"In truth, I think we should be shocked, and even a little terrified by the whole notion of God taking on vulnerability." — Sondra Wheeler, Christian ethics professor.
Lessons from baby Jesus
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Like Ricky Bobby in “Talladega Nights,” Christians sometimes prefer “baby Jesus” to “grown-up Jesus.” Beyond the cuddly Christmas imagery, the Jesus of the nativity challenges conventional ideas about power and justice. Heather Hahn reports.
Church sponsors Syrian family
WESTPORT, Conn. (UMNS) — A Syrian refugee family will be in a new home and country for the holidays because of an interfaith project initiated by the Rev. Ed Horne, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston. Joanne S. Utley has the story.
Read story
Communications agency shares church's story
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The denomination’s communications agency continued its focus on partnerships with other general agencies, conferences and local churches while maintaining its support of the denomination’s mission of making disciples. Part of a series of reports on the work each general agency accomplished in 2016.
Publishing House seeks to aid refugees
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The book “Refuge” by Anne Booth and Sam Usher asks readers to consider the story of the nativity in light of the modern-day refugees forced to flee their home country. Until Dec. 31, Cokesbury — the retail arm of the United Methodist Publishing House — will donate $3 from the sale of each book on Cokesbury.com to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and publisher Little, Brown Books for Young Readers will donate $1 to the United Nations refugee agency.
Read press release
Seminary grant to help churches reach youth
EVANSTON, Ill. (UMNS) — United Methodist Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary recently received $1.5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help churches launch new ministries that will attract young adults — a population that congregations today are struggling to reach.
Ferrum College mourns death of former president
FERRUM, Va. (UMNS) — Joseph Tate Hart, eighth president of United Methodist-related Ferrum College, died Dec. 9. He was president from 1971 to 1986.
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.
Sunday, Jan. 15
Human Relations Day — United Methodists will celebrate God's call to empower people who struggle and equip change agents to transform the world. Special offerings on this Sunday support ministries that help people reach their potential. Resources
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