“We stopped public evangelism. We share in church, or one by one when we meet people personally. And, of course, anyone can come to the church.” — The Rev. Jeewan Lama, pastor of Hebron United Methodist Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, on how religious restrictions have changed how he and his congregation approach their neighbors.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Congregation in Nepal thrives despite religious restrictions
LALITPUR, Nepal (UM News) — Although official restrictions on religious work create challenges for church leaders in Nepal, migrant workers are returning from abroad with a robust faith that invigorates the small Christian community there, according to a United Methodist pastor in the mountainous country. The Rev. Paul Jeffrey has the story and photos.
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Great Plains Conference
Three bishops discuss denomination’s future
LEAWOOD, Kan. — Three episcopal leaders took the stage Sept. 28 at the Leadership Institute, held at Resurrection, a United Methodist megachurch. The Rev. Adam Hamilton, Resurrection’s pastor, interviewed Bishops Tom Berlin, Tracy Smith Malone and Mande Muyombo on the challenges and opportunities for the denomination in a period of disaffiliations. David Burke reports on the event, billed as a “family meeting.”
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South Carolina Conference
Guatemala hospital upgraded
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A medical ministry in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, founded by physician and United Methodist elder Dr. Luke Rhyee, is now officially licensed as a hospital. Hospital Bethesda can now provide more than just outpatient services. “The hospital license means for me that Healing Guatemala is moving another notch toward the goal through Hospital Bethesda, which is the holistic healing of God — physical, social and spiritual healing,” Rhyee said. Jessica Brodie reports.
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Oregon-Idaho Conference
Panel explores 50-year legacy of hip-hop
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Cultural Soul Project, a new United Methodist faith community, plans to host a panel titled “Hip-Hop for Social Change and Justice” from 6 to 8 p.m. U.S. Pacific time Oct. 7 at Warner Pacific University's McGuire Auditorium. The event, which takes place during the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, will feature nationally-known hip-hop culture scholars, including Daymond Glenn, pastor of The Cultural Soul Project.
Learn more and register
PRESS RELEASES
Greater New Jersey Conference
Leadership Academy receives $1.2 million Lilly grant
NEPTUNE, N.J. — The United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey have been granted $1,249,980 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to further develop the Leadership Academy through a preaching module. The Leadership Academy is a hybrid continuing education program designed to empower laity and clergy to lead and grow vital mission congregations and engage with the people in the community through ministries of witness, mercy and justice. Several other United Methodist ministries also received sizeable grants.
Read press release
View recipient list
RESOURCES
Status and Role of Women
Reasons to be in connection with commission
CHICAGO — The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women advocates for gender equality in the church. It also does a lot more, and commission staffers have compiled 50 other functions in a list.
Read resource
RECENT HEADLINES
Conference partnership with East Angola celebrates 20 years
Faith leaders advocate for peace and reunification of Koreas
EVENTS
Monday, Oct. 16-Friday, Dec. 8
Online course: A Journey Through the Letters of Paul
Monday, Oct. 16-Monday, Oct. 30
Online course: Leading Missional Small Groups
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