“This is ‘a great work.’ If it weren’t, I’d be making a lot more selling jewelry.” — Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., on leaving a business career to enter ministry.
Ministry latecomer finds himself a bishop
ARLINGTON, Texas (UMNS) — Ruben Saenz Jr. was a successful jewelry store owner when he answered the call to ministry. Two decades later, the bilingual native of Texas’ Rio Grande Valley is a new United Methodist bishop, assigned to the Great Plains Conference. Sam Hodges offers the fourth in a series of profiles on the first-elected bishop in each U.S. jurisdiction.
Next: Bishop Tracy Smith Malone
No church trial for pastor who sought one
LANSING, Mich. (UMNS) — A Michigan pastor who pushed for a church trial for his role in performing a same-sex wedding will not be getting a day in court. The complaint against the Rev. Mike Tupper, a now-retired elder in the West Michigan Conference, has reached a resolution that will avoid a trial, Michigan Area Bishop David Bard announced. Heather Hahn reports.
Claremont presents degree to Carcaño
CLAREMONT, Calif. (UMNS) — San Francisco Area Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño was presented with an honorary doctor of divinity degree during Claremont School of Theology’s 2016 Convocation celebrating the new school year and interreligious commitment.
Migration as a blessing
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Global migration can be a blessing, writes Thomas Kemper, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, in the September-October issue of New World Outlook Magazine. One example: Migration helped to spread the Christian gospel.
Compassion at the laundromat
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (UMNS) — Hundreds of homeless living on the streets depend on area churches and volunteers for help. Those at Christ United Methodist Church are offering the down-to-earth ministry of clean clothes as they shuttle each month to more than a dozen laundromats over a 30-block area. Steve Heisler reports for the Florida Conference.
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.
Monday, Sept. 12 to Friday, Sept. 30
Online course "Living Our United Methodist Beliefs" for lay servants from BeADisciple.com — The history, heritage, beliefs, mission and culture of the United Methodist Church for anyone — newcomer or longtime member — who wants to know what’s distinctive about being a United Methodist Christian. Participants must obtain the book Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by retired Bishop Kenneth Carder. One CEU will be awarded. $70. Details
Monday, Sept. 12 to Friday, Oct. 21
Online course "The Nonviolent Life" from BeADisciple.com — “How can we become people of nonviolence and help the world become more nonviolent?” John Dear, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Pace e Bene staff member, poses this question in his latest book, The Nonviolent Life. Dear explores the powerful journey of nonviolence rooted in the Christian vision of love. Each week, students will read portions of the book and engage in a nonviolence practice. $45. Details
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.