“This is an important occasion in the life of the church and people of Madagascar. We have come to see and learn what the people of this country are doing in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.” — Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop makes historic visit to Madagascar
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (UM News) — Hundreds of people packed into tiny Ambodifasika United Methodist Church to experience a series of firsts: the church’s first visit from a United Methodist bishop and its first baptisms, Holy Communion and confirmations. The island’s only United Methodist church also celebrated its inaugural church council and organizational conference during Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala’s visit. Alvin Makunike and the Rev. João Filimone Sambo have the story.
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Fuller Center Bike Adventure
Pastor prepares for 411-mile bike ride
STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. — The Rev. Thomas Bentum will ride his bike from New York City to Portland, Maine, this June to raise money for the Fuller Center for Housing. The trip includes a house build in Windham, Maine. Bentum, who serves First United Methodist Church in Stafford Springs, said he learned about Fuller when a group contacted the church about an overnight stay during one of its rides last June.
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PRESS RELEASES
North Central Jurisdiction Commission on Archives and History
Explore Lincoln's links to Methodists
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — President Lincoln didn’t adhere to any particular Christian denomination or theology but was known to have high regard for Methodists. The North Central Jurisdiction Commission on Archives and History will explore the religious life and faith of Lincoln during a July 10-13 tour. Travelers will visit the 16th president’s home, gravesite and presidential library and learn about some of his Methodist contemporaries. The registration cost is $125.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
United Methodist mother of trans child shares story
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — No parent would want their child to face the kind of adversity that transgender children face, writes Heather Gee-Thomas. She describes her family’s journey and how her faith has guided her.
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People Need Jesus
Methodist Detox
GENESEO, Ill. — A generation after John Wesley’s death, Methodism experienced its first significant decline, writes the Rev. Chris Ritter. In response, British Methodists convened the Liverpool Conference and began a turnaround that holds lessons for Methodism today.
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RESOURCES
ENCORE Ministry
Older Adult Recognition Day resource available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Each year, United Methodist congregations are invited to observe Older Adult Recognition Day in May — the same month the U.S. observes Older Americans Month. To help church leaders plan an Older Adult Recognition Day, ENCORE Ministry director Richard Gentzler compiled a free downloadable resource containing Scripture passages for sermon ideas, suggested hymns, prayers, Psalter readings and a litany.
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