"We’re just practicing heaven here." — Victor Sekyere, talking about International Methodist Church Oslo, in Norway.
Growing church blends cultures, worship
OSLO, Norway (UMNS) — What does church vitality look like in Norway? One example is a growing United Methodist church that brings together hip-hop, K-Pop and multiple nationalities to praise God. Heather Hahn has the story.
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Academic gathering planned on church future
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools plan to co-host an academic theological colloquy. The gathering’s title is “Missio Dei and the United States: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness.” The meeting, planned in support of the Commission on a Way Forward, will take place Nov. 12-15 at United Methodist Boston School of Theology, Boston University.
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Iowa Conference announces just resolution
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Conference announced that a complaint under church law has reached a just resolution. The complaint by the conference cabinet was against the Rev. Anna Blaedel, who officiated at a same-gender wedding in April. All involved have agreed to issue an invitation to the Iowa Conference and broader United Methodist Church to “strive to live lives marked by faithfulness and integrity, and seek to build a more just and loving church and world.”
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Commentary: Bishop reflects on gun violence
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — Bishop Peggy Johnson reminds United Methodists that June is gun-violence awareness month. “I believe it is important for our churches to teach about this epidemic and promote healthy ways of preventing senseless harm,” writes the bishop, who leads the Eastern Pennsylvania and Peninsula-Delaware conferences.
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Annual conferences to feature Global AIDS Fund
WASHINGTON — Several United Methodist conferences will be featuring the denomination’s Global AIDS Fund during their upcoming sessions. In its May-June newsletter, Bishop Julius Trimble, chair of the fund and episcopal leader of the Indiana Conference, encourages all United Methodists to take seriously the role of educating people about HIV and AIDS and to advocate for just and humane policies.
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Call for peace: Pentecost in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM (WCC) — The World Council of Churches was part of a June 5 prayer service at the Dormition Abbey during Pentecost celebrations, calling for Christians all over the world to join in a prayer for justice and peace.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Sunday, June 11-Sunday, July 2
Summer Youth Events at Lake Junaluskae — Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Each of these three-day youth group events offers worship, guest preachers, mission components and a focus on giving. Events are led by a team of college students, guest speakers and worship bands. The program is geared toward sixth through 12th graders. Program dates are: June 11-14; June 15-18; June 18-21; June 22-25; June 25-28; and June 29-July 2. Details
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