NEWS AND FEATURES
Panel offers 'Perspectives on a Way Forward'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Spokespersons for four proposals on the future of The United Methodist Church engaged in a panel discussion to highlight the differences among their plans. The conversation, “Perspectives on a Way Forward,” can be viewed at any time on UMNews.org. The panel, organized by United Methodist News Service, comprised the Revs. Chris Ritter, Connectional Conference Plan; Mark Holland, One Church Plan; Althea Spencer-Miller, Simple Plan; and Rob Renfroe, Traditional and Modified Traditional Plans.
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Group urges GC2019 to defer exit plans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Uniting Methodists, an unofficial advocacy group, is urging General Conference delegates to wait and take up exit plans in 2020. Heather Hahn reports.
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Filipino United Methodists issue call to prayer
CUBAO, Philippines (UMNS) — Filipino United Methodists are spending the next days and weeks in prayer as part of the denomination-wide Praying Our Way Forward initiative. Gladys Mangiduyos has the story.
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Michigan Conference
Churches work to 'obliterate' racial line
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Four Michigan churches are on a mission to overcome longstanding racial divides in their communities. The churches, all with Methodist backgrounds, are joining to worship together regularly. Clayton Hardiman reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
People Need Jesus blog
Delegation prioritizes Connectional Conference Plan
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Great Rivers Conference delegation to General Conference unanimously endorsed the Connectional Conference Plan as high-priority legislation, says the Rev. Chris Ritter, one of the delegates. While the plan is not the favorite Way Forward model of individual delegation members, he said, the group as a whole agreed it would hold together The United Methodist Church.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Helping churches do Easter outreach
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications is offering local churches customizable Easter outreach tools to invite their communities to events and worship services. The resources, available in English and Spanish, include direct mail postcards, posters, invitation cards, yard signs, outdoor banners and free downloadable graphics. The agency also is offering $250 grants for local churches to help cover the cost of the resources and shipping. The offer will continue until grant funds are depleted.
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To order and use the $250 promo code
COMMENTARIES
Gender and effective church leadership
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Scripture, reason and even tradition prove gender equality to be important to God, write the Revs. Shannon E. Sullivan, Emily Peck-McClain and Lauren Chafin Lobenhofer. But the experience of women and gender non-conforming persons in The United Methodist Church continues to show that men and masculinity are valued above others in leadership.
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Covering the church in time of change
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — When the decision-makers of The United Methodist Church gather in St. Louis to address the future of the denomination, the church’s news ministry will be there, providing coverage. Tim Tanton, chief news officer for United Methodist Communications, writes about the challenge of covering the church in a time of change.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Premium hikes have churches scrambling
EVENTS
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