“We basically want to expand parental leave coverage without increasing the (financial) burden on local churches.” — The Rev. Diane Kenaston, a United Methodist elder and consultant.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Parental leave efforts gaining momentum
COMMACK, N.Y. (UM News) — A grassroots effort that would give United Methodist clergy a universal 13 weeks of paid leave when there’s a new baby in the family is underway, with the goal of achieving that without increasing the financial burden on local churches. The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women is assisting the effort. Jim Patterson has the story.
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Dakotas Conference
A ministry in focus
MINOT, N.D. — Pastor Rick Craig combines his favorite hobby and his vocation as a pastor of two churches. Craig, who serves DeLacs and Faith United Methodist churches, has used his photography to make a photo calendar as a fundraiser and to illustrate presentations. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
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Upper New York Conference
Neighborhood HUBs speed up mobilization after disasters
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — When the 2022 blizzard struck Buffalo, nearly all the Upper New York Conference’s emergency supplies were located over two hours away near the conference office. That’s when the idea for Neighborhood HUBs in more centralized locations was born. This year, the conference has planted two Neighborhood HUBs with hopes to plant more in coming years. The Upper New York Conference produced a video celebrating the opening of the first two HUBs.
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United Methodist Communications
Exploring hell, purgatory and God’s love
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On a new episode of the “Compass" podcast, the Rev. Derek Kubilus discusses the complex relationship between a God of love and the concept of eternal torment. Kubilus shares ideas from his new book, “Holy Hell: A Case Against Eternal Damnation,” about how traditional views of eternal torment have impacted people’s relationships with God and spirituality, and how early Christian interpretations differ significantly from the dominant narrative.
Listen to podcast
PRESS RELEASES
United Women in Faith
Chevron doctrine decision decried
NEW YORK — The Supreme Court’s decision overturning the Chevron doctrine will help polluting industries block new regulations and put vulnerable communities at risk, said Ilka Vega, executive for economic and environmental justice at United Women in Faith. The June 28 decision is “a wake-up call to the backlash the environmental movement is facing,” Vega said in a July 5 statement.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Peacemaking urged after assassination attempt
Bishops in US receive assignments
EVENTS
Monday, July 22-Friday, Aug. 2
Online course: Mysticism and Resistance
Monday, Aug. 5-Saturday, Aug. 17
Online course: Loving People and Planet in God’s Name
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