"I see a far greater realization of the limitations of the traditional approaches to mission.” — Jonathan Bell, speaker at the recent Beyond These Walls mission conference.
Photo by Sam Hodges, UMNS
NEWS AND FEATURES
Making a statement about missions
HOUSTON (UMNS) — Many United Methodist churches have absorbed the message of such books as “Toxic Charity” and “When Helping Hurts” and realize they need to do missions differently. That message came through at the recent Beyond These Walls conference, held at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Sam Hodges reports.
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Water project empowers rural community in Zambia
MWAISENI, Zambia (UMNS) — The Tudikwashi Health Care Project, led by a United Methodist missionary, has provided clean water and proper sanitation in this community of more than 20,000 people. The project included six water boreholes with sinks and public toilets and also featured training for more than 20 community volunteers. John Chikuta reports.
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World Council of Churches
Ecumenical delegation visits North Korea
PYONGYANG, North Korea — A six-person international ecumenical delegation from the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches visited the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea May 3-7, at the invitation of its Korean Christian Federation. The visit to North Korea took place just days after the historic events of the Inter-Korean Summit at Panmunjom.
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Read UMNS story: Christians find hope in Korean summit
Holston Conference
Learning the value of holy conversation
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — When you meet someone who is different, can you talk? How? And why should you try? Ten years after the first Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, organizers of the 2018 event took another good look at the troubles around them before deciding upon this year’s theme. Annette Spence has the story.
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Peace during polarization: 6 tips for bridge-builders
PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Publishing House
Amendments added to Discipline
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The new amendments to the denomination’s constitution are now listed in the Errata for the 2016 Book of Discipline, the United Methodist governing document. As the most recent additions, the constitutional amendments appear in red type.
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Read UMNS story on new amendments
COMMENTARIES
Florida Conference
What is wrong with the church?
LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Area Bishop Ken Carter regularly hears from people identifying what they think is wrong with the church. In his Bishop’s Blog, Carter asks if we all should instead focus on what is wrong in each of our lives. He points to Psalm 51, which says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
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, May 10
Webinar: How we handle money in the church
Monday, May 14-Friday, May 25
Online lay servant workshop: Rediscovering our spiritual gifts
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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