"It is one thing to win an election and another thing to be a leader. I cannot be a leader alone." — Bishop-elect Samuel J. Quire.
The Rev. Samuel Quire elected Liberia bishop
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — The Rev. Samuel J. Quire Jr., administrative assistant to the bishop in Liberia, has been elected a bishop by the delegates of the West Africa Central Conference. He will lead the Liberia Conference. Phileas Jusu and Julu Swen have the story.
Church's homosexuality debate tops 2016 news
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The election of the denomination’s first openly lesbian bishop and the creation of a special commission to examine church law on homosexuality were considered the top news of the year by church communicators. Joey Butler reports.
When Christmas comes on Sunday…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCom) — Planning Christmas Day worship can be tricky since many families have traditions that do not include going to church. Kathy Noble, editor of Interpreter magazine, shares ideas about how churches make this service special.
Agency report: United Methodist Publishing House
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Publishing House published almost 2,000 new books, Bibles and church resources in the past year and finished over $1 million in the black in 2016. Part of a series of reports on the work each general agency accomplished this year.
United Methodist's dogs bring Christmas joy
MARION, Va. (UMNS) — On Christmas morning, Andy Overbay will get up early and put Santa hats on his furry friends, whose names are Bo and Ty. Then the three of them will drive over to Smyth County Community Hospital to visit the patients who didn’t make it home for the holidays. Annette Spence of the Holston Conference reports on this United Methodist’s ministry “PAWS for Christ.”
Video: Christmas care for prisoners
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (UMC.org) — In 2016, 8,000 Christmas cards will make their way to 10 correctional facilities thanks to the work of hundreds of United Methodist members who wrote greetings for people they will probably never meet. This UMC.org video presents the work of this Eastern Pennsylvania Conference ministry.
3 emerging ministries get grants
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Three projects started by deacons — an after-school youth club, a music experience for immigrant and refugee children and their parents, and a Christian community center — have received 2016 Emerging Ministry Grants from the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Digest on break
The UMNS Daily Digest will take a break from Tuesday, Dec. 20, through Monday, Jan. 2. The next daily digest will be on Tuesday, Jan. 3. We wish everyone a joyous Christmas and blessed 2017.
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.
Sunday, Jan. 15
Human Relations Day — United Methodists will celebrate God's call to empower people who struggle and equip change agents to transform the world. Special offerings on this Sunday support ministries that help people reach their God-given potential. Resources
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