“The Upper Room makes a difference in the spiritual lives of our readers.” — Editor Andrew Breeden, speaking during the Asia Upper Room leadership seminar.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Asia Upper Room partners prepare for the future
BANGKOK (UM News) — Methodists from across Asia came together last month for the third Asia Upper Room leadership seminar and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Thai Upper Room Edition. Presenters covered topics such as financial models, fundraising and accurate and culturally appropriate translation. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports.
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New leadership strengthens mission initiative
BANGUI, Central African Republic (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s mission initiative in the Central African Republic is gaining momentum with the ordination of a new elder and deacon. The latter is the first woman pastor in the church in this country. The mission initiative has more than 2,000 members in 17 parishes across the Central African Republic. Chadrack Tambwe Londe has the story.
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New England Conference
Bishop responds to shooting in Vermont
METHUEN, Mass. — After the shooting of three college students of Palestinian descent in Burlington, Vermont, New England Conference Bishop Peggy Johnson is asking fellow United Methodists to pray and to speak out against hate and violence. As of Nov. 27, the three students were still hospitalized. “If it is found to be a hate crime, our voices must be loudest among those decrying violence driven by hate and fear,” the bishop writes.
Read bishop’s statement
The Associated Press: Authorities face calls to declare hate crime
North Texas Conference
Pastor writes on Native American spirituality
DALLAS — The Rev. Chad Johnson is the author of a new book called “Finding God on the Indian Road: Exploring the Intersectionality Between Native American and Christian Spiritual Living.” Johnson belongs to the Chickasaw Nation and is pastor of First United Methodist Church of Jacksboro, Texas. Monica Frazier reports.
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Oregon-Idaho Conference
Church closed under exigent circumstances
EUGENE, Ore. — Greater Northwest Area Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth and other Oregon-Idaho Conference leaders made the decision to close Trinity United Methodist Church under exigent circumstances. The Rev. John Tucker, the church’s district superintendent, said a combination of factors led to the decision, including "difficulty electing trusted leaders, exhaustion from existing leaders, a culture of distrust that includes anonymous agents seeking to undermine the pastoral team and lack of trust with staff." Some church members gathered to protest the closure on the church’s front lawn on Nov. 26.
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Read KVAL story
Read the Rev. Tucker’s letter
California-Nevada Conference
Conference lay leader receives national award
SANTA ROSA, Calif. — California-Nevada Conference lay leader Micheal Pope was honored with the 2023 TALHero Changemakers US award from Touch A Life Foundation. The awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in their communities. The foundation recognized Pope for her work as chief executive officer of Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay, where she helps individuals and families affected by the disease. Conference staff report.
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PRESS RELEASES
Wespath
Matching grant for clergy well-being
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Wespath Benefits and Investments raised $250,000 in donations for its Clergy Financial Well-Being Initiative, unlocking matching funds from the Lilly Endowment. Added to an initial Lilly grant of $250,000 in 2022, it brings a total of $750,000 to fund well-being efforts for post-pandemic recovery for clergy of color. This includes programming dedicated to self-care and wellness to mitigate burnout, expanding emergency financial assistance for clergy and providing financial backing for wellness retreats across the U.S.
Read press release
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