“I’m really believing God that this institute will become that safe space where generations, where cultures, where geographically those persons who are coming from every walk of life can all sit in one place and experience … ‘beloved community.’” — The Rev. Cynthia Wilson on the launch of the Junius B. Dotson Institute for Music and Worship in the Black Church and Beyond.
NEWS AND FEATURES
‘It’s an experience’: Kickoff for Dotson Institute
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The Junius B. Dotson Institute for Music and Worship in the Black Church and Beyond kicks off with celebrations Aug. 18-20 in Atlanta. The Rev. Cynthia A. Wilson, a close colleague of Dotson’s before his death in 2021, explains her vision for the new venture. Rather than being based in one place, it will be a series of educational opportunities for church worship leaders at various venues. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Watch video interview with Wilson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pastor remembered for growing church and services
ROSWELL, Ga. — During his 24 years at Roswell United Methodist Church, the Rev. Malone Dodson oversaw the congregation’s five-fold growth to become a 7,500-member megachurch. He also led the church to add ministries, including a counseling center, to help the wider community. Dodson died Aug. 7 at age 85 of complications from COVID-19. Ben Smith has the obituary.
Read obituary
Great Plains Conference
‘Good flow’ for coffee shop ministry
TOPEKA, Kan. — Café Quetzal is celebrating its first anniversary as a coffee shop ministry and is upbeat about its prospects as a business, community center and place to share the Christian faith. “We feel like we have a good flow now,” said the Rev. Christine Potter. David Burke reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries
Grants for Deaf Awareness Week offered
ATLANTA — Grants of $500 are available to churches and ministries that plan to celebrate Deaf Awareness Week Sept. 19-25. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee wishes to help those who highlight, promote and celebrate Deaf awareness, achievements and ministries. The deadline for applications is Aug. 25.
Read press release
To apply
RESOURCES
ResourceUMC
Tips for connecting with TikTok
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With the ever-changing landscape of ministering in a digital age, United Methodists may wonder if TikTok is appropriate for their congregation. Aaron Crisler shares some hard-won tips on using the platform to reach potential new disciples.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
Russian-speaking congregation supports Ukrainian refugees
Laity leadership revitalizes church’s young adult ministry
EVENTS
Monday, Sept. 12-Friday, Sept. 23
Online course: Class Leaders — Recovering a Tradition
Thursday, Oct. 6-Saturday, Oct. 8
2022 Upper New York Annual Conference
NEWS AND FEATURES
‘It’s an experience’: Kickoff for Dotson Institute
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The Junius B. Dotson Institute for Music and Worship in the Black Church and Beyond kicks off with celebrations Aug. 18-20 in Atlanta. The Rev. Cynthia A. Wilson, a close colleague of Dotson’s before his death in 2021, explains her vision for the new venture. Rather than being based in one place, it will be a series of educational opportunities for church worship leaders at various venues. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Watch video interview with Wilson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pastor remembered for growing church and services
ROSWELL, Ga. — During his 24 years at Roswell United Methodist Church, the Rev. Malone Dodson oversaw the congregation’s five-fold growth to become a 7,500-member megachurch. He also led the church to add ministries, including a counseling center, to help the wider community. Dodson died Aug. 7 at age 85 of complications from COVID-19. Ben Smith has the obituary.
Read obituary
Great Plains Conference
‘Good flow’ for coffee shop ministry
TOPEKA, Kan. — Café Quetzal is celebrating its first anniversary as a coffee shop ministry and is upbeat about its prospects as a business, community center and place to share the Christian faith. “We feel like we have a good flow now,” said the Rev. Christine Potter. David Burke reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries
Grants for Deaf Awareness Week offered
ATLANTA — Grants of $500 are available to churches and ministries that plan to celebrate Deaf Awareness Week Sept. 19-25. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee wishes to help those who highlight, promote and celebrate Deaf awareness, achievements and ministries. The deadline for applications is Aug. 25.
Read press release
To apply
RESOURCES
ResourceUMC
Tips for connecting with TikTok
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With the ever-changing landscape of ministering in a digital age, United Methodists may wonder if TikTok is appropriate for their congregation. Aaron Crisler shares some hard-won tips on using the platform to reach potential new disciples.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
Russian-speaking congregation supports Ukrainian refugees
Laity leadership revitalizes church’s young adult ministry
EVENTS
Monday, Sept. 12-Friday, Sept. 23
Online course: Class Leaders — Recovering a Tradition
Thursday, Oct. 6-Saturday, Oct. 8
2022 Upper New York Annual Conference
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