“Our biblical mandate is so clear and compelling. Just as Mary and Joseph were turned away again and again, we the church must open our hearts and doors and welcome the stranger and immigrant in.” — Bishop Grant Hagiya, California-Pacific Conference, at the La Posada celebration at the border.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Christmas story crosses all borders
TIJUANA, Mexico (UMNS) — The sound of children’s laughter flowed out over the neighborhood as a migrant shelter opened its door for a Christmas party. Border walls that keep two nations apart could not contain the spirit of Christmas that flowed freely at La Posada Sin Fronteras on the U.S.-Mexico border. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story and Mike DuBose has the photos.
Read story, view photos
Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Even after sale, Living Springs Camp will continue
LEWISTOWN, Ill. — Living Springs Camp, which the Illinois Great Rivers Conference voted to close in 2015, has been sold, but the camp’s new owner says its mission will continue. Plans for the property, which the conference has owned since 1929, are to continue using it as a camp for children and youth in Chicago who live in communities filled with drugs and crime and need new directions for their lives. Paul Black reports.
Read story
Cattle dip tank revitalizes village
GOKWE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Cattle are the main source of livelihood for villagers in the rural community of Nyamacheni, but most lost their herds due to tick-borne diseases. Now, the local herd is thriving, thanks to a cattle dip tank built by The United Methodist Church and funded by the Norway-Zimbabwe Chabadza partnership. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
Read story
The Associated Press
Former student sends internet troll to counseling
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — A former American University student government president who was harassed online by white supremacists is forcing one of her attackers to seek counseling and apologize to her as settlement of a lawsuit. Taylor Dumpson is still pursuing charges against a second man for harassment. American University is a United Methodist-related school. Michael Kunzelman has the story.
Read story
2018 annual conference reports
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist News is posting reports from annual conference sessions as we receive them. The latest are from Burundi, North East Nigeria, Uganda-South Sudan and Zambia.
Read reports
Discipleship Ministries
The inside skinny on ‘Silent Night’
DALLAS — “Silent Night, Holy Night” debuted in Austria in 1818 and was first accompanied on guitar because, according to tradition, the church's organ wasn’t working. The story that mice had eaten the bellows is dubious, says C. Michael Hawn, professor emeritus of church music at Southern Methodist University. Hawn gives these and other background details on the beloved carol in a Discipleship Ministries' History of Hymns column.
Read story
COMMENTARIES
Editor’s note: The “Many Voices, One Faith” forum this week features four commentaries on the equality of men and women in The United Methodist Church.
Mary, Peter and the church
WHITEVILLE, N.C. (UMNS) — “What are the roles of women and men in the life of the church, and are they equal?” To answer that question, the Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth takes a look at the Church of Mary and the Church of Peter. “At their best,” he writes, “they work together in the service of the Body of Christ.” His commentary is part of “Many Voices, One Faith,” which brings together diverse perspectives on topics related to faith and the church.
Read commentary
United Methodist Forum: Many Voices, One Faith
Coming tomorrow: The Rev. Eunice Iliya, hospital chaplain at Jalingo United Methodist Hospital in Nigeria, looks at gender equality in Africa and the church.
RECENT HEADLINES
Delegation chairs look toward General Conference
Seeing a way forward: Simple Plan
EVENTS
Tuesday, Dec. 25
Christmas Day
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.