“God loves diversity. He made everyone different, and as people of God, we should appreciate diversity.” — The Rev. Michael Culbreth, senior pastor of new ConneXion Church.
Church makes ConneXion across races
SAVANNAH, Ga. (UMNS) — A new United Methodist church is trying to break down barriers and be an intentionally multiracial and multigenerational congregation. Kara Witherow of the South Georgia Conference has the story of ConneXion Church, a new congregation birthed out of three Savannah churches.
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Philippines church holds sexuality forum
CALOOCAN CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — A recent forum at a local church was part of an effort by United Methodists in the Philippines to hold conversations on human sexuality. Gladys Mangiduyos reports on the forum.
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New national ads promote childlike faith
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCOM) — In this year’s national advertising campaign, The United Methodist Church features the words of children, who share their thoughts about open hearts, minds and doors, to extend an invitation to people searching to give their lives deeper meaning.
Watch ad
Missionary focuses lens on climate refugees
DES MOINES, Wash. (UMNS) — The Rev. Paul Jeffrey, photojournalist and United Methodist missionary, shares a few images of the struggle faced by people driven from their homes by drought and conflicts exacerbated by changes to weather patterns. The Pacific Northwest Conference published his photos and commentary on the modern-day exodus.
See photo essay
A ‘carbon fast’ for Lent
GENEVA (WCC) — The Church of South India, Green Anglicans and other groups are sharing creative ways to observe a “carbon fast” during the Lenten season, the World Council of Churches reports. Such activities also help support the “Seven Weeks for Water” Lenten campaign, offered by the WCC’s Ecumenical Water Network.
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Commentary: The importance of Deaf ministry
FULTON, Md. (UMNS) — Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are frequently missing from United Methodist pews. The Rev. Leo Yates Jr., a deacon on the United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries, offers tips for churches seeking to reach out to the Deaf community.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Friday, Feb. 17-Monday, Feb. 20
Ski Junaluska — Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, will have a weekend for youth with the theme “Do Something,” which focuses on faith in Action. Costs vary. Details
Monday, Feb. 20-Friday, March 10
Online lay servant course “Living Our United Methodist Beliefs” — This course from BeADisciple.com explores history, heritage, beliefs, mission and culture of The United Methodist Church. $70. Details
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