“His concept of peace was rooted in the biblical concept of shalom and all that that really implies — a sense of faithfulness and well-being and care for the other.” — The Rev. Victor H. Nixon, who worked closely with Bishop Kenneth W. Hicks and will preach at Hicks’ funeral.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop Hicks, striver for peace, dies at 96
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UM News) — Retired Bishop Kenneth W. Hicks, known for his passion for peace and good humor in ministry, died June 19 — just a day after his 96th birthday. Heather Hahn has a remembrance.
Read obituary
Desert Southwest ordains gay deacon
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The Rev. Joshua L. Warner was ordained as a deacon in full connection at the 2019 Desert Southwest Conference. As a gay man, he was not sure ordination would ever be a reality for him. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story
Religion News Service
Challenge coincides with World Refugee Day
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Rev. Trina Bose North, pastor of Crown Heights United Methodist Church, is among the participants in the Ration Challenge this year. The global challenge asks participants to live for a week on the same food rations people receive at refugee camps and many of the events are being held around June 20, which is World Refugee Day. United Methodist partner Church World Service is among the organizers of the challenge. Emily McFarlan Miller reports.
Read story
Church and Society
Churches back Native American literacy project
PEMBROKE, N.C. — First United Methodist Church here has led a multi-congregation effort to support the Native American Reading and Literacy Demonstration Project. The Rev. Neal Christie, of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, interviewed a project leader about the challenge of bolstering literacy among young Native Americans.
Read Q&A
New 2019 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News Service is posting annual conference reports. New this week are Dakotas, East Ohio, Greater New Jersey, Iowa, Oklahoma, Oregon-Idaho, Pacific Northwest, Upper New York and Western Pennsylvania.
Read reports
RESOURCES
ResourceUMC
Tips for being a discerning church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Discernment is a helpful tool for churches facing change. Taking the time for spiritual discernment may not come naturally to churches accustomed to quick and predictable decision-making. Philip J. Brooks offers ways to start the process.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
Mission’s schools see drop in girls’ enrollment
Ministries help children affected by addiction
EVENTS
Sunday, June 23-Friday, June 28
Music and Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop Hicks, striver for peace, dies at 96
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UM News) — Retired Bishop Kenneth W. Hicks, known for his passion for peace and good humor in ministry, died June 19 — just a day after his 96th birthday. Heather Hahn has a remembrance.
Read obituary
Desert Southwest ordains gay deacon
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The Rev. Joshua L. Warner was ordained as a deacon in full connection at the 2019 Desert Southwest Conference. As a gay man, he was not sure ordination would ever be a reality for him. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story
Religion News Service
Challenge coincides with World Refugee Day
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Rev. Trina Bose North, pastor of Crown Heights United Methodist Church, is among the participants in the Ration Challenge this year. The global challenge asks participants to live for a week on the same food rations people receive at refugee camps and many of the events are being held around June 20, which is World Refugee Day. United Methodist partner Church World Service is among the organizers of the challenge. Emily McFarlan Miller reports.
Read story
Church and Society
Churches back Native American literacy project
PEMBROKE, N.C. — First United Methodist Church here has led a multi-congregation effort to support the Native American Reading and Literacy Demonstration Project. The Rev. Neal Christie, of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, interviewed a project leader about the challenge of bolstering literacy among young Native Americans.
Read Q&A
New 2019 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News Service is posting annual conference reports. New this week are Dakotas, East Ohio, Greater New Jersey, Iowa, Oklahoma, Oregon-Idaho, Pacific Northwest, Upper New York and Western Pennsylvania.
Read reports
RESOURCES
ResourceUMC
Tips for being a discerning church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Discernment is a helpful tool for churches facing change. Taking the time for spiritual discernment may not come naturally to churches accustomed to quick and predictable decision-making. Philip J. Brooks offers ways to start the process.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
Mission’s schools see drop in girls’ enrollment
Ministries help children affected by addiction
EVENTS
Sunday, June 23-Friday, June 28
Music and Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska
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