TODAY’S HEADLINES
What comes after General Conference deadline?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — A lot has changed since the pandemic postponed The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly from its original May 2020 schedule to now 2024. The coming General Conference will have new legislative proposals to consider. Heather Hahn previews what comes next after the legislative deadline has passed.
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Florida Conference
Idalia recovery brings new challenges
LAKELAND, Fla. — The damage wrought by Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 30 presented unusual hurdles to getting people the help they needed in the storm’s aftermath. “The challenge with this recovery is that it’s so spread out,” said Trish Warren, the Florida Conference’s disaster response coordinator. Joe Henderson reports.
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Holston Conference
Pastor persists in fight for Black community
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Even when she went to seminary, the Rev. Charlotte Williams did not want to be a preacher. She wanted to build community and stand against the oppression of Black people. Now, she is both a United Methodist preacher and social worker. Annette Spence has her story.
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Minnesota Conference
Sewing machine collection surpasses goal
HUTCHINSON, Minn. — An effort to collect 50 sewing machines to help disadvantaged people make a living has exceeded its goal. The Rev. Randy Koppen of Bethlehem United Methodist challenged the church’s quilting group to take on the project. The 50th sewing machine was collected by mid-August, and six more have been donated since then. Midwest Mission in Pawnee, Illinois, distributes the sewing machines. Karla Hovde reports.
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RESOURCES
Religion and Race
Hispanic Heritage Month infographic available
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has created a free, downloadable infographic to help churches observe Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15. The graphic also contains recommended reading and suggestions for ways to celebrate.
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EVENTS
Monday, Sept. 18-Friday, Sept. 29
Writing Bible-Based Plays for Christmas, Step by Step
Wednesday, Sept. 27-Friday, Sept. 29
Leadership Institute 2023
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Yambasu grant helps mission farms flourish
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Four United Methodist mission farms got a major boost from the Board of Global Ministries’ Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, with some seeing a bumper harvest for the first time in a decade. Grant money provided seeds and fertilizer, along with equipment and technical support. Kudzai Chingwe reports.
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Students reflect on ‘life-changing’ Youth 2023
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (UM News) — More than 2,500 young people came to Discipleship Ministries’ Youth 2023 this summer for faith building and fellowship. Participants attended workshops, worship, concerts and communion on the beach, among other activities, all tied together with the theme of “BOLD — Being Ourselves, Living Different.” Several youths from around the connection reflect on their experiences at the gathering.
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UM News: Youth connect with God, one another at gathering
Despite challenges, ministry cares for community
ZURICH (UM News) — For many years, the Miss Stone Center in North Macedonia has been a beacon of charity and hope. Despite rising food costs and staffing shortages, the United Methodist-related ministry finds ways to meet increasing need. In addition to daily meal programs, the center offers home care for the elderly and educational programs for Roma children. Urs Schweizer has the story.
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West Angola camp helps youth shine
LUBANGO, Angola (UM News) — About 700 young people from 12 United Methodist church districts gathered to connect with peers and grow in their faith under the theme “Let Your Light Shine Bright.” The event, the largest in the group’s history, coincided with celebrations to mark 71 years since the youth organization was founded in West Angola. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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Commentary: Allowing men to be vulnerable
SEVERNA PARK, Md. (UM News) — In the latest installment of the “Hollering for Change” series, the Rev. Dr. Tori Butler interviews the Rev. Romal Tune, author of “I Wish My Dad: The Power of Vulnerable Conversations Between Fathers and Sons.” Also in the conversation are two United Methodist pastors who contributed their stories for the book.
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