“We have this kind of dichotomy that’s going on in many places where many conferences are struggling and yet our overall giving as a denomination continues to be strong.” — Bishop Bruce Ough, Connectional Table chair.
GC2016: Should the general church budget go up?
PORTLAND, Oregon (UMNS) — A proposed modest increase to the general church budget is heading to the 2016 General Conference when the lawmaking assembly meets May 10-20 in Portland. However, a number of United Methodists say that in the wake of continuing declines in U.S. worship attendance the general church needs to tighten its belt. Heather Hahn reports.
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Historic Missouri sanctuary burns
SEDALIA, Mo. (UMNS) — The historic downtown sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Sedalia, Missouri, was destroyed by fire on the evening of March 2. Authorities are investigating. The church is the 16th largest in the Missouri Conference and has a second, newer campus. The Missouri Conference reports.
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Young adult missionaries sought
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is looking for candidates to serve as young adult missionaries for the 2016–2018 term. The application deadline for Global Mission Fellows is March 31, 2016. An informational webinar is set for March 9.
To apply
Register for webinar
N.J. United Methodists explore Cuba partnership
OCEAN, N.J. (UMNS) — One of the results of a February mission trip to Cuba was the commitment to explore a partnership between the United Methodist Greater New Jersey Conference and the Methodist Church of Cuba. Jeff Wolfe reports for the conference.
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JFON debuts mobile legal clinic for immigrants
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (UMNS) — A donated camper has been converted to a mobile legal clinic for immigrants by the South Florida Justice for our Neighbors, a ministry of The United Methodist Church that offers free legal services. Attorney and director Janet Horman said the mobile clinic can reach the more isolated and rural areas where there are few public transportation options.
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Lent-Easter quiz: Symbols of Easter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Why do we use lilies as a symbol of Easter? Test your knowledge of the season with daily questions from now until Good Friday.
Take the quiz
Correction
A Feb. 24 UMNS article incorrectly stated that East African Area Bishop Daniel Wandabula’s January visit to the South Nyanza District in Kenya was the first by an episcopal leader. Wandabula had been to the district, but the January trip was his first to Moheto Parish. He went for the installation of the Rev. Kennedy Thomas Mwita as superintendent.
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
March
The month of March ─ Women’s History Month. The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women offers worship resources. Get resources
Thursday, March 10
Webinar on being a “Welcome Place” for refugees ─ 6 p.m. CST. The Great Plains Conference will offer this webinar for churches seeking to welcome refugees who settle in their communities. Speakers include Andrea Paret, Great Plains peace with justice coordinator; a staff attorney with Justice for Our Neighbors-Nebraska; and the Rev. Hollie Tapley, conference disaster Response coordinator. Watch webinar
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