“We were shocked, to say the least.” — The Rev. Tom Lester, describing the reaction at Washington Street United Methodist Church, in Petersburg, Virginia, on getting a high insurance premium hike notice from United Methodist Insurance just before Christmas.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Premium hikes have churches scrambling
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Churches and conference treasurers have voiced their displeasure that United Methodist Insurance, a subsidiary of the General Council on Finance and Administration, sent large premium hike notices just before Christmas. Sam Hodges reports.
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New concerns over human rights in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (UMNS) — When United Methodists joined thousands of interfaith participants rallying at Rajah Sulayman Plaza recently, it was just the latest effort to call attention to human rights violations in the Philippines. Gladys Mangiduyos has the story.
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Peace club offers hope to former street children
GOMA, Congo (UMNS) — United Methodist young people have launched the Kivu Youth Peace Club to help former street children. Along with lessons in peaceful living, the youth learn a trade and, more importantly, that others care. Philippe Kituka Lolonga has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Foundation for Evangelism
Evangelism group celebrates 70 years
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Famed Methodist evangelist Harry Denman and four fellow church members started the Foundation for Evangelism in 1949 to be a catalyst for equipping Christian disciples. To celebrate its 70th, the foundation plans to revisit stories of ministry and explore where God is calling it next.
Read press release
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Responding to God’s call
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — A series of free, downloadable resources called “The Movement Continues” celebrates all that unifies United Methodists and serves as a reminder of how the church’s purpose, mission and heritage move all to respond to God’s call. The Rev. Joe Iovino has the story.
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COMMENTARIES
Ubuntu offers relationship, dignity, grace, justice
LEXINGTON, Neb. (UMNS) — Albert Otshudi Longe writes about Ubuntu, a cultural practice of living together in community, as a goal for GC2019 and The United Methodist Church.
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The Body of Christ can disagree
SAN DIEGO (UMNS) — In moving from a homogeneous cultural tradition in Korea to multicultural faith communities in the U.S., the Rev. Hannah Ka came to appreciate that people of different views can still be in worship together.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Court ruling prompts GC2019 plan revisions
Liberian UMW protests violence to women, girls
EVENTS
Tuesday, Feb. 12
Wallace Chappell Lecture
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