“The objective of this message is to help you, our brothers and sisters in the church, to understand how widely and deeply the young people are engaged in Christ’s journey with energy and love.” — Chelsea Spyres and Peter Cibuabua in the young people’s address.
Images of General Conference 2016
Two ambassadors of God’s love share young people’s address
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — While only two young people spoke on the General Conference stage this morning, thousands more stood with them. Chelsea Spyres and Peter Cibuabua began their witness by identifying themselves as “ambassadors sharing young people’s voices from around the world.” Kay DeMoss reports on the young people’s address.
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Delegates, supporters stand with LGBTQ people
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — As lay delegate Fred Brewington rose to address the United Methodist General Conference on May 14, dozens of protesters — many with rainbow duct tape over their mouths — stood outside the space reserved for delegates to symbolize the silent treatment they feel LGBTQ people get from the church. Kathy L. Gilbert and Sam Hodges report.
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Indigenous Filipinos bring pleas for justice
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Lumads, the indigenous people of Southern Philippines, have been the target of cruelty for decades. A small group of Lumads are in the United States to bring the atrocities to light. On May 16, the 2016 United Methodist General Conference will view a video produced by United Methodist Communications. Kathy L. Gilbert and Gladys Mangiduyos have the story.
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Remember rural churches, advocates say
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Supporters of the 25,000 United Methodist rural congregations across the United States want a seat at the denominational table. United Methodist Rural Advocates is hoping to remind General Conference 2016 of what it considers an often-neglected constituency. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Helping homeless with a meal and a message
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — United Methodists are helping homeless people in Portland dine with dignity during General Conference. Members of the United Methodist Rural Advocates are distributing cards made by children in churches across the connection along with meal vouchers to the Sisters of the Road Cafe. Anne Marie Gerhardt reports.
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Bishop Devadhar: Listen to each other and God
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar used the familiar story of the Magi to urge General Conference delegates to find “a new epiphany” by listening to each other’s perspectives and, most importantly, by listening to God. Beth DiCocco reports.
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May 14 wrap-up: Sermon, protest, committee work
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Worship, an address by young people and a silent protest for LGBTQ inclusion began Day Five of General Conference 2016, which ended with final legislative committees. Barbara Dunlap-Berg has the story.
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Bishop Ough becomes new Council of Bishops president
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — On May 12, Dakotas-Minnesota Area Bishop Bruce R. Ough was installed formally as president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops with the ceremonial passing of the gavel. Christa Meland of the Minnesota Conference has the story.
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Prayer room offers spiritual retreat
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Volunteer Melissa Engel calls it “the most important room here at General Conference.” Located inside the Oregon Convention Center, the prayer room offers a place to pray alone or with a volunteer, meditate along two labyrinths and remember one’s baptism. Before the conference began, prayer partners walked the convention center and prayed for the delegates and the spaces in which they would consider the future of The United Methodist Church.
Read the transcript and view the video
Blog: We ARE they
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — In several settings this week, I have heard people use the phrase, “they are saying…” or “they are doing….” In truth, “they” is really “we.” If WE are a family, a United Methodist family, aren’t we all one? Erik Alsgaard shares his perspective.
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Indigo Girls call on church to love, support all people
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Calling their concert “one big love-fest,” indie folk rock duo the Indigo Girls headlined a Reconciling Ministries Network benefit concert May 13 during The United Methodist Church’s General Conference. Jessica Brodie reports.
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Minnesota volunteer combines two passions
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Marj Evans-de-Carpio has two loves – her beloved United Methodist Church and language. At this General Conference – her first – she has the opportunity to combine them by interpreting for Spanish speakers. Christa Meland of the Minnesota Conference has the story.
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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.
Tuesday, May 17
Blessed Earth Breakfast — 7 a.m. PDT, Altabira City Tavern, 1021 N.E. Grand Ave., Ste. 600, Portland, Oregon. Free breakfast sponsored by Blessed Earth Tennessee. Features locally sourced ingredients and Oregon favorites. Enjoy a meal while learning about Blessed Earth and a Christian’s call to care for creation.
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Thursday, May 19
Commissioning of missionaries — 8 a.m. PDT. Watch livestream video as 29 new United Methodist Board of Global Ministries missionaries are commissioned at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. This is believed to be the first time the blessing and sending of missionaries has been included in a General Conference worship service during a plenary session.
Watch online.
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