“Gulfside was a destination for people to learn and to enjoy the Gulf and the beach. … But what people really were drawn to was the spiritual growth and spiritual development and relationships with people all across the country, especially African Americans.” — The Rev. Vincent Harris, a Texas Conference district superintendent and member of the Gulfside Assembly board.
NEWS AND FEATURES
After hurricanes, Gulfside ministry marches on
WAVELAND, Miss. (UM News) — Gulfside Assembly, a Mississippi Gulf Coast resort long popular with African American United Methodists, is celebrating its 100th birthday this year with fundraising celebrations April 27-29. The property was devastated in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed all of its buildings. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
UM News: Gulfside Assembly re-imagining future of historic site
Michigan Conference
Fresh Expressions worship on the rise
LANSING, Mich. — Motorcyclists' gatherings, pubs and nature are three of the places worship is happening in the Michigan Conference as part of the Fresh Expressions movement in The United Methodist Church. About 50 Fresh Expressions groups are meeting in the state as ministry leaders discover new ways to reach people for Christ. The Rev. Dirk Elliott reports.
Read story
Learn more about Fresh Expressions
United Methodist Communications
Meet Bishop Delores Williamston
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of “Get Your Spirit in Shape” features a conversation with the Rev. Delores "Dee" Williamston, the first Black woman elected as bishop in the South Central Jurisdiction. She shares how she discovered her call to ministry at a skating rink while supervising a group of 50 kids from her local church.
Listen to podcast
PRESS RELEASES
Native American International Caucus
Family Camp set for July 20-23
SILVER LAKE, N.Y. — Workshops, arts and crafts, kayaking, volleyball and archery are all a part of this year’s Family Camp at the Asbury Retreat Center. Sponsored by the Native American International Caucus, the July 20-23 event also includes keynote sessions on Native American boarding school trauma and healing and missing and murdered indigenous relatives.
Read press release and register
Higher Education and Ministry
Scholarship honors pastor’s life, legacy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry has created the Rev. Roger A. Hopson Seminary Scholarship to honor the pastor and former Council on Ministries director. The scholarship, funded through proceeds from the sale of the agency’s building, will be awarded to students pursuing a Master of Divinity at one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries and schools of theology in the U.S.
Read press release
RESOURCES
Archives and History
Studying African American history
MADISON, N.J. — In celebration of Black History Month, the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History offers a collection of resources on African American United Methodist history. Highlights include digitized versions of the church’s 1960s “Night Call” talk radio program, which focused on issues of civil rights and race relations and featured guests including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jackie Robinson, the Rev. A. Cecil Williams and Shirley Chisholm.
See resources
RECENT HEADLINES
Growth for some churches staying United Methodist
New life for 196-year-old Pickett Chapel
EVENTS
Monday, March 6-Monday, May 1
Online course: Methodist Identity — Our Beliefs
Wednesday, March 8-Sunday, March 12
Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference Immersion
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.