“We live in a hurting and fractured world and we are a hurting and fractured church. I desire to offer my leadership, experiences, passion and vision to expand the church’s witness in proclaiming the gospel and bringing hope, healing and justice in the church and in the world.” — Bishop Tracy S. Malone, who leads the East Ohio Conference.
New bishop heard call to ministry at 13
CHICAGO (UMNS) — Raised and molded in the United Methodist faith, Bishop Tracy S. Malone was destined to lead in critical times, according to those who know her well. Her journey began when she heard the call to ministry at the young age of 13. She now leads the East Ohio Conference. Anne Marie Gerhardt of the Northern Illinois Conference offers the final piece in a series of profiles on the first-elected bishops in each U.S. jurisdiction.
Unrest, economic problems take toll on Africa University
CLEVELAND (UMNS) — Africa University is open and operating smoothly despite political unrest in Zimbabwe, but about 170 students have been unable to register for financial reasons resulting from widespread economic difficulties in southern Africa, the vice chancellor reported. Vicki Brown has the story.
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Hickman led the way in worship
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The revision of The United Methodist Hymnal into a more richly liturgical book was, in no small measure, the work of the Rev. Hoyt Hickman. Colleagues say Hickman helped shape the entire direction of United Methodist worship and served as mentor to other worship specialists. He died Sept. 5 at age 89. Sam Hodges has an obituary.
Complaint dropped against Iowa clergywoman
DES MOINES, Iowa (UMNS) — A complaint filed against the Rev. Anna Blaedel by three fellow clergy members of the Iowa Conference has been dismissed. Blaedel said publicly in June that she was a “self-avowed practicing homosexual.” The Rev. Art McClanahan reports.
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Beyond ‘se habla Español’ in South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. (UMNS) — National Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15, and United Methodists passionate about Latino advocacy are hoping to bring heightened awareness and advocacy to the South Carolina Conference. Jessica Brodie of the South Carolina Advocate has the story.
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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.
Tuesday, Sept. 13
Webinar “Churches That Transform: Inside and Out” — 7 to 8 p.m. ET. Much of faith formation is capturing the imaginations of children and youth for God’s story and the reality of the reign of God. This workshop will discuss the characteristics of transformative communities and steps churches can take to become these types of communities. Practical Resources for Churches, an ecumenical training organization, is organizing this webinar. Details
Thursday, Sept. 15 to June 2017
Creating a Culture of Renewal for churches in New Mexico — The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, a United Methodist church consultant, leads this series of events aimed at helping churches reach their God-given potential. The opening retreat begins at noon Sept. 15 and continues through Sept. 17 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. The closing retreat will take place in June 2017 in conjunction with the New Mexico Annual Conference session near El Paso, Texas. In between, there will be monthly online group meetings from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. MT on the second Monday of each month. To register
Saturday, Oct. 1
Prison Ministry Symposium — 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Grace United Methodist Church, 125 W. 104th St., New York City. All-day symposium on prison ministry and criminal justice advocacy, sponsored by the New York Conference. Free registration through the conference website. Details
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