“While the work is daunting, at least we have each other, and we have a growing group who are in this ministry together.” — Rob Rutland-Brown, executive director of National Justice for Our Neighbors, speaking at the Rio Texas Conference’s Border Convocation.
Border woes test, inspire immigration ministries
SAN ANTONIO (UM News) — The Rio Texas Conference’s second Border Convocation brought together Methodists from the U.S. and Mexico for idea-sharing about relief work and advocacy as the Trump administration restricts entry of asylum seekers. One pastor spoke of the need for an “Overground Railroad.” Sam Hodges reports.
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2030 targeted for end of world hunger
WASHINGTON (UM News) — Hunger in the U.S. has been falling and it’s possible the world could be rid of it by 2030, according to Bread for the World Institute. But there are strong barriers against that happening, including climate change, war and the inequality of women. Jim Patterson reports.
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Zimbabwe church embraces hearing impaired
CHITUNGWIZA, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is making an effort to be more welcoming to the hearing impaired. Some churches are training pastors and church members in sign language, while others offer interpretive services and Deaf ministries. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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United Methodist Committee on Relief
Migration challenge is also opportunity
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Committee on Relief continues to work with refugees and migrants worldwide despite staggering statistics that make it “a key challenge in the years ahead.” But, as a new video explains, migration is not going away and in helping to alleviate the suffering, the church has an opportunity for transformation “into something greater.”
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Give to UMCOR Global Migration, Advance No. 3022144
Florida Conference
Special needs children thrive at Gainesville church
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Special needs children are given special attention at Celebration United Methodist Church. The church offers a unique worship service, respite nights for parents, trick or treat and Easter egg hunt events for holidays and other ministries. The church also has a fund to help with families’ expenses. Jordan Chronister reports.
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Wesley Theological Seminary
Worship begins when ‘soup’s on’
OLNEY, Md. — Cristin Cooper, a recent graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary, had an idea to use her gift for making soup to help make Christian community. Her idea has led to a sort of dinner church that meets each Wednesday in a local park. Erik Alsgaard has the story.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
World Communion Sunday observed in October
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — World Communion Sunday, one of six churchwide Special Sundays in The United Methodist Church, is scheduled for Oct. 6 this year, although churches can choose any other Sunday. The special offering raises funds for scholarships for people of color as well as students from around the globe.
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Hispanic Heritage Month
Joining Latino Methodism ‘a public statement’
SEGUIN, Texas (UM News) — For many Hispanics, joining a United Methodist church makes “a public statement,” said the Rev. David Maldonado. In an interview for Hispanic Heritage Month, this leader in Hispanic Methodism talks about how the church helped people deal with social pressure and become leaders.
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