"I believe that The United Methodist Church can make an impact to mitigate climate change. We need to be good stewards of God's creation." — Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan of the Davao Episcopal Area, Philippines.
Photo by Jastine G. Narvaez
Filipinos plant 3,044 trees for Mother Earth
MANILA (UMNS) — More than 500 United Methodists planted 3,044 tree saplings and seedlings across Mindanao, the second largest Filipino island and home to more than 20 million. Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan and his district superintendents and clergy led the Oct. 14 event “to promote ecological balance” in multiple sites. Gladys Mangiduyos has the story.
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Using biblical texts to guide climate action
NEW YORK (UMNS) — As an engineer who has focused on environmental issues since the 1970s, Stephen A. Jurovics knows a lot about climate change. But as a student of the Bible, he also has found useful references relevant to taking care of God’s creation. His book “Hospitable Planet: Faith, Action and Climate Change” is part of the 2018 Reading Program for United Methodist Women. Linda Bloom reports.
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The will to go green
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — First United Methodist Church is known for its 19th-century architecture, but the installation of solar panels is just one way the congregation’s Green Team is helping the church look to the future. A report to Faith in Place highlights the team’s progress.
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Commentary: Rejecting the model of pastor as CEO
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Rev. Teddy Ray, a United Methodist pastor and blogger, argues that the model of pastor as church CEO and growth strategist hasn’t worked out well. He favors old-fashioned approaches, including this: “Be with people through the days of the week to help them clarify God’s will in their lives.”
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Church's mural features the homeless
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — First United Methodist Church of Charlotte’s “Muffin Ministry” each Sunday offers food and fellowship to about 150 homeless people. Now the church is going further, unveiling in its Fellowship Hall a photographic mural of the homeless titled “Faces of Hope.” Tim Funk reports for The Charlotte Observer.
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Octavia Spencer to speak at cancer center fundraiser
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Octavia Spencer, who won an Academy Award for her 2012 role in “The Help,” will speak about her life and career at the annual Methodist Cancer Center Luncheon on Nov. 28 at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Proceeds benefit the West Cancer Center here.
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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.
Saturday, Oct. 28
Mountain Talk: Living with Dementia — 8 a.m.-3 p.m. EDT. Henderson Settlement, 16773 Highway 190, Frakes, Kentucky. Retired Bishop Kenneth Carder presents "Living with Dementia: Challenges and Opportunities." Carder serves as caregiver for his wife of 56 years, Linda, and as chaplain of a memory care unit. He also teaches a seminary course for pastors titled “Dementia through a Pastoral Theological Lens.” He will share his own story and the blessings and challenges of living with dementia in this event sponsored by Henderson Settlement. Registration deadline is Oct. 26. Details
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