“We hope the eclipse will open minds and hearts to the wonder of the creation God has made.” — The Rev. Bill Sardin of First United Methodist Church of Morrilton, Arkansas.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Churches all in for total solar eclipse
BUCHANAN DAM, Texas (UM News) — The April 8 solar eclipse will have a 115-mile-wide “path of totality” that extends through Texas and 14 other states. Excitement is building, and United Methodist churches are finding creative ways to be involved — from providing RV parking to hosting science museum staff to handing out eclipse-watching glasses. Sam Hodges reports.
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Texas Conference
Texas church sees laity-led movement
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches is in a laity-led discipleship and outreach movement called FirstForward. Two church members took the lead, in part by landing a meeting with the Rev. Adam Hamilton. Hamilton’s book “The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Faith” has inspired the Nacogdoches church, as has retired Bishop Will Willimon’s book “Don’t Look Back.” The Rev. Sunny Brown Farley has the story.
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Indiana Conference
Responding to Midwest tornadoes
CARMEL, Ind. — Tornadoes and thunderstorms struck the central U.S. and Midwest overnight on March 14 and 15, flattening homes, killing at least three people and injuring dozens. At least 14 tornadoes have been confirmed in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Ohio. A statement from Indiana United Methodists Disaster Response said there have been no reports of churches being damaged in the state. “Our care and response remain focused on individuals, families and surrounding communities,” the statement said.
Read statement
Read USA Today story
Minnesota Conference
Merger helps two congregations
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. — Two Minnesota churches have found new life by merging into one congregation. The combined services of Faith United Methodist Church and Community United Methodist Church are averaging more attendance than the two congregations combined were seeing before they joined forces. “This merger really does feel like an instance of 2+2=5,” said the Rev. Jeff Ozanne of the church. Christa Meland reports.
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Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome
US Pan-Methodist bishops visit Rome
ROME — A group of 10 U.S. bishops from three different Methodist churches embarked on a study pilgrimage in Rome on March 5-8. The bishops were drawn from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and The United Methodist Church. The trip was organized by the Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome. The Rev. Matthew A. Laferty has the story, and the bishops have short videos on their experience.
Read story and watch videos
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Oregon-Idaho Conference
Building a sister-church relationship in Ukraine
BOISE, Idaho — Dr. David Boan, a member of Boise First United Methodist Church (Cathedral of the Rockies), recently traveled to Uzhhorod, Ukraine, to visit Boise First’s sister church to aid and assist Ukrainian United Methodists as they fight for survival while Russia wages war on their country. He reflects on this budding relationship and what others can do to engage in this work.
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UM News: Ukrainian United Methodists care for fellow countrymen
RESOURCES
Wespath Benefits and Investments
Event slated on proposed clergy retirement plan
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Wespath, The United Methodist Church’s pension and benefits agency, has scheduled a virtual event for 11 a.m. U.S. Central time April 10 to help United Methodists learn more about the proposed Compass Retirement Plan for clergy. Legislation to establish the plan is heading to General Conference, which is scheduled for April 23-May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina. During the online session, Wespath also plans to introduce its new chief investments officer and share updates on investments.
To register
RECENT HEADLINES
East Ohio adds dorm to Africa University campus
Understanding the budget coming to GC2024
EVENTS
Monday, April 1- Friday, April 12
Online course: Constructing the Bridge, Pt. 2 — Healing After Loss
Monday, April 8-Friday, May 17
Online course: Pastoral Care Training for Volunteers
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