“The most special thing is their compassion. If you call them up and say you need them, they’ll be there.” — Steve Wymer of Whitmer United Methodist, talking about the Rev. Earl Bible and his wife, Doris.
Slideshow: The growth of local pastors
CLINTON, Ky. (UMNS) — For the series “Trending Local,” about the growing importance of licensed local pastors in The United Methodist Church, photographer Mike DuBose traveled around West Virginia and Kentucky — two states with many local pastors. He captured images of these pastors, many bivocational, in their varied ministry settings.
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Mission agency: Reach 1 million children
NEW YORK (UMNS) — As part of its emerging health emphasis, “Abundant Health: Our Promise to Children,” the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has joined a U.N. initiative and will ask the 2016 General Conference to endorse a campaign to reach 1 million children with life-saving interventions between 2016 and 2020.
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United Methodist agencies address global migration
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Representatives from various United Methodist agencies met to discuss how United Methodists are responding to the immigration crisis in Europe and in the United States. The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez reports.
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Home Depot helps pay for ‘Strength for Service’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — More than 1,000 United Methodist churches have spent $1.12 million at Home Depot stores. Under an agreement arranged by the General Council on Finance and Administration, those purchases generated $45,000 that will pay for nearly 6,400 copies of “Strength for Service,” a nondenominational book of daily devotions written for members of the U.S. Armed Services and first responders. Rich Peck reports for United Methodist Men.
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Northeastern Jurisdiction talks leadership
HERSHEY, Pa. (UMNS) — More than 700 young United Methodists from around the Northeastern Jurisdiction gathered for a first-of-its-kind event focusing on transformational leadership. Erik Alsgaard of the Baltimore-Washington Conference has the story.
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Church leading way toward affordable housing
PORTLAND, Ore. — University Park United Methodist Church, like so many urban congregations, has seen its membership dwindle and now has more property than it needs. The congregation unanimously has decided to try a new thing to address a community need: Turn part of its property into affordable housing. The Portland Tribune reports.
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Speakers chosen for Young People’s Address
DETROIT (UMNS) — Chelsea Spyres, a Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, will share the stage of the 2016 General Conference with Peter Cibuabua of the Democratic Republic of Congo next May in Portland, Oregon. They will give the Young People’s Address at the denomination’s top lawmaking assembly. Kay DeMoss, editor for the Michigan Area, has the story.
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How pets bless human souls
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMTV) — The Rev. Tanya Eustace of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries says animals connect us to God and creation. “When we bless animals in the church, what we are saying is, ‘You are a gift from God,’” she says.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday, Oct. 8
C. Eric Lincoln Lecture Series — At 10:45 a.m. EDT, L. Henry Whelchel Jr., scholar and friend of the late C. Eric Lincoln, Ph.D., will serve as the guest speaker during Clark Atlanta University’s C. Eric Lincoln Lecture Series in Davage Auditorium. Whelchel is a professor of church history at The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta and recipient of the Dr. Gardner C. Taylor Preaching Archives Award from the Morehouse School of Religion at the center. Details
Sunday, Oct. 18
Laity Sunday — United Methodist Discipleship Ministries suggests Scripture, prayers and hymns for this day of celebrating discipleship. This year's theme is “Disciples Called to Action: Creating Unity in Ministry.” Resources
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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