“They are projections for things we’ve never done before.” — Christine Dodson, vice president of the General Council on Finance and Administration board, on the group’s budget work.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
Church exits, COVID lead to steep budget cuts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist financial leaders are struggling to estimate what a proposed church split and ongoing pandemic mean for the denomination’s bottom line. For now, the General Council on Finance and Administration board proposes cutting the budget for denomination-wide ministries by nearly a third, starting in 2023. But board members stress this is a work in progress. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Read press release
North Texas Conference
Bible study helps churches cross racial divide
TERRELL, Texas — As part of the North Texas Conference’s Journey Toward Racial Justice effort, predominantly white First United Methodist Church in Terrell and nearby Warren Chapel United Methodist Church, an African American congregation, have developed closer ties. The churches are joining in a Tuesday night Bible study, and youth programs have become more integrated as well. The Rev. Peter McNabb explains.
Read story
Africa University
Grants to aid AU in malaria fight
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — Two grants worth $2 million will help Africa University make strides in the fight against malaria on that continent. Africa accounted for 94% of malaria cases and deaths in 2019. The money will help establish a malaria entomological center of excellence to foster research and innovation at the United Methodist university. Barbara Dunlap-Berg reports.
Read story
The Greeneville Sun
Children’s home sues Biden administration
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Holston United Methodist Home for Children has filed a federal lawsuit against the Biden administration over a rule the agency says would force it to violate its religious beliefs or risk losing federal funding. The Greeneville Sun has the story.
Read story
Nashville Scene
Nashvillian of the Year: Meharry president
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Nashville Scene, an alternative newspaper, has named Dr. James Hildreth as Nashvillian of the Year for his leadership in addressing the COVID-19 crisis. Hildreth, a nationally recognized immunologist, is the president of Meharry Medical College, one of 11 United Methodist-related schools supported by the Black College Fund. Steven Hale has an interview with Hildreth.
Read story
UM News: Meharry provides vaccines and peace of mind
EVENTS
Tuesday, Dec. 7
Tuesdays at the Table: What it means to invite everyone to the Lord's table
Tuesday, Dec. 7
Navigating Next: Equipping Leaders for Their Next Season of Ministry
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Churches told to oppose BSA bankruptcy plan
DOVER, Del. (UM News) — More than 9,000 United Methodist churches that sponsored Scouting troops have a say in the Boy Scouts of America’s sex abuse-related bankruptcy proceedings. United Methodist leaders are advising the churches to vote “no” on a proposed BSA bankruptcy reorganization plan. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Read press release
Spanish-language hymnal turns 25
SAN ANTONIO (UM News) — This year marks the 25th anniversary of Mil Voces Para Celebrar, the Spanish-language hymnal of The United Methodist Church. The hymnal was no mere imitation of the United Methodist Hymnal, offering a range of different texts, fresh translations and Latin rhythms. An anniversary celebration is set for Dec. 5. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
AU theology graduate returns to serve in East Congo
KINDU, Congo (UM News) — The East Congo Conference recently welcomed home the first student from the conference to graduate from Africa University in Zimbabwe. The new pastor is now providing English-language services. Judith Osongo has the story.
Read story
Kenyan orphans find hope in vocational education
NAIVASHA, Kenya (UM News) — Inua Partners in Hope celebrated the graduation of 158 orphans from its vocational education program, bringing the number of alumni to nearly 900. The hands-on United Methodist ministry teaches vulnerable young people job skills, such as carpentry, dressmaking and welding, and offers biblical counseling and mentoring. Gad Maiga has the story.
Read story
Storms damage church schools, missions
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Heavy rains and strong winds left a trail of destruction of property worth thousands of dollars at two United Methodist missions, which are home to several schools. Kudzai Chingwe reports on the damage and its impact on students and teachers.
Read story
TODAY’S HEADLINES
Church exits, COVID lead to steep budget cuts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist financial leaders are struggling to estimate what a proposed church split and ongoing pandemic mean for the denomination’s bottom line. For now, the General Council on Finance and Administration board proposes cutting the budget for denomination-wide ministries by nearly a third, starting in 2023. But board members stress this is a work in progress. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Read press release
North Texas Conference
Bible study helps churches cross racial divide
TERRELL, Texas — As part of the North Texas Conference’s Journey Toward Racial Justice effort, predominantly white First United Methodist Church in Terrell and nearby Warren Chapel United Methodist Church, an African American congregation, have developed closer ties. The churches are joining in a Tuesday night Bible study, and youth programs have become more integrated as well. The Rev. Peter McNabb explains.
Read story
Africa University
Grants to aid AU in malaria fight
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — Two grants worth $2 million will help Africa University make strides in the fight against malaria on that continent. Africa accounted for 94% of malaria cases and deaths in 2019. The money will help establish a malaria entomological center of excellence to foster research and innovation at the United Methodist university. Barbara Dunlap-Berg reports.
Read story
The Greeneville Sun
Children’s home sues Biden administration
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Holston United Methodist Home for Children has filed a federal lawsuit against the Biden administration over a rule the agency says would force it to violate its religious beliefs or risk losing federal funding. The Greeneville Sun has the story.
Read story
Nashville Scene
Nashvillian of the Year: Meharry president
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Nashville Scene, an alternative newspaper, has named Dr. James Hildreth as Nashvillian of the Year for his leadership in addressing the COVID-19 crisis. Hildreth, a nationally recognized immunologist, is the president of Meharry Medical College, one of 11 United Methodist-related schools supported by the Black College Fund. Steven Hale has an interview with Hildreth.
Read story
UM News: Meharry provides vaccines and peace of mind
EVENTS
Tuesday, Dec. 7
Tuesdays at the Table: What it means to invite everyone to the Lord's table
Tuesday, Dec. 7
Navigating Next: Equipping Leaders for Their Next Season of Ministry
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Churches told to oppose BSA bankruptcy plan
DOVER, Del. (UM News) — More than 9,000 United Methodist churches that sponsored Scouting troops have a say in the Boy Scouts of America’s sex abuse-related bankruptcy proceedings. United Methodist leaders are advising the churches to vote “no” on a proposed BSA bankruptcy reorganization plan. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Read press release
Spanish-language hymnal turns 25
SAN ANTONIO (UM News) — This year marks the 25th anniversary of Mil Voces Para Celebrar, the Spanish-language hymnal of The United Methodist Church. The hymnal was no mere imitation of the United Methodist Hymnal, offering a range of different texts, fresh translations and Latin rhythms. An anniversary celebration is set for Dec. 5. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
AU theology graduate returns to serve in East Congo
KINDU, Congo (UM News) — The East Congo Conference recently welcomed home the first student from the conference to graduate from Africa University in Zimbabwe. The new pastor is now providing English-language services. Judith Osongo has the story.
Read story
Kenyan orphans find hope in vocational education
NAIVASHA, Kenya (UM News) — Inua Partners in Hope celebrated the graduation of 158 orphans from its vocational education program, bringing the number of alumni to nearly 900. The hands-on United Methodist ministry teaches vulnerable young people job skills, such as carpentry, dressmaking and welding, and offers biblical counseling and mentoring. Gad Maiga has the story.
Read story
Storms damage church schools, missions
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Heavy rains and strong winds left a trail of destruction of property worth thousands of dollars at two United Methodist missions, which are home to several schools. Kudzai Chingwe reports on the damage and its impact on students and teachers.
Read story
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