"These sorts of gatherings are always important for what happens in the fringes. The real work gets done over coffee." — The Rev. Sam McBratney, on the International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges and Universities conference in Puebla, Mexico.
Methodist educators gather in Mexico
PUEBLA, Mexico (UMNS) — Methodist educators and others with a commitment to following Charles Wesley’s call to unite “knowledge and vital piety” have gathered here for the once-every-three-years conference of the International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges and Universities. This major pan-Methodist event, which United Methodists help to put on, features academic presentations, networking, worship and more. Sam Hodges reports.
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Making a difference, one grant at a time
ATLANTA (Interpreter) — Vinings United Methodist Church in Atlanta became actively involved in ministry to local crime victims after the murder of nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. When Vinings hosted a memorial and healing service in 2016, more than 250 people affected by homicide attended. The church applied for and received a grant funded through the Peace with Justice Sunday offering.
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Supporting veterans in church
ABILENE, Texas (UMC.org) — The Rev. Bill Libby, a military chaplain, says he often meets fellow veterans who are still feeling the effects of the Vietnam War 40 years after their active service. A United Methodist church in Texas has formed a Sunday school class to help these service members find the spiritual support they need.
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Podcast: Parenting, chaos and community
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMC.org) — The Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder — pastor of a United Methodist congregation, spouse of a former U.S. congressman, mother of four (including triplets) — knows something about chaos. Snyder talks with the Rev. Joe Iovino about how her faith, family, church and community helped her to become an even better parent, pastor and Christian.
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Beyond the bake sale: Church fundraising ideas
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCom) — For congregations grown weary of the same old events, United Methodist Communications offers some variations on familiar ideas.
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Interim leader for Reconciling Ministries
CHICAGO — Jan Lawrence will be the interim executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network, an unofficial United Methodist group that advocates for the full inclusion of LGBTQ individuals in the denomination. Lawrence, who has led the LGBTQ Inclusion Advocacy Team at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, starts June 1.
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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.
Thursday, June 1-Sunday, June 4
Central Luzon Philippines Annual Conference — Guimba United Methodist Church, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The annual conference session meets in the Baguio Episcopal Area. Details
Sunday, June 4-Wednesday, June 7
Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference — Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, Alabama. The theme of the annual conference will be "Imagine: By Faith it Can Happen." Details
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