"We will not be deterred in expressing our Christian faith, which calls us to offer a loving welcome and compassionate hospitality to our immigrant brothers and sisters into the sacred space of our sanctuaries." — United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcaño.
60 United Methodist congregations to offer sanctuary
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (UMNS) — California-Nevada Conference Bishop Minerva Carcaño says 60 United Methodist congregations are preparing to offer sanctuary to immigrants fearing deportation. Her statement comes as President-elect Donald Trump, who campaigned for stronger enforcement of immigration laws, takes office on Jan. 20. UMNS reporter Kathy L. Gilbert will have more on United Methodists and the sanctuary movement in an upcoming article.
Read Carcaño’s statement
Children's Home property up for sale
DECATUR, Ga. (UMNS) — Trustees of the United Methodist Children’s Home voted Jan. 17 to put up for sale its 77-acre Decatur, Georgia, campus. Proceeds will go toward expanding the home's community-based work with families and children, in partnership with churches. The home was founded in 1871 to care for children orphaned during the Civil War.
Read letter to North Georgia Conference
Read press release
Conference launches anti-trafficking campaign
HOUSTON (UMNS) — The Texas Conference has launched a yearlong campaign against human trafficking. Goals include raising awareness among church members and raising funds for anti-trafficking work.
Read conference announcement
5 types of church visitors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCom) — Identifying different types of visitors can help churches understand what each seeks. Darby Jones of United Methodist Communications offers an overview and tips to make people feel welcome even before worship begins.
Read story
Webinar on Messy Church movement
PITTSBURGH (UMNS) — Anais Hussian, the director of Christian education at First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh, will lead a free webinar from 7 to 8 p.m. EST Thursday, Jan. 19, to discuss the “Messy Church” movement. The movement aims to reach people who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional worship setting. The webinar is part of Practical Resources for Churches, sponsored by the ecumenical Parish Resource Center of Long Island, New York.
To register
LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Thursday, Jan. 19
Reclaiming the Common Good church party — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST at Gobin United Methodist Church, Greencastle, Indiana. The church will have a time to share Scripture and pray ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. United Methodists around the United States will be having similar events on Jan. 20. Details
Thursday, Jan. 26 to Saturday, Jan. 28
Praying Like Jesus Conference — 6 p.m. CST Jan. 26 to 1 p.m. CST Jan. 28 at Christ United Methodist Church, Memphis, Tennessee. Speakers include the Revs. Jorge Acevedo, John Ed Mathison, Maxie Dunnam, Shane Stanford, Kim Reisman and Bishop Bill McAlilly. Details
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.