“This is an opportunity for the practice of Christian hospitality and efforts toward strong, respectful interfaith dialogue and community interaction.” — Thomas Kemper, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, on the European refugee crisis.
European refugee aid goes beyond food
NEW YORK (UMNS) — As migrants continue to flow into Europe in unprecedented numbers, United Methodists are among the local citizens providing aid. Church leaders also are sensing the refugee crisis has created “Kairos” — an opportune moment — to pray and work for real change. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Coping with Europe’s migration crisis
Liberian university president removed
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Liberia’s United Methodist bishop has removed the president of the denomination’s university from the office he has held for more than 10 years. Bishop John G. Innis said in a letter to the Rev. Emmanuel Bailey, president of the United Methodist University, that the decision to replace him was based on the advice of the 21 district superintendents who make up his cabinet and the university’s board of directors.
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Celebrating digital launch of motive magazine
BOSTON (UMNS) — Boston University School of Theology and the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry on Sept. 16 will celebrate the launch of a website that digitizes motive magazine and makes it accessible to a new generation. The launch celebration, including a panel discussion, will be at 4:30 p.m. EDT in Readers’ Theater at the university. The official magazine for the Methodist Student Movement, motive magazine was known for its avant-garde editorial and artistic vision. In 1966, Time magazine said it stood out among church publications “like a miniskirt at a church social.”
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Memphis Conference partners with Alex Haley Museum
HENNING, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Memphis Conference is partnering with the Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Center to offer private showings of the museum’s exhibit “Slaves and Slaveholders of Wessyngton Plantation,” along with a panel discussion and small group conversations about race relations. The first event was Aug. 30 and the second is scheduled for Sept. 27. Lane Gardner Camp reports for the conference.
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Scholarship promotes diversity among archivists
MADISON, N.J. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History provides financial support to ethnic minority students pursuing graduate education in archival science. Joanna Chen Cham is the 2014 recipient of the Josephine Forman Scholarship. The scholarship, offered in partnership with the Society of American Archivists, aims to help diversify the American archives profession. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28.
Learn more about the scholarship and how to apply
The Upper Room offers Cuban edition
HAVANA (UMNS) — Delivered in the luggage of visiting missionaries or shipped from the Dominican Republic, The Upper Room daily devotional has blessed individuals and churches in Cuba for decades. But the United Methodist devotional has never been printed within the country until this year.
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Resources for World Communion Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodists will join other Christians in celebrating Holy Communion on Oct. 4. United Methodist churches also are asked to receive a special offering to support scholarships for ethnic undergraduate and graduate students. United Methodist gifts often enable first-generation students to attend college.
Resources for World Communion Sunday
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.
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Deadline to apply for grant to support ecumenical and interreligious ministries — The Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships, part of the Council of Bishops, is offering three grants, each in the amount of $1,000 to groups within conferences for special projects designed to strengthen ecumenical and/or interreligious relationships. Details
Webinar "How to Make Your Worship Service More Engaging for All Ages" — 7- 8 p.m. EDT. Worship is central to who we are and what we do as communities of faith. This webinar will focus on how to use the visual, auditory and kinesthetic aspects of a worship service to engage more people and engage them more fully. This webinar also will have a special focus on intergenerational worship and incorporating interactive elements into existing worship services. Details
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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