“We’ve made our churches into museums and shrines rather than vital places of worship. Too many places have drive-by worshippers, who don’t stay and develop relationships with the community.” — Pittsburgh Area Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi at Black Methodists for Church Renewal.
NEWS AND FEATURES
BMCR explores 'reset' from past to future
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Speakers challenged The United Methodist Church’s African American caucus and church leaders to work to become more relevant to younger members. The comments came during the Black Methodists for Church Renewal annual meeting. Pittsburgh Area Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi urged caucus members to “stay woke,” the popular rallying cry of the Black Lives Matter movement. John W. Coleman has the story and Mike DuBose has photos.
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Tomorrow: Bishops discuss GC2019 outcomes with BMCR
UMCOR assists with 2018 hurricane recovery
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Grants of $6.4 million for the North Carolina Conference and $4.6 million for Alabama-West Florida, responding to Hurricanes Florence and Michael, are part of the $27.6 million approved by the United Methodist Committee on Relief for disaster response, sustainable development, global migration and Global Health support. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Global Ministries names interim director for Global Health
National Council of Churches
Liberian deportations halted for a year
WASHINGTON — The Trump Administration earned praise from the Liberian Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches for extending the deadline for 4,200 Liberians who had been set to be deported. The change extends the Deferred Enforced Departure program for Liberians until March 30, 2020. The United Methodist Church is a member of both councils of churches.
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Texas Conference
H.O.G. ministry caters to bikers
HOUSTON — The Rev. Jamie Lee and his wife, Kandace, often hang out with bikers, offering to shine boots for free or flipping burgers. That’s how they meet and minister to people involved with Harley Owners Groups, which has millions of members worldwide. Lindsay Peyton has the story.
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UM Disability
Agencies offer support to disability ministries
BALTIMORE — Representatives from general agencies discussed ways to better minister with people with disabilities. The agency executives met with leaders from the United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities and the DisAbility Ministries Committee. The Rev. Leo Yates Jr. reports.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Native American Ministries Sunday resources available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Native American Ministries Sunday will be May 5, or any other Sunday a church chooses. A pastor and leaders’ kit containing promotional resources like devotional messages, social media graphics, a poster and bulletin insert is available for download at UMCGiving.org.
Get resources
RECENT HEADLINES
How will denominational divide affect mission?
General Conference 2019 in photos
EVENTS
Monday, April 22-Monday, May 13
Online class on mentoring young people: Timothy Circle training
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