“Whether I stand behind the pulpit or in the parliament, my mission remains unaltered: to serve God and uplift our community.” — The Rev. Emmanuel Sinzohagera, a legal representative and dean of superintendents for The United Methodist Church and speaker of the Senate in Burundi.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church leaders bridge faith, politics in Burundi
BUJUMBURA, Burundi (UM News) — A trio of United Methodists has successfully navigated leadership in the church and politics in this East African country. Their beliefs are linked with their approach to governance, and they credit their accomplishments to the profound teachings of The United Methodist Church and their faith in God. The Rev. Isaac Broune has their stories.
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Baltimore-Washington Conference
Providing ‘radical hospitality’ to bused migrants
FULTON, Md. — Since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began busing migrants to sanctuary cities across the U.S. in April 2022, more than 12,500 migrants have arrived in the Washington, D.C., area. Emory Beacon of Light, the housing arm of Emory Fellowship United Methodist Church, has worked to provide shelter for those it can and partner with other organizations to locate more available housing. Baltimore-Washington Conference staff report.
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Dakotas Conference
Cooperation benefits small churches
MITCHELL, S.D. — Three small churches in South Dakota are finding success by working together. The churches in Burke, Herrick and Gregory have formed a council with members from each congregation. Together, they are tackling issues including communication and finances. All three churches have increased the number of people who attend their worship services. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
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Faith & Leadership
Cooking up new businesses in church spaces
WILMINGTON, Del. — When organizers of a local economic revitalization project wanted to launch a commercial kitchen incubator to help food entrepreneurs build businesses, funding was not a problem — but space was. That’s where Grace United Methodist Church and the Rev. Chelsea Spyres entered the picture. Now Grace is one of two United Methodist churches offering their kitchens to local startups. Holly Quinn reports.
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Atlanta News First
Church set to build affordable housing tower
ATLANTA — Atlanta First United Methodist Church has submitted permits to build a 170-unit affordable housing tower in the heart of downtown. “The church exists to transform communities for the better. And that’s what we do here,” said the Rev. Jasmine Smothers, the church’s lead pastor. Patrick Quinn reports.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Iowa Conference
Is your church like a chain restaurant?
DES MOINES, Iowa — Is your church more like a chain restaurant or a “Michelin-star” experience? The Rev. Lee Roorda Schott, pastor of Valley United Methodist Church, appreciates that a safe, comfortable practice like dining at a chain restaurant has its appeal, but she suggests churches upgrade with elements such as personalized attention and refreshing liturgy, music and preaching to reach for an even better experience.
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RESOURCES
Archives and History
Free course on roots of Methodism
MADISON, N.J. — A new, free course on the roots of Methodism is posted and open for registration. The “Radicle Methodism: Back to Our Roots” course features four online modules along with a leader guide, videos, discussion questions and readings. It is a good fit for small-group studies. The first two modules are posted, with two more to come by the end of the month.
Learn more
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Wednesday, Feb. 28-Thursday, Feb. 29
2024 Schooler Institute on Preaching
Thursday, Feb. 29-Friday, March 1
Livestreamed General Conference orientation for delegates
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