“The media shows all the movie stars (with homes at risk because of wildfires). What about people that are maids that live in the house and may be paid under the table?” — Judy Lewis, disaster response coordinator for the California-Pacific Conference.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Response to wildfires deepens with experience
PASADENA, Calif. (UM News) — United Methodist responses to the annual wildfires in California include immediate help such as gift cards and charging centers for electronics, to longer-term efforts to tend to the psyches of children who’ve been through traumatic events. Jim Patterson has the story.
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Iowa Conference
Complaint against gay Iowa elder resolved
DES MOINES, Iowa — A just resolution has been reached in a complaint against the Rev. Anna Blaedel, the Iowa Conference announced Nov. 13. Blaedel has faced several complaints after publicly embracing the description "self-avowed practicing homosexual" at the 2016 Iowa Annual Conference. The Iowa elder faced a church trial in the latest complaint. The Rev. Art McLanahan has the story.
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Read the resolution and statements
Minnesota Conference
New church focus is addiction recovery
MINNEAPOLIS — The Recovering Love Church was founded to minister to people recovering from addiction. It is also intentional about welcoming members of the LGBTQ community. Karla Hovde has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Discipleship Ministries
Study guide can enrich Mister Rogers movie experience
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A faith-based study guide is available for “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” a new movie starring Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries was invited to produce the guide in collaboration with Sony Entertainment. It is designed to help groups learn to process feelings, understand forgiveness, talk about hard things, seek reconciliation and practice positive spiritual discipline.
Read press release
Watch trailer for the film
Council of Bishops
Carter reports on bishops’ meeting
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Council of Bishops President Kenneth H. Carter has released his summary of the council’s recent meeting, including actions taken and reports received. Some of what he describes occurred in closed session. Carter also addresses the bishops’ priorities as discussions continue about the future of the church.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Bishops encouraged to break down barriers
Funeral chaplain puts faith to work
EVENTS
Monday, Nov. 18-Friday, Nov. 22
Online course: Time With God — A Thanksgiving Prayer Retreat
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