“She has influenced, mentored, comforted and cheered women from every conference of The United Methodist Church and thousands around the world.” — Cynthia Rives, national vice president of United Women in Faith, about Harriett Jane Olson.
NEWS AND FEATURES
From girlhood activist to denominational leader
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Harriett Jane Olson is embracing retirement as she recalls her career as a lawyer, publisher and top executive of United Women in Faith. She talks with Kathy L. Gilbert about her passion for creation care, her work with the women’s agency and what she's looking forward to as a delegate to next year’s General Conference.
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Dakotas Conference
Circle of Friends builds inclusion
MITCHELL, S.D. — People in the Dakotas with intellectual disabilities are being included in church life through the Circle of Friends ministry. The initiative started with a camp that grew from six to 27 campers over 17 years, starting in 2003. This year, three different camping experiences are available, one with an overnight stay. Doreen Gosmire reports.
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Los Angeles Times
Investigation underway in church’s second fire
LOS ANGELES — A fire has scorched the nearly 100-year-old St. John’s United Methodist Church in Watts for the second time in less than two years, prompting an investigation into the cause of the blaze, authorities said. The fire erupted in the sanctuary and extended into the balcony June 3. Lila Seidman reports.
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Florida Conference
Preparation is the best defense for hurricanes
LAKELAND, Fla. — One lesson that every Floridian learned after Hurricane Ian brought widespread destruction to the state is this: It is better to be overprepared and have nothing happen than to risk devastation by being complacent. Hurricane season officially began June 1. Joe Henderson writes about how churches can prepare.
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UM News: Churches walk alongside Hurricane Ian survivors
United Methodist Communications
Man shares journey from depression to joy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — From the outside, Pete Wright’s life looked trouble-free: loving wife and kids, fulfilling career, all the signs of success. On the inside, Wright has struggled for years with chronic depression. On a new episode of the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast, he shares the story of his journey, from a place where he once attempted suicide to discovering joy in the everyday details of life.
Listen to podcast
PRESS RELEASES
Archives and History
Commission marks National Pride Month
MADISON, N.J. — Documents from the Rev. Karen Dammann, the first United Methodist pastor to be tried for “practices incompatible with Christian teaching,” were acquired by the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, one of three ways the commission will mark LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Also planned is a $1,000 grant to support research relating to LGBTQ+ Methodist history and the release of a guide to aid LGBTQ+ researchers.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Henry-Crowe reflects on almost 50 years of ministry
Remembering United Methodism’s maestro
EVENTS
Wednesday, June 7-Tuesday, June 13
Congregational Leadership: United Methodist History and Doctrine
Monday, June 12-Monday, July 17
Biblical Storytelling Weekly for Summer
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