“Every day we still have people telling us they were separated from children.” — Azalea Aleman-Bendiks, assistant federal public defender for the Southern District of Texas, about her experience with asylum-seekers.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Responding to migrants at the border
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (UMNS) — When Cindy Johnson, a United Methodist deaconess, came across an asylum-seeker whose baby did not seem well, she took the mother and child to a nearby pharmacy for medicine. Johnson, a member of the United Methodist Immigration Task Force, spends many days at the U.S.-Mexico border. She recently led a group of U.S. and Mexican church leaders to the Matamoros Bridge. Kathy L. Gilbert and Mike DuBose report.
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Church helps rebuild Congo water source
MIKELENGE, Congo (UMNS) — For years, a spring near the United Methodist Mission Lokole provided a natural source of drinking water for much of the town’s population. But during repeated wars, rebels destroyed the spring. The United Methodist Church in East Congo, with support from the nongovernmental organization Tearfund, has helped rehabilitate the water source. Judith Osongo Yanga has the story.
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Ask The UMC
How should we dispose of Bibles?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bibles should be disposed of with reverence and with appropriate ritual action. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on what to do with worn or damaged Bibles.
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KWTX-TV
Fire claims historic sanctuary
MOOREVILLE, Texas — Mooreville United Methodist Church’s 108-year-old sanctuary was destroyed by fire last week, but the congregation held worship anyway on Feb. 10, gathering in the fellowship hall. “We are not going to let (the fire) stop our ministry,” said the Rev. Dennis Rejcek, pastor. The fire’s cause is still under investigation. KWTX-Channel 10 of Waco, Texas, reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Discipleship Ministries
Research project targets young Latinos
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new research project will look for input on how to create vibrant new ministries for young Latinos who are religiously unaffiliated. Discipleship Ministries is launching the Sentido project with support from United Methodism’s National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry.
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RESOURCES
Society of St. Andrew
Lenten series touches on joy, gladness
BIG ISLAND, Va. — The Society of St. Andrew is offering “Seasons of Joy and Gladness,” a Lenten devotional series, as a free resource for personal or congregational use. The daily Scripture readings, reflections and prayers are written by pastors, missionaries and lay people from all walks of life. Bulk orders must be placed by Feb. 20.
Learn more
COMMENTARIES
Reflections on the Connectional Conference Plan
ELSAH, Ill. (UMNS) — For all its complexity, the Connectional Conference Plan might be the best option The United Methodist Church has, writes the Rev. Bob Phillips.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Delegate: Homosexuality debate 'should not define us'
Church court finds clergywoman not guilty
EVENTS
Friday, Feb.15-Monday, Feb. 18
Winter youth retreat at Lake Junaluska
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