“This is not a dangerous place, nor is it a threat to the territorial security of the country. It is a place where peace and the values of friendship, love and solidarity among human beings have always been promoted.” — The Rev. John Fanestil, a United Methodist pastor who leads Friends of Friendship Park.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Methodists work to preserve border park
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Friends of Friendship Park, led by the Rev. John Fanestil, a United Methodist pastor, continues to defend the preservation of the San Diego park, located on the border between Mexico and the U.S. Supporters say the park is at risk of being seriously affected by construction of 30-foot-high walls that hinder the vision and access to those on both sides. The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez reports.
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Court rules on General Conference questions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s top court released a decision about the long-delayed General Conference, now set for 2024. The Judicial Council addressed bishops’ questions about how to deal with delegate vacancies and whether another General Conference must be scheduled before 2028. Heather Hahn reports.
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South Georgia Conference, Savannah Morning News
Church opens kids to world of sacred music
SAVANNAH. Ga. — With ballet, soccer, basketball and baseball practices in full swing, Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church has found a way to keep kids coming to choir practice. More than 130 young choir members — ages 3 to 18 — recently gave a special performance at the church. Polly Powers Stramm and Kelly Roberson have the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Western North Carolina Conference
Exiting churches’ lawsuit dismissed
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — North Carolina Superior Court Judge Richard L. Doughton issued an oral ruling March 20, dismissing a lawsuit against the Western North Carolina Conference and its leaders brought by 36 churches seeking to exit the denomination without the financial obligations of the denomination’s disaffiliation policy. The Western North Carolina Conference has issued a statement saying the churches may leave the denomination using the process in the Book of Discipline, the denomination’s law book.
Read conference statement
Church and Society
Henry-Crowe honored
WASHINGTON — The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe will be honored during a virtual tribute March 21, celebrating her more than 48 years of ministry. Henry-Crowe retired as top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society last year. The celebration, from 7:15 to 9 p.m. U.S. Eastern time, will be aired live and also posted later on Church and Society’s website.
Read press release
Link to event
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily 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.
Greater Northwest Area
Aging gracefully is a countercultural act
DES MOINES, Wash. — Patrick Scriven, director of communications and Young People’s Ministries for the Pacific Northwest Conference, said that the church has long been obsessed with age, be it concern about a lack of young members or neglect of aging buildings requiring a lot of maintenance. “Over the years,” he writes, “I’ve grown to appreciate attempts to understand the state of faith communities using the language and shared experiences of life cycles.”
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Publishing House
Publishing House promotes ‘Unrelenting Grace’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr.’s new study guide, “Unrelenting Grace: A United Methodist Way of Life,” seeks to help denomination members rediscover the core Wesleyan values of grace, holiness and connection. United Methodist Publishing House is extending a special prepublication offer for bulk orders of the resource. The new deadline is March 27.
Read about offer
RECENT HEADLINES
Church increases aid to displaced people in Congo
Agency seeks role in complaint against bishop
EVENTS
Monday, March 27-Friday, April 7
Online course: Becoming Accountable Disciples
Monday, April 17-Friday, April 28
Online course: Afire With God — Becoming Spirited Stewards
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