"It's important to be sure that all members of the community get equal access and equal respect." — The Rev. Bridgette Young Ross, dean of Emory University's Cannon Chapel, speaking on the chapel's use by non-Christian religious groups.
Duke Chapel flap occurs in context of openness
DURHAM, N.C. (UMNS) — Duke University saw major controversy after first deciding to allow Muslim students to offer the call to prayer from the Duke Chapel bell tower, then reversing the decision. But the clear trend at Duke and other schools with historic United Methodist ties is to support non-Christian religious groups, including in use of the chapel. Sam Hodges reports.
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Namesake church honors ‘founding father’ of gospel music
PHILADELPHIA (UMNS) — Did you know the anthem “We Shall Overcome” has roots in Methodism? This video showcases the Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, a Methodist preacher known as one of the founding fathers of gospel music, and the United Methodist church he brought to prominence.
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11 ways to creation care
DALLAS (UMNS) — Katelyn Davis, a mission intern with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, shares 11 ways she had personally learned to reduce waste to trim her carbon footprint. Davis serves with the Workers Defense Project in Dallas, Texas.
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History of Hymns: “Let Us Break Bread Together”
DALLAS (UMNS) — Perhaps the most frequent Communion hymn sung by United Methodists is the African American spiritual, “Let Us Break Bread Together.” C. Michael Hawn of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology shares the story of this beloved spiritual in his weekly column for United Methodist Discipleship Ministries.
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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-Friday, Feb. 5-6
Mendenhall Lecture Series at United Methodist-related DePauw University — The Rev. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and the author of multiple books including "How to Reach the Hip-Hop Generation," will speak at 7:30 p.m. EST Feb. 5, and 10:30 a.m. EST Feb. 6 at Gobin United Methodist Church in Greencastle, Indiana. Details.
Thursday, Feb. 5
Free webinar "The Committee — Hospitality" — 1 p.m. CST. Hospitality is more than the work of a committee — it’s the work of the whole congregation. Join this webinar to learn key strategies for developing a welcoming congregation. Details and related Chuck Knows Church episode.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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