"Today, there’s a robust, vibrant and growing economy along the border. Money is going there, and universities are opening new campuses there. It’s a much more dynamic place than a simple international line that divides two countries." — The Rev. Laura Merrill, assistant to the bishop of the Rio Texas Annual Conference.
Mission challenges at the border
JUAREZ, Mexico — Twenty years ago, Patricia Esquivel lived in the United States, where her daughter was born. She was there without papers, and one day she was caught and deported. So now she proudly watches from afar as her daughter crosses the border to get an education. In the May edition of Response, the United Methodist Women’s magazine, Paul Jeffrey looks at mission challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border.
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Commentary: Lawyer on meaning of bishop ruling
NEWARK, N.J. (UMNS) — The lawyer who argued for the request for a declaratory decision on the election, consecration and nomination of a gay bishop writes that while the case did not name Bishop Karen Oliveto specifically, the ruling means a cloud covers her episcopacy. The Rev. Keith Boyette offers his interpretation of the Judicial Council ruling.
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Read Western Jurisdiction lawyer’s commentary
Charles Wesley statue makes comeback
BRISTOL, England (BBC) — A statue of Methodist Charles Wesley has returned to its home at the New Room chapel in Bristol. The BBC reports that the statue is back after 18 months of restoration work and now has a more prominent position.
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Bike giveaway at Sioux Falls church
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A 2016 bike-lending program was so successful that Wesley United Methodist Church moved onto purchasing bikes for 73 third-grade students. The bike programs are among several outreach projects at the church.
Read Dakotas Conference story
Wesleyan album aims to ignite worship
NEPTUNE CITY, N.J. — A new worship album written and performed by Eric Drew, director of worship for the Greater New Jersey Conference, goes live May 8. The project, “Center of It All,” hopes to blaze the path for what Methodist worship could be. Josh Kinney has the story.
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Resources for mental health awareness
WASHINGTON — May is known for many observances, including Mental Health Awareness Month. The Commission on Disability Concerns of the Baltimore-Washington Conference offers ideas for congregations to help raise awareness about mental health issues. The Rev. Leo Yates Jr. offers this commentary.
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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, May 11
Offering Electronic Giving: What Are You Waiting For? — 6:30-7:30 p.m., Central. This Discipleship Ministries webinar will cover how to make electronic giving available at your church, as well as why churches should offer electronic options. Details
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