“We would like to create a document that The United Methodist Church globally can embrace and that resonates with their experience. We want the voices participating in creating the document (to speak) from a global perspective.” — The Rev. Clayton Childers, United Methodist Board of Church and Society, on revising the Social Principles.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Zimbabwe United Methodists weigh in on Social Principles
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Hearing the global voices of The United Methodist Church is essential as the denomination’s Social Principles undergo the first revision in 50 years. Staff from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society traveled to Africa for a listening session with lay and clergy of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area. Chenayi Kumuterera reports.
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United Methodist Communications
The Upper Room: Where the world meets to pray
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Many United Methodists are familiar with The Upper Room devotional guide. For more than 80 years, the devotional thoughts have been shared over meals, discussed in Sunday school classes, and read aloud in hospital rooms all over the world. The Rev. Joe Iovino reports on the history of the publication.
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Sierra Leone girls’ boarding school turns 50
MOYAMBA, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — Begun in a poultry building five decades ago, June Hartranft Primary School for Girls is today one of the nation’s leaders in elementary education. Phileas Jusu reports on the United Methodist school’s 50th anniversary celebration.
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Holston Conference
Her story connects her with immigrant children at camp
LENOIR CITY, Tenn. — A traveling staff member for Camp in the Community feels at home working with children from the poorest neighborhoods — some of them immigrants — so they can experience a free week of outdoorsy, faith-building activities. The staff member was brought to the U.S. when she was 6. Her father was later deported and she hasn’t seen him in 10 years. Annette Spence has the story.
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South Georgia Conference
Wesleyan College, Candler form partnership
MACON, Ga. — A new partnership between United Methodist-related Wesleyan College and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology will make it easier for students to pursue theological education and earn seminary degrees. Kara Witherow reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Higher Education and Ministry
Spiritual disciplines for collegiate ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “Benedict on Campus: Eight Spiritual Disciplines for Collegiate Ministry” by David E. MacDonald is a practical guide for those who work with emerging adults — college and university chaplains, campus ministers, student leaders, pastors, parachurch professionals and spiritual directors.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Megachurch weighs leaving denomination
Translated Way Forward coming July 30
EVENTS
Monday, July 16-Friday, July 27
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts
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