“The key is the relationships down there. We focus first on relationships, and then we focus second on the work.” — The Rev. Jamalyn Peigh Williamson, pastor of connections at Zionsville United Methodist Church in Zionsville, Indiana, about her charitable organization’s work helping build homes for citizens of Haiti.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Building hope through homes in Haiti
ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (UM News) — Despite unrest in Haiti, a United Methodist clergy couple’s charitable organization continues to help build homes for members of a rural, mountainous community in the Caribbean nation. Nearly 80 homes have been built in Fondwa so far, and more than 100 additional families are on the waiting list. Jim Patterson has the story.
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Minnesota Conference
Fresh ministry takes flight
ST. ANTHONY, Minn. — At a church here, the latest fresh expression involves flicking flying discs into metal baskets. Jamie Bordewick of Faith United Methodist Church is looking forward to getting back to “Church of the Flying Disc” once it warms up this spring. Bordewick, who has been exploring a call to vocational ministry, introduced the faith component to a group of men who already met weekly to play disc golf. Christa Meland reports.
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Upper New York Conference
Church’s first-aid closet helps people heal
DRESDEN, N.Y. — In 1970, Raymond Welker put a cane he wasn’t using in a closet at Dresden United Methodist Church. His hope was that anyone could use it if they needed it. What started with one cane more than 50 years ago has turned into a three-car garage full of medical equipment for others to borrow, free of charge. Shelby Winchell has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
ENCORE Ministry
Older adult ministry surpasses $1 million in grants
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — ENCORE Ministry, the official older adult ministry of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, recently surpassed a milestone of awarding more than $1 million in grants to 130 congregations and organizations. The grants have helped fund a variety of projects benefiting older adults throughout the conference, such as building houses for people displaced by flooding and establishing funds to increase church accessibility and alleviate hunger.
Read press release
UM News: Engaging in ministry with older adults
RESOURCES
Rethink Church
Center yourself in prayer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Centering prayer is a relaxing way to find God's presence in your life. Though the practice is centuries old, it is still highly effective today. The Rev. Ryan Dunn offers tips on how to utilize centering prayer. Rethink Church has also produced a free, downloadable infographic.
Watch video and download resource
Day 1
Bishop to be featured on ‘Day 1’
ATLANTA — Florida Conference Bishop Tom Berlin will appear on the “Day 1” radio program on Jan. 14. He will preach on “The Power of Identity,” based on John 1:43-51. The program will be available on the “Day 1” website.
Read Berlin’s sermon
Visit “Day 1” website
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