"It was all-consuming to make something from nothing, but the real key is God gave us great grace to be able to put in the kinds of hours to do the things we did." — The Rev. James Konsor, Denman award winner.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Denman Award winners stand out as evangelists
WATFORD CITY, N.D. (UM News) — The late Harry Denman still inspires others pursuing their own paths to the goal of converting people to Jesus Christ. Some — like the Rev. James and Kathy Konsor, who started a ministry in the North Dakota oil fields, and Jessie Roark, a former addict now in charge of a community resource center in Lima, Ohio — receive The Harry Denman Evangelism Award. Jim Patterson has the first of a two-part series.
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Coming Thursday, Aug. 29: Successful evangelism includes trusting the call
Dakotas Conference
Rural children get free book
FAITH, S.D. — Every child in the tiny Faith School District received a free book on the first day of school, courtesy of a United Methodist pastor and her two congregations. The Rev. Connie Eichinger says the books show the 87 children that their church and community care for them. Doreen Gosmire reports.
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South Carolina Conference
South Carolina church votes to be reconciling
COLUMBIA, S.C. — One of South Carolina's oldest and largest United Methodist churches has affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network, an unofficial caucus for LGBTQ equality. The Washington Street United Methodist Church is now the sole South Carolina congregation that identifies as reconciling, though there are 11 other reconciling Sunday school classes and other groups in the state. Jessica Brodie reports.
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Florida Conference
Artist's gifts bring Bible stories to life
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — When William Joyner was growing up, he couldn't stop drawing. Today, the staff member of United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches is using his gifts to help teach the Bible to children and help adults grow as disciples. Suzanne McGovern reports.
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Upper New York Conference
Church bridges divides in hug relay
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Research shows hugs can lower blood pressure. Asbury First United Methodist Church, in organizing what it hoped would be a record-setting hug relay, showed the power that warm hugs have to connect community. Shannon Hodson has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Higher Education and Ministry
New African doctoral program will produce leaders
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new joint doctoral program at Africa University is designed to teach and mentor Christian leaders. Thirteen students comprise the first class that began studies this summer. The program is a collaboration between the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and Wesley House Cambridge.
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