“Dan Damon and John Thornburg are two of the most respected and eloquent Wesleyan poets of our time, and their work has embraced the fullness of the global United Methodist Church.” — The Rev. Jackson Henry on two United Methodist elders honored for hymn writing.
Hymn-writing pastors honored
REDLANDS, Calif. (UMNS) — Two United Methodist elders who are much-published hymn writers have won the highest honor given by The Hymn Society in The United States and Canada, an ecumenical group. The Revs. Dan Damon and John Thornburg were elected fellows of the society at its recent annual conference. Sam Hodges reports.
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United Methodist campers inspired by Malala
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (UMNS) — About 180 United Methodist campers were inspired by hearing Malala Yousafzai, the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. The shooting of Yousafzai, an advocate for education and for women, sparked an international outcry and support for her work. The director of the New England Conference’s Camp Aldersgate planned the trip to “widen the view” of the campers. Beth DiCocco reports for the conference.
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Deacon revisits journey to clergy status
OKLAHOMA CITY (UMNS) — As a high school senior, Emma Mae Richardson knew she was called to a Christian vocation, but not to be a pastor. Part of the first group of ordained deacons in the Oklahoma Conference, she reflected on what it means to have clergy status. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Order of Deacons. Holly McCray of the Oklahoma Conference has the story.
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2016 annual conference reports
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist News Service has posted reports from all the annual conference sessions in the U.S. New reports this week include Tennessee and Yellowstone.
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New course on religion and the presidency
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Wesley Theological Seminary announced a new hybrid course focusing on how religion and faith shaped our U.S. presidents. Mike McCurry, a former White House press secretary and distinguished professor of public theology at Wesley, will teach the class, which will be a mix of in-person and Skype meetings.
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New time for Daily Digest
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist News Service Daily Digest is moving to a new time. The e-newsletter of news from around the United Methodist connection is now sent at 6 a.m. CDT. Beginning Aug. 9, the digest will be sent at 6 p.m. CDT.
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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.
Monday, Aug. 8-Monday, Aug. 29
Called to Teach: A “Practical Resources for Churches” online course — This three-week course will look at teaching children from preschool through sixth grade as a calling and ministry. Participants will be able to access this course at their own convenience. $45. Practical Resources for Churches, an ecumenical training organization, is offering this through BeADisciple.com. Details
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