“You have 1,200 to 1,500 strangers in your area in a five-week period and it’s an opportunity for outreach.” — Steve Yonts, a member of New Hope United Methodist Church, close to the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Small churches, big ministry
BASTIAN, Va. (UMNS) — The two churches of the Round Mountain Circuit have about two dozen members, but they minister to thousands every year who hike the Appalachian Trail. Story by Joey Butler, photos by Mike DuBose.
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Feeding millions of children in need
ATLANTA (UMNS) — When volunteers at Dunwoody United Methodist Church finish packing meals for children in need, the Aug. 11 event will set new records. United Methodists account for nearly one-quarter of the 400-million-plus meals distributed globally since 2005 through Rise Against Hunger (formerly Stop Hunger Now). Linda Bloom has the story.
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Water project saves lives, boosts economy in Zimbabwe
MUTSAGO, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Students at two rural schools now have access to clean water thanks to a “chabadza” partnership between The United Methodist Church in Norway and Zimbabwe. Before the community development project, an average of 50 children were missing school each week to seek medical attention for waterborne diseases. Kudzai Chingwe reports.
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New 2018 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist News Service is posting annual conference reports. New this week are North Texas, Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, Oriental and Equator, Red Bird Missionary and North Katanga conferences.
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New England and Oregon-Idaho conferences
2 pastors arrested protesting ICE
BOSTON — Two United Methodist pastors, from conferences across the country, have been arrested in nonviolent protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Rev. Stewart Lanier of the New England Conference was among protesters arrested Aug. 1 after they sat in the road in front of the home of the Northeastern University’s president to protest a multimillion-dollar research contract the university has with ICE. The Rev. Barbara Nixon of the Oregon-Idaho Conference was one of three clergy from different faiths arrested outside of the ICE office building in Portland, Oregon, on Aug. 7. Beth DiCocco reports for New England; Kristen Caldwell reports for Oregon-Idaho.
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Read Oregon-Idaho Conference story
PRESS RELEASES
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
Retreat center honors retired Florida pastor
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The Lake Junaluska Associates have named the Rev. Delmas Copeland as the 2018 Chief Junaluska Award recipient. The Chief Junaluska Award is given each year to one outstanding supporter of the conference and retreat center based on service, community involvement and financial support. Copeland, who is now retired, served as a pastor and district superintendent in the Florida Conference.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Conferences united on welcoming immigrants
Charlottesville clergy hope for peaceful weekend
EVENTS
Sunday, Aug. 12
United to Love rally
Monday, Aug. 13-Monday, Oct. 8
Online course: Religion and Science — Pathways to Truth
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