“We all were clear that Mount Sequoyah’s future was best served by it becoming independent in terms of governance.” — Great Plains Area Bishop Scott Jones on the Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center.
Mount Sequoyah leaves United Methodist fold
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. (UMNS) — Mount Sequoyah, overlooking downtown Fayetteville, has been a Methodist retreat center since 1922. But the relationship is set to change, with The United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdictional Conference having approved shifting ownership of the 32-acre site to a local nonprofit. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Maryland flooding leaves 2 dead
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (UMNS) — A devastating flash flood here left two dead and destroyed several businesses and homes, as well as damaging the education building at Emory United Methodist Church. Emory and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church both cancelled worship services on July 31 because of road closures. A prayer service is planned at Emory on Aug. 4. Erik Alsgaard reports for the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
Read story
Finding peace on the Korean peninsula
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — A delegation from the National Council of Churches in Korea came to Washington last week to advocate for a permanent peace treaty between North and South Korea. Local host Jim Winkler, a United Methodist who leads the National Council of the Churches in the USA, reflected that despite a longtime effort by Christians toward reunification, “Korea remains divided and the prospects for a peace treaty remain dim.” But there is still hope for the future, he writes.
Read commentary and related stories
New Wesley Foundation in Georgia
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (UMNS) — A popular summer worship service for college-age young adults has grown into the Wesley Foundation of Brunswick on the campus of the College of Coastal Georgia. The Rev. Rob Grotheer, pastor at College Place United Methodist Church, which is located next to the campus, sees this as the next step of being in ministry with students. Kara Witherow, editor of the South Georgia Advocate, reports.
Read story
New time for Daily Digest
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist News Service Daily Digest is moving to a new time. The e-newsletter of news from around the United Methodist connection is now sent at 6 a.m. CDT. Beginning Aug. 9, the digest will be sent at 6 p.m. CDT.
Subscribe to the Daily or Weekly Digest
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
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.