"We usually think of presence as showing up on Sunday morning … (but) being present with and for God also may mean being present with and for God in other places, with those who are ill or who need advocacy or who simply are lonely and need someone to stand with them." — The Rev. Mark W. Stamm, author of “Our Membership Vows.”
NEWS AND FEATURES
The blessings of presence
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — When United Methodists stand in the company of those in need, they are living into their membership vows, specifically the promise to participate in a local congregation through their presence. Julie Dwyer reports in the final piece in a five-part series on membership vows.
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Read past installments
Great Plains Conference
Ministry ideas, not gadgets in this 'Shark Tank'
TOPEKA, Kan. — Presenters entering the second round of “Shark Tank” for the Great Plains Conference weren’t showing off gizmos and gadgets for big-money backing. Instead, they brought ideas for expanding ministries and reaching out for new disciples in sessions at First United Methodist Church. David Burke reports for the Great Plains Conference.
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Church provides medicines for jail inmates
BULACAN, Philippines (UMNS) — Members of New Hill Burning Bush United Methodist Church distributed medicines to inmates at Camalig Meycauayan City Jail as part of their mission and service to the overcrowded jail. Gladys Mangiduyos has the story.
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Oregon-Idaho Conference
Church, community leaders tackle racism with love
NEHALEM, Ore. — After a racial slur was spray-painted across a local skate park and bigoted remarks targeted a mayoral candidate a year ago, people knew something needed to change in this small coastal town. Kristen Caldwell reports on how Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church joined with local leader LaNicia Williams to bring more love into the community.
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Learn about Human Relations Day
Dayton Daily News
Ohio church surprises servers with big tips
CELINA, Ohio — Five workers at the Wapakoneta Waffle House got a big surprise from a Celina church on Christmas Eve. Grand Lake United Methodist Church’s lead pastor, the Rev. Mick Whistler, had each family save $1 a week during Advent. The church took the money collected — $3,577, almost all in $1 bills — to the nearest restaurant open for Christmas. That was the Waffle House in Wapakoneta. The Dayton Daily News has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Council of Bishops letter for 2018
WASHINGTON — Bishop Bruce R. Ough, writing on behalf of the Council of Bishops, thanks United Methodists for their continued prayers for the Commission on a Way Forward and encourages renewal of covenant.
Read letter
Board of Higher Education and Ministry
$2 million in education grants approved
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Commission on Central Conference Theological Education Fund has approved 117 grants totaling $2 million and elected a new executive committee. Grant recipients will be notified upon confirmation from the General Council on Finance and Administration of apportionment receipts.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Churches unite in support of migrants
2017: Remembering notable United Methodists
EVENTS
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. 4
Stewardship and finance webinar: Getting it right at the starting line
Monday, Jan. 8-Tuesday, Jan. 16
Coffee with Qoheleth: Ruminating on life with the author of Ecclesiastes
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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