“We’re the family album of The United Methodist Church.”
— The Rev. Alfred T. Day III, top executive of the denomination’s Archives and History.
For churchgoers, treasures from the ‘family album’
MADISON, N.J. (UMNS) — Like any good family album, the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History provides a tangible connection to previous generations, a reminder of some great vacation spots and a source of comfort in changing times. Heather Hahn reports on how the agency helps church members.
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‘Speaking like preachers’ at Paris summit
PARIS (WCC) — As world leaders made speeches Nov. 30 during the opening sessions of the U.N. climate summit, the top executive of the World Council of Churches observed during an interfaith panel presentation that the political leaders were speaking like preachers. “May they continue as believers,” the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit said.
Read WCC story
Watch United Methodist Board of Church and Society video reports
National forum energizes children’s ministers
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) — “Are we equipped and excited about having children involved in the life and ministry of our churches, not as window dressings?” The Rev. Telley Gadson of South Carolina posed this challenge to participants in the three-day Children’s Ministry Forum, sponsored by multiple United Methodist bodies. Amy Forbus of the Arkansas Conference has the story.
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Bishop: Lessons from parents regarding refugees
PLANO, Texas (UMNS) — Bishop Michael McKee, who leads the North Texas Conference, recalls what happened some 40 years ago when his parents sponsored a young family of Vietnamese refugees. He urges United Methodists to also “begin to see today’s refugees who desire a safe place to call home as beloved children of God.”
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Huie to join Texas Methodist Foundation staff
AUSTIN, Texas (UMNS) — The Texas Methodist Foundation announced plans to expand its Leadership Ministry for clergy and laity in 2017 when Bishop Janice Riggle Huie joins the staff. Huie will join the foundation staff at the conclusion of her tenure as bishop of the Texas Conference.
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Advent Quiz: A well-known Christmas carol
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — John Wesley's brother Charles wrote a favorite Christmas carol. Do you know which one?
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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.
Thursday, Dec. 3
Webinar "You Can Lead an Adult Study" — 7 to 8 p.m. EST. Small groups in the church have the power to bring people closer to God. Learn to use this power effectively as we discuss the skills necessary for leading adult study groups. Details.
Through Thursday, Dec. 24
Advent Resources
One stop for United Methodist Advent resources, including devotions, sermon starters and books from Cokesbury, Upper Room, Discipleship Ministries, Rethink Church and Imagine No Malaria.
United Methodist Communications offers a way to take Advent to Facebook and other social media with free downloadable images to celebrate each Sunday of the season.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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