"The timeline of the Holy Spirit is driving our decision to launch the LMX at this moment, and we are following her call." — The Rev. Althea Spencer-Miller on starting the new Liberation Methodist Connexion denomination.
NEWS AND FEATURES
New progressive Methodist denomination starts
NEW MILFORD, Conn. (UM News) — A group of progressive United Methodists and other Christians launched a new denomination named the Liberation Methodist Connexion, or LMX. The new church aims to center the voices of people of color and queer and transgender people. Heather Hahn reports.
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Judicial Council
Top court extends deadline for briefs
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Judicial Council has extended the deadline for the submission of all briefs related to docket items 0420-15, 16, 17 and 18, which were added recently to the pending April 2020 docket. The new deadline is Jan. 5. Because of the pandemic, the denomination's top court was unable to hold its April meeting as scheduled. Its members have started deliberating by Zoom.
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View entire docket
Protocol legislation tops agenda of top court
Arkansas Conference
Small church helps its town stay afloat
ENGLAND, Ark. — England First United Methodist Church, led by the Rev. Diane Hughes, has made a point to be seen in its rural community southeast of Little Rock. Its newest ministry, a drive-thru market, is helping local businesses stay afloat. In this time of pandemic, the church is also growing. Caleb Hennington has the story.
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South Georgia Conference
Historic church grows amid pandemic
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Asbury United Methodist Church has learned a lot this year. While 2020 has had its challenges, the downtown congregation has grown and developed during this unprecedented time. The church also celebrated its 151st anniversary. Kara Witherow has the story.
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Great Plains Conference
New staff will bolster children's and youth ministry
TOPEKA, Kan. — Especially during a pandemic, those who work with children and youth may feel like they're alone in their mission. To alleviate some of that isolation, the Great Plains Conference will add five regional coordinators to help plan training events, as well as work on resourcing and equipping staff members. David Burke reports.
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COMMENTARIES
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
How a small church can have a big impact
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Every church, large and small, has a God-given potential to make a God-sized impact. But congregations of different sizes have different challenges. The Rev. Blake Bradford, a district superintendent in the Arkansas Conference, offers ideas for how smaller churches can use their unique gifts.
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EVENTS
Tuesday, Dec. 8
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