"We ran into our minister’s office yelling, ‘You’re not going to believe what we found!'"
— Reba Harrington, on discovering a copy of a 1943 film called “Christ Is Born.”
Photo courtesy of the Louisiana Conference
NEWS AND FEATURES
New life for church's 1943 Christmas film
ALEXANDRIA, La. (UMNS) — Two women at First United Methodist here have revived interest in a World War II-era feature film, “Christ Is Born,” that their church made with movie professionals stationed at a nearby Army base. Sam Hodges reports.
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Gay United Methodist choir director fired
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (UMNS) — After serving as children’s choir director at a United Methodist church for more than three years, Ryan Mould was fired. He said he was told the denomination does not allow homosexuals to be “spiritual leaders.” Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Holston Conference
Zimbabwe pastor prays for his nation
TALBOTT, Tenn. — The Rev. Samuel Dzobo, pastor of two congregations in east Tennessee, is praying for his home country after the historic news that Robert Mugabe was ousted as president. Dzobo was 5 years old when Mugabe first came into power. “For 37 years, we have been in that environment where you could not freely say or speak your mind,” said the 42-year-old pastor. Annette Spence reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Theological education endowment fund
Pledges to central conference fund top $2.6 million
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences has received financial commitments totaling more than $2.6 million. Central conferences are United Methodist regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. The Council of Bishops created the endowment fund.
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Gammon Theological Seminary
Gammon names new president-dean
ATLANTA — United Methodist Gammon Theological Seminary has named the Rev. Ken J. Walden as the new president-dean. Walden, an elder in the California-Pacific Conference, previously was an administrator and professor at Hood Theological Seminary.
See announcement on seminary website
COMMENTARIES
Archives and History
The Wesleyan addition to the Reformation
MADISON, N.J. — As the Reformation’s 500th anniversary draws to a close, the Rev. Alfred T. Day III reflects on what Wesleyans add to the reformers’ legacy. The reformers had five principles — Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone and the glory of God alone. Day, the top executive of Archives and History, suggests that Methodists added a sixth idea — love alone.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Wesley nurses offer care, prayer
EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, Jan. 8-Friday, Jan. 12
Intensive five-day online Safe Sanctuary policy workshop
Monday, Jan. 8-Friday, Jan. 19
Online discussion: Finding serenity
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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