“The water project not only reflects the heart of God directly because he continuously shows his love for us in meeting our physical needs, but it also gives the church an avenue to demonstrate the love of God in the gospel.” — Anna Mashirima, whose family uses piped water from a new borehole at Moheto First United Methodist Church in Kenya.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
Church provides clean water to community
MOHETO, Kenya (UM News) — A borehole project in rural Kenya is transforming lives, and United Methodists are playing a significant role. Today, some 2,000 community members — including 500 pupils at Moheto Primary School — have access to clean water thanks to the efforts of Moheto First United Methodist Church. Gad Maiga has the story.
Church and Society
United Methodists support investigation of abuses in the Philippines
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society joined other denominational groups in a renewed call for an independent investigation by the United Nations and the international community of human rights violations in the Philippines. The National Association of Filipino American United Methodists has expressed concern for church leaders being targeted for advocating for poor and Indigenous communities. Linda Bloom reports.
Texas Conference
Church and seniors’ facility bond during pandemic
TEXAS CITY, Texas — The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a much closer relationship between St. John’s United Methodist Church and residents of a neighboring senior living facility. They’ve connected by low-frequency radio broadcasts, honking horns and an Easter egg hunt. Lindsay Peyton reports.
Wesley Theological Seminary
Design Fellowship program announced
WASHINGTON — Wesley Theological Seminary has launched Wesley Design Fellowship, a one-year, cohort-based experience that includes community formation, spiritual direction, graduate-level courses and hands-on experience leading innovation. Open to young people ages 23-29 interested in leading new ways to connect young adults with the whole church, each fellow will earn an $8,000 stipend and four graduate academic course credits. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2022.
EVENTS
Sunday, Oct. 17
Laity Sunday
Friday, Oct. 22-Sunday, Oct. 24
Walk Justly Conference
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Photo essay: ‘I was a stranger …’
TIJUANA, Mexico (UM News) — In September 2021, a UM News team accompanied leaders from The United Methodist Church and the Methodist Church of Mexico on visits to growing migrant communities in multiple towns on the U.S.-Mexico border. While policymakers in Washington struggle to find solutions, the response from faith leaders has been simple: Welcome the strangers, as Jesus instructed. UM News photographer Mike DuBose documented the ministry in a photo essay.
View photo essay
Kenneth Rowe, church historian, dies at 84
MADISON, N.J. (UM News) — Colleagues agree that the Rev. Kenneth Rowe's contribution to Methodist history was monumental. He was an author, professor, librarian, archivist, bibliographer — and he insisted the church's marginalized groups have their story told, too. Rowe, who had a key role in bringing the United Methodist Archives and History Center to Drew University, died Oct. 8 at age 84. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Read remembrances of Rowe
William Abraham, traditionalist scholar, dies at 73
DALLAS (UM News) — The Rev. William J. “Billy” Abraham, a longtime professor at Perkins School of Theology, helped shaped the traditionalist renewal movement within United Methodism and was regarded with respect and affection by many who disagreed with him. The Northern Ireland native died Oct. 7 at age 73. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Read a remembrance of Abraham
Mt. Bethel countersues conference leaders
MARIETTA, Ga. (UM News) — Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church has countersued the North Georgia Conference leadership, which filed a lawsuit in September seeking control of the megachurch. Mt. Bethel argues that the conference is blocking the congregation's efforts to disaffiliate under church law. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee
Important information on BSA bankruptcy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist churches that have sponsored Boy Scout troops can expect to receive a “disclosure statement package” from the Boy Scouts of America regarding its pending bankruptcy proceeding. The United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee, which advocates for United Methodist interests within the bankruptcy process, has guidance for handling this mailing.
Read press release
UM News: BSA bankruptcy concerns church leaders
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