“He was a prince of the church.” — The Rev. Mary John Dye, on Bishop Carlton P. Minnick.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop Minnick led with openness, grace
RALEIGH, N.C. (UM News) — Bishop Carlton P. Minnick championed women in ministry and helped lead the Council of Bishops to speak out against U.S. nuclear weapons policy. He was admired for his Bible teaching and open, grace-filled leadership. Minnick, who oversaw conferences in Mississippi and North Carolina, died May 4 at age 96. Sam Hodges reports.
Read feature obituary
Read Council of Bishops obituary
Louisiana Conference
Post-graduation tornado tests pastor
WESTLAKE, La. — The Rev. Amy Castro was driving home from her seminary graduation when she learned the church she leads, Westlake United Methodist, had been hit by a tornado. The south side of the church campus is a wreck, but the sanctuary is intact. And Castro has been cheered by neighboring churches that have helped Westlake United Methodist after the May 13 twister. “The body of Christ is truly coming together,” she said. The Rev. Todd Rossnagel has the story.
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Global Ministries
Missionaries find purpose in God’s mission
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Pedro Zavala is one of a group of missionaries commissioned at the United Methodist General Conference earlier this month. The author, researcher and professor of theology is headed to Madrid, where he will study power, poverty and liberation theology. Christie R. House profiles Zavala and other newly minted missionaries.
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UM News: Get out of silos and break down walls, bishop says
East Ohio Conference
Project brings food, health care to community
CANTON, Ohio — A neighborhood that lost its last grocery store in 1972 got a new one when Gonder Place in southeast Canton held its grand opening last month. The facility also has a community health center. “This combination today takes care of two serious problems for us here in our community,” said Mayor Thomas Bernabei. Gonder Place is a partnership between the East Ohio Conference, Canton for All People, The City of Canton and multiple charitable foundations and area churches. Brett Hetherington has the story.
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The Associated Press
Wild onions part of Native churches’ tradition
OKMULGEE, Okla. — Wild onions are among the first foods to grow at the tail end of winter in the South, and generations of Native Americans have placed the aromatic alliums at the center of communal events. United Methodist churches in Oklahoma’s Native American communities annually use wild onion dinners as fundraisers. Graham Lee Brewer has the story and video.
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South Hills-Mon Valley Messenger
Church thrift shop a beacon for those in need
CALIFORNIA, Pa. — California United Methodist Church’s “Care and Share” Thrift Shop provides emergency supplies for those in need, as well as bargain shopping for clothes and household items. Shoppers also will find some great conversation at the shop, which has been in operation for over 30 years. Jill Runfola has the story.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Volunteer for ethnic leader panels
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications is seeking people in leadership roles within local United Methodist churches to participate in upcoming ethnic leader panel discussions. Panelists will be invited to take part in online surveys and focus groups throughout the year. People may volunteer for the agency’s Asian leader, Black leader and/or Latino leader panels. Additional panels will be introduced soon.
Asian leader panel
Black leader panel
Latino leader panel
RECENT HEADLINES
Many hands help build church medical clinic
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Awe and Wonder: The Arts in Worship
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