“A miracle is an everyday extraordinary.” — Alisyn, one of the children in a United Methodist ad campaign.
Children's thoughts on miracles add depth at Easter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — “Do you believe in miracles?” That simple question, which might challenge adults, elicited some remarkable replies when a United Methodist pastor asked children. Joe Iovino has the story on a question that is part of The United Methodist Church’s Easter advertising campaign.
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Nigerian seminary educates pastors' spouses
BAMBUR, Nigeria (UMNS) — The United Methodist seminary in Nigeria is now providing basic skills training for the wives of male students studying to become pastors. The school has female students studying to be pastors, too, and their husbands also are encouraged to attend the school. Julu Swen reports.
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United Methodists mourn with Coptic church
WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is grieving with the Coptic Orthodox Church over the recent terrorist bombings that targeted Coptic churches in Egypt, killing at least 47 people as members celebrated Palm Sunday. The bishops expressed sympathy and solidarity in a letter to Coptic leaders.
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Coptic church in Egypt and martyrdom
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (WCC) — Brutal Palm Sunday attacks on two churches are the latest example of the constant threat facing Coptic Christians. The Coptic Orthodox Church has had an answer of sorts for 2,000 years: martyrdom. In an interview with Katja Buck, Coptic Bishop Thomas explains why the concept of martyrdom has answers for life in the 21st century.
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Religion and Race offers grants
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, the denomination’s racial justice agency, is seeking to fund innovative United Methodist initiatives that disrupt racism and xenophobia. The agency’s CORR Action Fund is making available $750,000 for U.S. grants for 2017 to 2020. The agency will begin accepting applications in May. The deadline is August.
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Gathering puts church focus on immigration
WASHINGTON — “Sanctuary is more than a word; it’s what you do,” said Bishop Minvera Carcaño at a recent church gathering on immigration. United Methodists from all five U.S. United Methodist jurisdictions met to strategize on how to respond to immigration issues. Maria Penrod reports for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
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New Jersey church goes solar
JACKSON, N.J. — Members of Jackson United Methodist Church have demonstrated their commitment to being good stewards of the earth by installing a solar power project. The project is expected to save $200 to $300 each month on the church’s electric bill. Denise Herschel reports for the Greater New Jersey Conference.
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No Daily Digest on Good Friday
There will be no Daily Digest on Good Friday, April 14. The digest will resume on April 17. The staff at United Methodist News Service wishes everyone a blessed Easter.
LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Sunday, April 16
Easter Sunday — Resources to help observe the Easter season are available from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries. United Methodist Communications has gathered a collection of seasonal resources, too.
Get Discipleship Ministries resources
United Methodist Communications resources
Saturday, April 22
The United Methodist Academy of Scouting — 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Grace Fellowship Hall at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Georgia. The academy is an adult training conference for Boy Scout and Girl Scout leaders interested in building the Duty-to-God component of their Scout programs. It is also designed for clergy interested in starting a Scout program (Boy Scout and Girl Scout) or a Big Brothers Big Sisters program at their church. Details
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