“Giving people hope is what the church does. Hope and godly values will stabilize homes and create a self-healing and self-sustaining society in Flint.”” — Greg Timmons, executive director for Flint Restoration for The United Methodist Church.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Michigan Conference
Church steps up Flint aid
FLINT, Mich. — The United Methodist Church’s mission efforts here have become even more critical as Michigan announced it is ending distribution of free bottled water. So the church, which has distributed hundreds of thousands of bottles of water, is stepping up aid. Kay DeMoss has the story.
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United Methodist’s election as governor overturned
KINDU, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — The Supreme Court of Justice of the Democratic Republic of Congo has overturned the election of United Methodist Tunda Prosper as governor of Maniema. In its ruling, the high court said it is unlawful for a traditional chief to be governor of the province. Tunda is chief of the village of Tunda, an area with a strong United Methodist presence. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
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World Council of Churches
Church groups hail summit between two Koreas
GENEVA (WCC) — Ecumenical groups in North and South Korea and around the world are among those hailing the April 27 summit between Kim Jong Un of North Korea and Moon Jae-in of South Korea. “The World Council of Churches and the worldwide ecumenical movement join with all people of good will in celebrating the historic contributions made by today’s Inter-Korean Summit to the growing movement for peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula,” said the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, the WCC’s top executive.
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National Council of Churches in Korea welcomes outcome
West Ohio Conference
Finding and preparing church planters
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — Would anyone have heard about Jesus if Paul hadn’t sailed all over the known world, telling every person he met about Jesus and planting churches? Brad Aycock, director of new church development, frequently poses that question. He talks about how today’s church planters are following Paul’s example.
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Higher Education and Ministry
Seminaries release statement on gun violence
ATLANTA — The association of United Methodist schools of theology expressed concern over continuing gun violence and the use of lethal force against a disproportionate number of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement. "As leaders in higher education, we live close to the heartbeat of young people who have risen to leadership in the campaign to regulate access to guns and to end this cycle of destruction."
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Correction
An item in the April 26 Daily News Digest incorrectly stated that the U.S. government “didn’t respond” to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. There indeed has been a response. The recovery needs are massive, so United Methodists are working with the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico to assist. United Methodist News Service apologizes for the error.
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COMMENTARIES
Desert Southwest Conference
Arizona bishop writes letter of support for teachers
PHOENIX — Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata, episcopal leader of the Desert Southwest Conference, remembers the contributions of his teacher/mother, as he talks about Arizona teachers striking for salary and resource increases. “Will you join me in prayer and in action as we give thanks for teachers who make a positive difference in our lives, the lives of the young generations and help transform communities and the world; as we hold our public officials accountable for the quality of education in Arizona?” he asks.
Read letter
RECENT HEADLINES
Judicial Council announces special session
Commentary: Will you join in fighting racism?
EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, May 7 -Friday, June 1
Online course: How to Study the Bible
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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