"Are we systemically healthy as churches, as police departments, as a community? This is an opportunity for us to seek justice in all areas." — The Rev. Thomas Brumett, pastor of First United Methodist in McKinney, Texas.
‘Thy will be done’: Coping after police custody deaths
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — In the midst of pain and confusion following much publicized cases of black men dying after clashes with police, where is the church? Can the church provide answers? Can the church be the vehicle that brings justice? Kathy L. Gilbert talks to several pastors close to the places of turmoil.
Baltimore police chaplain offers advice for communities
Police incident stirs North Texas Conference
McKINNEY, Texas (UMNS) — The North Texas Conference's annual gathering got spun in another direction by a video showing a police officer manhandling black youth at a pool-party dispute. Bishop Michael McKee spoke about the incident, and black clergy organized a press conference and prayer meeting outside McKinney police headquarters. Sam Hodges reports from the scene.
Detroit, West Michigan conferences vote to join together
LANSING, Mich. (UMNS) — By a "yes" vote of 88.9 percent, the two United Methodist conferences in Michigan — Detroit and West Michigan — have decided to become one. Ballots were counted June 10.The union must be approved at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference convening in Peoria, Illinois, in July 2016.
United Methodist Building in D.C. named historic site
BALTIMORE (UMNS) — The denomination’s Baltimore-Washington Conference and Northeastern Jurisdiction have recognized “the historic importance of the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill.” Wayne Rhodes has the story for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
Historic photos of mission work now online
MADISON, N.J. (UMNS) — Are you fascinated by old photographs? Do you love the church’s mission work? The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History has put online photos from the Board of Missions dating back to the early 1900s. This week, a group of international scholars, representing a variety of academic disciplines, are also gathering at the United Methodist Archives and History Center to investigate century-old photograph albums created to highlight Methodist mission work around the world.
4 summer sermon ideas
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Want to prevent the summer doldrums from seeping into Sunday school and worship? United Methodist Communications offers four unusual ideas for bringing Scriptural lessons to life, including the Gospel of Mark featured in this year’s lectionary.
North Carolina church celebrates 200th anniversary
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Ann Christenbury started Asbury United Methodist Church after she heard a Methodist circuit rider at an outdoor “brush arbor” service and became a Christian. The Rev. Jimmy Howard is presenting tidbits such as this in church services as the church celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Marty Minchin reports for The Charlotte Observer.
History quiz: First authorized non-English hymnal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodism is global, but General Conference has approved only a few hymnals. In what language was the first non-English official hymnal?
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday, June 11- Sunday, July 19
Lake Junaluska Summer Youth Events — Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, will have multi-day spiritual formation gatherings throughout the summer. Details, including full schedule.
Sundays, June 14-Aug. 9
Lake Junaluska Summer Worship Series — 10:45 a.m. EDT each Sunday at the Stuart Auditorium of Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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