"Racism and xenophobia, like other sins, keep us from being whole persons capable of living up to our full potential." — United Methodist Council of Bishops.
Bishops: Work to end racism and welcome the stranger
BERLIN (UMNS) — The United Methodist Council of Bishops unanimously adopted a pastoral letter on racism affirming that “all lives are sacred and that a world free of racism and xenophobia is not only conceivable, but worthy of our pursuit.” Heather Hahn reports from the council’s meeting in Berlin.
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UMCOR grant will bring aid to 1,000 Nepalese families
NEW YORK (UMNS) — To help provide relief supplies for earthquake survivors in Nepal, the United Methodist Committee on Relief has approved a grant of $85,066 to Church Auxiliary for Social Action in India, which will purchase and transport the supplies. United Mission to Nepal, another United Methodist partner, will distribute the items to 1,000 families. A Nepal church bulletin also is available for United Methodist congregations to download.
United Mission to Nepal helps fight hunger
To donate
Nepal church bulletin
Methodist History: Founding Mothers
of Mother’s Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMTV) — Statistics say that $20.7 billion will be spent on moms in honor of the U.S. holiday that falls on the second Sunday in May: Mother's Day. All that cash and commercialism goes against everything the women who originated the idea wanted. Meet the Methodist mother and daughter team who worked to create a day to honor a mother's love and to emphasize how important a mother's role is in building a peaceful world.
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Motherly advice for tough questions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Young girls from around the United States were invited to ask their deepest questions to older women from around the world. Read the "grandmotherly wisdom" offered on such questions as “How do I know God is real?” Susan Passi-Klaus reports.
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Council of Bishops affirms missional direction
BERLIN (UMNS) — The United Methodist Council of Bishops affirmed a vision for a missional direction for the next quadrennium, which includes partnering with schools to help end poverty, starting new faith communities and equipping congregations with processes to increase the number of vital congregations.
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‘Welcoming the stranger’ is Heritage Sunday theme
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Heritage Sunday, observed on May 24, will highlight the work of Alma Matthews and others within the church who welcomed the immigrant. The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History and Discipleship Ministries have resources for observing Heritage Sunday.
Get resources from Archives and History
More resources from Discipleship Ministries
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 12
Deadline to register for United Methodist Communications online course "United Methodism 101" — Course offered May 13-June 24 on the denomination's history, structure, ministries and challenges. $9.99. Details.
Thursday, May 14
Deadline for nominations for the 2015 Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church Award — With this honor, the Foundation for Evangelism celebrates a United Methodist clergy or lay person whose personal ministry in evangelism is recognized throughout the denomination. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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