“I always found Rev. Lawson to be a font of wisdom, instruction and inspiration. He remained consistent in terms of his anti-militarism, his pursuit of peace, his pursuit of nonviolence and his pursuit of loving people, regardless of class, color or region.” — Dennis C. Dickerson, the Rev. James M. Lawson chair of history emeritus at Vanderbilt University.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Rev. James Lawson, civil rights pioneer, dies at 95
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., who made it his life’s work to create a nonviolent nation, died June 9 at age 95. During his lifetime, the United Methodist pastor studied and taught nonviolent resistance, walked with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and trained many of the young leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Kathy L. Gilbert and Jim Patterson report.
Read obituary
Global Ministries
UMCOR renews relief efforts in Gaza
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has awarded several grants through the United Methodist Committee on Relief that are being mobilized to support organizations in Gaza on the ground, moving with and serving the displaced population.
Through eight months of conflict with Israel, the need in Gaza remains overwhelming. Christie R. House has the story.
Read story
Greater New Jersey Conference
Church honored for community missions
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — As Milton United Methodist Church celebrates its 200th anniversary, two of its community-based missions, the New Hope Food Pantry and the New Hope Thrift Shop, are celebrating their recognition as 2023 Township Non-Profits of the Year. John W. Coleman reports.
Read story
Desert Southwest Conference
Pastor and author of book on grief remembered
GOLD CANYON, Ariz. — The Rev. Robert Deits, a retired Desert Southwest Conference pastor affectionally known as Bob, died May 30. He published “Life After Loss” in 1988. During the ensuing 33 years, five more revisions would be printed, plus seven foreign-language editions. The Desert Southwest Conference has his obituary.
Read obituary
PRESS RELEASES
Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops
Northeastern bishops end disaffiliations
FULTON, Md. — The Northeastern Jurisdiction’s bishops have announced that they plan to uphold General Conference delegates’ decision to discontinue disaffiliations. The bishops also announced they are commissioning a small team of theologically diverse clergy and laity to produce a resource on the changes General Conference made regarding human sexuality.
Read bishops’ letter
UM News: Disaffiliation ends, regionalization moves forward
South Carolina Conference
Book shares pastor’s napkin reflections
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A napkin a day. That’s the premise of the newest book available from the Advocate Press. The book, “What I Want My Kids (And Me) to Know: Building Better Humans One Napkin at a Time,” by the Rev. Tyler Strange, shares reflections based on notes he wrote on his daughter's lunchbox napkins.
Read press release
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Prayers when seeking peace of mind
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Many people grapple with anxiety on a near daily basis and finding ways to cultivate mental peace can be crucial for overall well-being. For those exploring the intersection of spirituality and daily life, prayer can offer a meaningful practice to address and process anxieties. The Rev. Ryan Dunn has compiled a collection of prayers shared throughout Christian history that can be used in times of unease.
View resource
RECENT HEADLINES
A broken neck leads to prisoner ministry
Layman led effort for Methodist mission fund
EVENTS
Sunday, June 16-Tuesday, June 18
Northern Illinois Annual Conference
Sunday, June 16-Tuesday, June 18
Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference
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.