“Our task, as church, is to share the love of Jesus with everyone, particularly the least, last and lost, those who are vulnerable.” — The Rev. Michael Turner, pastor of Advent United Methodist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina.
Christmas mission helps church 'love thy neighbor'
SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. (UMNS) — One South Carolina church is taking the Great Commandment — to love your neighbor as yourself — quite literally this Christmas. Advent United Methodist Church challenged its members to cut their Christmas spending in half and give the other half to Advent’s Christmas Miracle Mission Offering. The money will be used to build or remodel a home for transitional housing for homeless families.
Giving Tuesday raises $2.5 million for mission work
NEW YORK (UMNS) — On #GivingTuesday, United Methodists donated more than $2.5 million online through The Advance to support denominational mission and ministries around the world. The Board of Global Ministries matched the first $1 million in gifts.
Churches hire chaplain for Virginia prison
INDEPENDENCE, Va. (UMNS) — Less than a year after the River North Ministry Council raised enough money to hire a chaplain for the new prison in their region, about 200 inmates are now attending weekly Christian worship services. Twenty-nine men have been baptized this year at River North Correctional Center, where the current population is about 850.
North Georgia Conference finalizes Simpsonwood sale
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. (UMNS) — The North Georgia Conference is selling the 227-acre Simpsonwood property to Gwinnett County and the city of Peachtree Corners for $16 million. The property, a largely natural site lying along the Chattahoochee River, has been owned and used by the conference for more than 40 years.
Richey examines formation for ministry in Methodism
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A new book by Russell E. Richey critically considers the potential future of formation for ministry in the digital age and offers an overview of how the Methodist community in America has identified and formed its ministers since the late 18th century. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Nicole Burdakin has the report.
Advent Quiz: See what you know about Charles Wesley
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Did you know Charles Wesley wrote Christmas music? He’s the topic of today’s question on the daily UMC.org Advent quiz. Try your luck.
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.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Free webinar "Planning Lent and Easter for Discipleship'" — 7:30 p.m. CT. The Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards, director of worship resources for Discipleship Ministries, will offer advice for liturgical planning. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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