“As our denominational footprint grows around the world, we must financially support that growth — especially in the area of theological education and leadership development.” — The Rev. Greg Bergquist, Division of Ordained Ministry, United Methodist Board of Higher Education.
$1 million in global grants to help train pastors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Commission on Central Conference Theological Education awarded 67 grants totaling more than $1 million to the seven central conferences of The United Methodist Church. The grants fund theological education advances at theological institutions, boards of ordained ministry and agencies integrally related to training United Methodist pastors.
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See full list of recipients
Church emphasizes literacy training
JALINGO, Nigeria (UMNS) — A revamped adult literacy school operated by The United Methodist Church in partnership with the government education agency has 52 students, mostly women, enrolled. Sharon Adamu Bambuka has the story.
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Bishop writes of sister's tragic death
NEPTUNE, N.J. — Bishop John Schol wrote a personal message about his family’s struggles to help a sister through difficult times that included an abusive marriage and a bout with homelessness. Tragically, just as “things were looking up,” the Greater New Jersey Area bishop learned his sister had been murdered. “Bad things happen, and it is made more difficult when tragedy strikes people who are making progress,” he wrote.
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Were your church windows made by Tiffany?
MADISON, N.J. (UMC.org) — There's a unique display in the lobby of United Methodist Archives and History in New Jersey. A huge stained glass window depicting Jesus in the Garden is there for visitors to see and touch. Mark Shenise, a preservationist with the agency, says the Tiffany piece can give you clues as to whether your church windows might be Tiffany originals, too.
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Handwritten Bible: Labor of love and learning
BROWNS MILLS, N.J. — Before the first typeset Bible was printed in 1455, the books were painstakingly reproduced by hand. Surely, no one would want to undertake such a tedious task today, right? Think again. The congregation at Browns Mills United Methodist Church accepted a challenge from their pastor to produce a handwritten Bible, which should be complete by summer. Paula Jensen reports.
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'Bibleland' brings God’s stories to life
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A few years ago, Caroline Harrelson had a very precise, detailed vision of what her congregation at Ashland United Methodist Church should be doing with its youngest members. The result was Bibleland, a hands-on, interactive room that has been bringing Bible stories to life for children. Jessica Brodie of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate reports.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Friday, May 5-Saturday, May 6
Eurasia-Central Asia in Mission Together Consultation XIX 2017 — 8:30 a.m. May 5 to 2:30 p.m. May 6, Baltimore-Washington Conference Center, 11711 East Market Place, Fulton, Maryland. Every two years, a meeting is held to bring partner United Methodist churches in the United States and the Eurasia Episcopal area together. This year’s event for church partners will focus on mission movement. Details
See more United Methodist events
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