"Life is short. There is no reason it should be wasted not doing some things that are fun and half-crazy occasionally." - The Rev. Wade Compton, who leads worship at a fishing lake.
Publishing House signs contract for sale of property
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)-The United Methodist Publishing House has announced that it has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with TVG Holdings LLC for the sale of the Publishing House's downtown property. The church agency is exploring options for a new location in the Nashville area.
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Indiana church reels in worshippers
GREENFIELD, Ind. (UMNS) - Can a church on a fishing lake reel in worshippers who might not attend a more traditional service? The Associated Press reports that an Indiana pastor says yes. Jesus, after all, knew how to reach fishermen.
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Watch AP video
All-male fashion show helps hungry
GRETNA, La. (UMNS) - Gretna United Methodist Church's "Men Firing up the Runway" drew a 150-plus-member audience that enjoyed a rollicking good time while collecting food items and raising funds for the local food bank. Betty Backstrom of the Louisiana Annual (regional) Conference has the story of the church's unusual effort to feed the hungry.
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UMCOR responds to flood-soaked Philippines
NEW YORK (UMNS) - After last week's Tropical Storm Trami and a southwest monsoon joined forces to pummel the capital of the Philippines and neighboring towns, the United Methodist Committee on Relief mobilized to bring aid to affected neighborhoods and witnessed the fruits of earlier community disaster-awareness training. Salvador G. Eduarte Jr. reports.
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Donate to Philippines Emergency, UMCOR Advance No.240235
Scams target United Methodists
NORCROSS, Ga. (UMNS) - Scam phone calls and emails are not unusual, but several scams lately are targeting United Methodists to obtain money. There have been at least three such scams recently, two of them in Georgia.
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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.
Free webinar "Children's Sabbath: Resources and activities," Sept. 5 - 10 a.m. CT, Sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund, U.S. observances on Oct. 18-20 are a way for faith communities to celebrate children as gifts from God. The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers ideas for the weekend. To register.
Free webinar "Developing your Ministry Plan: Plan 1," Sept. 5 - 6:30 p.m. CT, Church ministry teams can learn key principles for congregational development and focus on key areas of congregational ministry, from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. To register.
Science and religion course, Mondays, Sept. 9-Oct. 14 - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT, Claremont School of Theology will offer an introduction to science and religion online and in class for laypeople, working clergy and students. $30. Details
Deadline to register for online course "Moodle 200: Advanced Training," Sept. 11 - Sept. 18-Oct. 30, training from United Methodist Communications, Moodle 100 is a prerequisite. Seating limited. $119.99. Details
Free webinar "What Happened to the Offering?" Sept. 12 - 6:30 p.m. CT, Suggestions from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship for helping the time of offering adapt to the new realities as plastic becomes the currency of U.S. culture. To register.
Free webinar "Creative Thinking in Faith Formation: An Ancient/Future Approach," Sept. 17 - 6:30 p.m. CT, learning strategies for teaching adults using an exploration of Jesus' teaching methods, from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. To register
Free webinar "The Pastors Book Club: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business," Sept. 18 - 10 a.m. CT, a summary of the book and timeto engage in small-group discussions with people across the country. To register
"Communicating Faith in the 21st Century" online course, Sept. 18-Oct. 30 - Based on the book "We Must Speak: Rethinking How We Communicate Faith in the 21st Century," by the Rev. Larry Hollon. Explores the importance of telling stories of faith, as well as how to create and share personal stories of faith via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and blogs. $29.99. To register.
Free webinar "Building a Health Ministry in your Congregation" Sept. 19 - 6:30 p.m. CT, UMCOR Health, Parish Nurses and the Center for Health provide resources. Learn what one congregation has done. To register.
"Deborah's Daughters: Women's Ways of Leadership and Ministry," Sept. 23-25 - A conference in Dayton, Ohio, co-sponsored by United Theological Seminary and Harriet L. Miller Women's Center and the Center for Urban Ministry. Details.
Free webinar "Church Council: Incorporating Younger, Diverse Leaders" Sept. 24 - 6:30 p.m. CT, Healthy vital congregations bring together leaders who have different generational values and work styles. To register.
Downtown Church Network, Oct. 16-18 - First United Methodist Church in Peoria, Ill., annual gathering for pastors and staff of United Methodist churches in cities with at least 100,000 people. Details
Wesleyan Leadership Conference, Oct. 17-19 - Fourth annual conference, with a focus on evangelism, at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship in Nashville. Open to all lay and clergy leaders. To register.
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