served as warming shelters this winter. Angela Dennis reports.
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UM News: Knoxville church banks on outreach
RESOURCES
Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Helping churches embrace digital revolution
DELAWARE, Ohio — Two United Methodist pastors will lead a free workshop: Liturgy and Leadership in the Digital Age, in-person and online. Methodist Theological School in Ohio will host the event from 9:30 a.m. to noon U.S. Eastern time April 17. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Rachel Billups, pastor of New Albany United Methodist Church in New Albany, and the Rev. Matt Rawle, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Read press release and register
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Monday, April 8-Monday, June 3
Online course: Journey Through the Psalms
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