"We knew it was going to be a great week. What we didn’t realize is that we would fall completely in love with the children and … not only would we return, but we were profoundly moved by the people we met." — Becky Yates, outreach director at Providence United Methodist Church, about a mission partnership with a Native American church.
Oklahoma mission trip results in partnership
MOUNT JULIET, Tenn. (UMNS) — A lasting friendship among United Methodists in two states began with a phone call. That’s how Providence United Methodist Church in Mount Juliet connected with Clinton Indian United Methodist Church and Community Center in Oklahoma. As United Methodists prepare for Native American Ministries Sunday on April 19, Barbara Dunlap-Berg shares an example of how United Methodists work together to help Native communities.
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Nigeria holds Social Principles discussion
ABUJA, Nigeria (UMNS) — Representatives from The United Methodist Church in Nigeria said the Social Principles have given them the opportunity to put their faith into action for the transformation of the world. Thirty-five representatives from the Nigeria area attended the eighth Social Principles discussion organized by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. The Rev. Ande I. Emmanuel reports.
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Religious freedom re-emerges as timely topic
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — From fervent debates over U.S. state laws to shocking global reports about terrorists targeting the faithful, religious freedom once again is a topic of public discussion. So, when the 2015 Religion Communicators Council convention met April 9-11 in the Washington area, the intersection of religion and government was part of the focus on local and global communications. Linda Bloom has the story.
RCC awards recognize stories of faith, positive values
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The Religion Communicators Council recognized excellence in communications during its April 9-11 convention and United Methodists were among the winners of the annual DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Awards. The Wilbur Awards recognized secular media recipients for stories of religious faith and positive values.
See full list of DeRose-Hinkhouse Award winners
See Wilbur Award recipients
Call for prayer after Charleston police shooting
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (UMNS) — United Methodist churches are calling for peace, advocacy and prayerful healing after a police shooting left an unarmed Charleston man dead. Officer Michael T. Slager has been charged with murder in the shooting of Walter Scott. Jessica Brodie, South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, has the story.
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Article looks at Hillary Clinton’s faith as United Methodist
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Hillary Clinton has become the first United Methodist to enter the 2016 U.S. presidential race. The last United Methodist elected to the White House was George W. Bush, who served 2001-2009. Religion News Service analyzes the role that United Methodism has played in shaping Clinton’s faith and views.
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Hillary Clinton spoke at the United Methodist Women’s Assembly last April. Read UMNS story
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.
Thursday, April 16
Free webinar "Practical Steps for Introducing Covenant Discipleship" — 1 p.m. CDT. The Rev. Steve Manskar, director of Wesleyan leadership at United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, will discuss introducing this practice into congregations. Details.
Friday, April 17
Inside Perkins information session — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT. Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology will host an Inside Perkins event for prospective degree and non-degree students on the campus, 5915 Bishop Boulevard in Dallas. Prospective students can meet faculty, interact with current students and learn about admissions and financial aid. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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