“The vision is getting clearer as to what God’s calling us to do.” — The Rev. Lisa Beavers, on the Wesleyan Covenant Association’s work toward a new, traditionalist Methodist denomination.
NEWS AND FEATURES
WCA plans for new denomination
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (UM News) — The Wesleyan Covenant Association held a large in-person and online meeting April 30-May 1, continuing to plan for a new, traditionalist Methodist denomination and passing a resolution criticizing three United Methodist bishops for recent appointment-making decisions. Sam Hodges reports.
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Observing World Press Freedom Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Today is World Press Freedom Day, an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of freedom of the press. Tim Tanton with United Methodist News talks about giving voice to the voiceless and why freedom of information is essential not only for society but for the church.
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Holston Conference
10 churches receive online worship help
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Like many pastors, the Rev. Brenda Bell-McAdams was perplexed when the pandemic upended the way she shared the Gospel and reached out to her congregation. The pastor of three small churches is among 10 Holston Conference clergy receiving tech help to continue online worship alongside in-person services. Annette Spence has the story.
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Napa Valley Register
Church launches greetings by drone
NAPA, Calif. — A group at Napa United Methodist Church has taken keeping in touch with members to another level — literally. The Just Say Hi ministry uses drones to drop in on churchgoers. It’s been a big hit. Jennifer Huffman has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
South Georgia Conference
Bishop Bryan announces retirement
MACON, Ga. — Bishop R. Lawson Bryan, leader of the South Georgia Conference, has announced his intent to retire, effective Sept. 1. “Through this intentional process, I have discerned with clarity that it is time for me to turn my full attention to my family,” he said in a video announcement. No decision has been made about who will succeed Bryan, but the Southeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy and the College of Bishops are working together on a plan for coverage.
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Church and Society
Agency urges raising refugee resettlements
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is calling on the Biden administration to increase refugee resettlements in the U.S. The Biden administration in April announced plans to maintain the refugee admissions goal at 15,000, an all-time low. But under immediate pressure from religious organizations, the White House said it would set a new, higher goal by May 15.
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RESOURCES
Virginia Conference
Best practices for dealing with ‘Zoom fatigue’
GLEN ALLEN, Va. — More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, “Zoom fatigue” or fatigue with any platform of video conferencing has become real and remains a struggle for many clergy and lay members. Virginia Conference leaders have advice to avoid feeling drained by remote contact. Madeline Pillow White has the story.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Bishops: No episcopal elections until 2022
Seeking gun violence remedies, policing reforms
EVENTS
Wednesday, May 5
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls
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