“Our mission is to care for those who serve. We really believe that serving the broader community of Methodist organizations will help strengthen that mission.” — Andy Hendren, Wespath’s top executive, on work with the African Methodist Episcopal and Global Methodist denominations.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Wespath expands services to Methodist kin
GLENVIEW, Ill. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s pension agency is now offering retirement benefits to both the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Global Methodist Church — building bridges in a time of upheaval. The two denominations began working with Wespath under very different circumstances. Heather Hahn reports.
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Discipleship Ministries
Missouri church wins One Matters Award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A small church 70 miles southeast of St. Louis was one of the congregations to receive a One Matters Award from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries. Potosi United Methodist Church was averaging 19 worshippers before the Rev. David Hendrick came aboard and concentrated on building community connections. One recent Sunday saw 65 worshippers. Barbara Dunlap-Berg reports.
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WFTS
African American studies welcome at church
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Florida church is offering to host Advanced Placement African American Studies classes following the state’s push to ban the course at high schools. The Rev. Andy Oliver of Allendale United Methodist Church stepped up after state officials said topics in the course violate state law. "I believe we have to know our history, so that we can do better as a community," Oliver said.
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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.
AL.com
College in need of emergency funding
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham-Southern College, a United Methodist-related liberal arts college, continues to face financial problems and is seeking a short-term infusion of funds, including from government sources. Closure is a possibility. Kyle Whitmire writes about the situation as an alumnus and after an interview with the school’s president.
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California-Pacific Conference
Pastor reflects on Monterey Park shooting
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. — A mass shooting that killed 11 people occurred just a few blocks from Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church of Monterey Park. The Rev. John Yoon joined in a citywide prayer vigil on Jan. 24. He reflects on shining light in the darkness.
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UM News: Church responds to days of mass shootings
RESOURCES
Religion and Race
29 ways to participate in Black History Month
WASHINGTON — Black history is relevant to anyone interested in the story of America. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has created a list of 29 ways that churches and individuals can participate in Black History Month.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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Celebrating 20 years of mission in Mongolia
EVENTS
Monday, Jan. 30-Friday, Feb. 10
Online course: Closing Conversations — An End-of-Life Care Guide
Monday, Feb. 6-Friday, Feb. 17
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