“The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. did not come preaching something new. He came shouting something we already knew but failed to live.” — Bishop Bruce R. Ough, president of the Council of Bishops.
Photo by Kathy L. GIlbert, UMNS
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodists pledge to fight racism
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — In the 50 years since the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., racism is still “rearing its ugly head,” but nothing is a match for the God we love, said Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling. She was one of several United Methodist leaders who spoke on the eve of a rally expected to draw thousands to the nation’s capital. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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United Methodist join rally against racism
2 churches vote to leave denomination
LOUISVILLE, Miss. (UMNS) — Members of two Mississippi congregations led by the same pastor have chosen to leave The United Methodist Church. Their votes follow the departures of two large churches in the conference last year. In all four cases, pastors cited the ongoing homosexuality debate. Heather Hahn reports.
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Church condemns sexual violence in DRC
SAMBA, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church here is helping raise awareness about sexual assault and encouraging victims to break their silence and seek justice. In the southern Maniema province, 5,000 cases of sexual violence were recorded in 2017 and most of the victims are girls ages 14 to 17, according to a new report. Chadrack Tambwe Londe has the story.
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Tips for following Jesus every day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — The Rev. Junius Dotson, top executive of Discipleship Ministries, offers practical tips for growing in one’s relationship with Jesus and finding opportunities to share the Christian faith. The list includes praying for and with those serving restaurant meals.
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Michigan Conference
Alive at Crystal Springs
DOWAGIAC, Mich. — Dedicated in 1860, Crystal Springs Camp and Retreat Center is likely the oldest religious camp in the state. As churches are sending fewer kids to camp, the center has refocused its mission to do more outreach with its neighbors, hosting community events and welcoming campers from schools and other groups. Kay DeMoss reports.
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COMMENTARIES
Holston Conference
To love neighbors, pay for their laundry
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — To reach Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, people must go past a nearby laundromat. As part of loving their neighbors, church members decided to pay for the laundromat’s customers. The Rev. Daniel Ogle, the church’s pastor, reports what happened next.
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RECENT HEADLINES
United Methodists on 50 years without King
United Methodist elected governor in DRC
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.
Thursday, April 5
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Leading Bible study
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