"I'm not a scholar. I'm not a pundit. I'm not an expert. But I do have a story." ─ The Rev. Omar Rikabi on being the son of a Muslim father and Christian mother. http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/pastors-my-muslim-problem-post-draws-many-readers
Pastor's 'My Muslim Problem' post connects
HEATH, Texas (UMNS) — The Rev. Omar Rikabi's recent blog post, slyly titled "My Muslim Problem," has had some 120,000 Facebook shares. In it, the United Methodist pastor tells of growing up in Texas as the son of a Muslim father and Christian mother, and shares his love and concern for his Muslim relatives in a time of heightened tensions. Sam Hodges reports. Read story and post a comment
Florida ministry has long legacy
LAKELAND, Fla. (UMNS) — The Celebrate Jesus ministry founded 16 years ago in Florida has ceased operations after helping hundreds of churches connect with and introduce Jesus to their surrounding communities. But the model continues to make new disciples through missions abroad. Susan Green reports for the Florida Conference. Read story
Río Texas embarks on unusual leadership plan
SAN ANTONIO (UMNS) — The Río Texas Conference is moving forward with a creative plan of using four interim bishops. It's a young conference that faces unique challenges. The Rev. Will Rice reports how the conference's interim leadership plan will work. Read story
Water crisis: What happens when cameras leave?
FLINT, Mich. (UMNS) — Donations of water, money and time came when the national media focused on the Flint water crisis. But what happens when the cameras leave and donor fatigue sets in? The Rev. Paul Perez writes that the United Methodist Social Principles and Book of Resolutions call us "to join in the long-term response that must be developed." Perez is director of mission, justice engagement and leadership recruitment for the Detroit Conference. Read commentary
Meet General Conference's business manager
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — As the business manager of The United Methodist Church's General Conference, Sara Hotchkiss has to be a tour guide, a travel agent, a diplomat and an accountant. "Getting to meet people from all over the world, seeing everything come together is exciting and energizing," she says in this video about her ministry. Watch video
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.
Monday, Feb. 8 to Friday, Feb. 26
Online course "Living Our United Methodist Beliefs" from BeADisciple.com ─ The history, heritage, beliefs, mission and culture of The United Methodist Church for newcomers or longtime members who want to know what's distinctive about being a United Methodist. This course has been approved by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries as a course for lay servant ministries. $70. Details
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