“We do not have a sense in the U.S. today that many of our ailments are curable.” — The Rev. James Lawson, United Methodist pastor and civil rights movement legend.
Lawson: Black Lives Matter shows need for change
CLINTON, Tenn. (UMNS) — A great social awakening that started with the civil rights movement is gaining strength today with the Black Lives Matter movement, said the Rev. James Lawson, a United Methodist pastor called by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world.” Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Ebola’s departure brings back children’s camp
MOYAMBA, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — The Sierra Leone Conference has wrapped up its first post-Ebola children’s camp at Harford School for Girls. The one-week camp of mainly United Methodist children was suspended in 2014 and 2015 amid the world’s worst Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which caused more than 11,000 deaths worldwide. Phileas Jusu reports.
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Flood recovery wrapup needs volunteers
DETROIT (UMNS) — Two years ago the rain fell in Detroit, and fell, and fell. The result was the largest federally declared disaster of the year. Kay DeMoss of the Michigan Area reports that The United Methodist Church has stayed the course in recovery, and now the Northwest Detroit Flood Recovery Project is seeking help in finishing 25 rebuilds and wrapping up its flood recovery.
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What churches do young adults attend?
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr. examines the findings of a new report on engaging young adults and shares clues about the types of churches those ages 18–34 are most likely to attend. “The characteristics of churches with thriving young adult engagement are virtually the same as any thriving congregation,” he writes for the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
How to save money with technology
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCom) — Penny pinching isn’t fun for most of us, but thriftiness can be good stewardship and using technology wisely can help cut costs for your church. United Methodist Communications offers several tips on utilizing free or inexpensive tech tools to help your church's budget go further. Tricia Brown reports.
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Lutherans approve document on Catholics
NEW ORLEANS (ELCA) —The 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly overwhelmingly accepted a unique ecumenical document on Aug. 10, marking 32 “Statements of Agreement” between Lutherans and Catholics. The ELCA also has a full communion agreement with The United Methodist Church.
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 17-20
School of Congregational Development 2016 — The workshops for United Methodist clergy and lay leaders will be in Evanston, Illinois, outside Chicago. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and Global Ministries sponsor the gathering. $475. Details
Monday, Aug. 22-Friday, Sept. 2
Online course "Teach Adults” from BeADisciple.com — This two-week, interactive course is approved by Discipleship Ministries for lay servants. It aims to help participants improve their ability to guide adult learners through their faith development. Topics include multiple intelligences and adult faith development. $65. Details
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