“It may take us longer, but we're still very, very much capable of learning new things.” — Eve Newman, a member of the Flames, a group of people with developmental disabilities at Centennial United Methodist Church in Roseville, Minnesota.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
UMC.org
Diversity flourishes at Minnesota church
ROSEVILLE, Minn. — Centennial United Methodist Church is fashioning itself as a model of diversity, in the process of addressing racism better after making strides with the LGBTQ community and people with developmental disabilities. The Rev. Brian Hacklander says that church members realize “we can be doing more and we’re called to do more.” Jim Patterson has the story.
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Ask The UMC
Is communion simply a ritual of remembrance?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Holy Communion includes a profound act of remembrance that recalls the last supper Jesus had with his disciples. But is it more than just a ritual of remembering? Ask The UMC writes, “It is primarily an act through which our connection with God, each other and our life of ministry in the world is nourished and strengthened.”
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North Georgia Conference
Church ensures kids have books
MARIETTA, Ga. — A partnership between East Cobb United Methodist Church and Powers Ferry Elementary School has enabled every first- and second-grader to each pick out six books for their home libraries. All told, the endeavor benefited nearly 140 youngsters. The Rev. Kristin Heiden, pastor of East Cobb, talked to the conference about how the church carried out the reading ministry.
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Michigan Conference
Urban youth camp returns
HILLSDALE, Mich. — After a virtual camp last year, the Urban Methodist Youth Camp returned to being an in-person event at a new site. The 2021 camp was held at Michindoh Retreat Center because the previous site has closed. Activities for the campers included a talent show, job search training, wall climbing and outdoor sports such as volleyball and archery. Ariel Bowman reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Men
Strength for Service names new executive
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Strength for Service Inc., a ministry to military personnel and first responders, selected Hazel Coleman as its executive director. The ministry describes Coleman as a mission-minded person with 15 years of fundraising experience. She succeeds Larry Coppock.
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EVENTS
Wednesday, Oct. 13
Virtual workshop: Choosing Abundance
Saturday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Oct. 17
World Food Day: Weekend of Prayer and Action Against Hunger
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Filipino churchgoers minister amid COVID-19
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — As the country grapples with the surge of the delta variant, Filipino United Methodists are finding new ways to minister to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
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Conversations address going separate ways
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — With The United Methodist Church facing a proposed split, multiple groups have events planned to help churchgoers discern where they might feel most at home. Heather Hahn reports.
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Watch Connectional Table’s first “Tuesdays at the Table”
Publishing House moves pension plan, sells campus
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Publishing House, hard hit by the pandemic, has finalized the sale of its Nashville property and the transfer of a pension plan to Wespath. The self-supporting Publishing House has leased space in the United Methodist Communications building for some IT and finance staff. Sam Hodges reports.
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Retired pastors reap benefits of farming
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Transitioning from pastoral duties to retirement can be daunting, but several pastors in Zimbabwe have taken a leap of faith, retired from active ministry and become farmers and small-business entrepreneurs. Chenayi Kumuterera has the story.
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Young elder numbers hit record low
WASHINGTON (UM News) — The annual Lewis Center for Church Leadership study of clergy age trends in The United Methodist Church finds the number of U.S. elders under 35 at a historic low. The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr., a senior consultant for the center, shares other key findings from this year’s report.
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