“Peace is dear, and we all have a duty to preserve it, to protect it. We can’t kill each other just because there’s been an election.” — Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda, Eastern Congo Episcopal Area
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church strives to avert election conflicts in Congo
KINDU, Congo (UM News) — Through funding from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, The United Methodist Church in Congo focused on preventing violence and hate speech before, during and after recent elections. The church organized workshops and raised awareness through educational spots broadcast on local FM radio stations and text messages sent to thousands. Church members also participated in election observation. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
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Dakotas Conference
Hispanic ministry growing
MITCHELL, S.D. — The Hispanic ministry Iglesia Renuevo connects with 200 people each week through worship and discipleship and continues to grow. Pastor Hermon Perez is the leader of Hispanic worshipping communities at Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls and Plankinton United Methodist Church. “The Lord is doing something amazing,” Perez said. “We just jump in. I’m enjoying the ride.” Doreen Gosmire has the story.
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Florida Conference
United Methodist Men: More than pancakes
LAKELAND, Fla. — United Methodist Men chapters in the Florida Conference have, in the words of the Rev. Michael LeBlanc, “a long legacy of effectiveness” in areas of evangelism, mission work and servant leadership. They also are known as the keepers of the pancake breakfast. LeBlanc is part of a conference effort aimed at helping United Methodist Men have a greater impact beyond pancakes. Joe Henderson reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Pastoral care in the age of technology
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — During her ongoing battle with an incurable form of cancer, Dr. Deanna Thompson was ministered to through digital means. On the “Pastoring in the Digital Parish” podcast, Thompson recounts her journey from digital skeptic to advocate.
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Flatwater Free Press
Empty churches find new life
OMAHA, Neb. — As declining attendance and rising costs are forcing churches to close, Nebraskans are finding creative uses for the buildings. Naomi Delkamiller has the story, which includes several United Methodist churches that have found second lives filling gaps in their local communities.
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UM News Digest moves to four days a week
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — UM News has switched to a four-days-a-week schedule with the Digest. We no longer will be providing a Digest on Thursdays except during special events such as General Conference or when there is breaking news. The UM News staff will continue to cover the stories that impact the denomination throughout the week. You can find the latest stories at UMNews.org and follow United Methodist News on Facebook and X for updates. We will continue to send out the Digest Monday through Wednesday as well as provide the Friday Digest, which includes the top stories from the week.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Digest 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.
Discipleship Ministries
Wesley Pilgrimage helps faithful reconnect to past
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The annual Wesley Pilgrimage is a deep dive into the world of John and Charles Wesley and an opportunity to reconnect with the past and be propelled into the future, says the Rev. Diamond Pate, who took part last year. “The pilgrimage allows attendees to learn why Charles and John and the other Methodist leaders felt compelled to start the movement out of love of God and neighbor,” she writes. The 2024 Wesley Pilgrimage to England is set for July 27 to Aug. 6. The deadline to register is April 15.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Boards push forward despite budget cuts
What to know about General Conference proposals
EVENTS
Friday, March 22
Webinar: Embrace the Challenge — Empowering Women at General Conference
Monday, May 6-Friday, May 17
Online course: Class Leaders — Recovering a Tradition
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