“I found it sadly ironic that this sacred place, which had been a haven for African-Americans fleeing slavery, could be destroyed to build a wall that would serve to shut out immigrants fleeing violence.” — Rob Rutland-Brown, executive director of National Justice for Our Neighbors.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Border wall would cut off historic church
SAN JUAN, Texas (UMNS) — Descendants of the first Spanish-speaking Methodist church in the Rio Grande Valley are fighting to save the historic church and a cemetery that contains the remains of the area’s first families. Another family cemetery a few feet away could also be destroyed or cut off by President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story and Mike DuBose has photos.
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WCA details post-General Conference plans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Leaders of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, an unofficial advocacy group, have started publicizing plans for the immediate aftermath of the special General Conference. The plans, which include the possibility of departure, are getting some pushback. Heather Hahn reports.
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Seminary’s move eased by court decision
CLAREMONT, Calif. — Claremont School of Theology, one of 13 United Methodist seminaries, is counting on a relocation to Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, for financial salvation. The move’s prospects brightened with a recent court decision that allows the seminary to sell its campus at fair market value. Sam Hodges reports.
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United Methodists ramp up efforts to fight Ebola
BENI, Congo (UMNS) — More than 400 people have died from the Ebola virus in eastern Congo since the epidemic began in August. The death toll includes more than 50 United Methodists. Recognizing the magnitude of the crisis, The United Methodist Church has resolved to double efforts and intensify prevention activities. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
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Lincoln Journal Star
Nebraska restaurant owner preaches, feeds the hungry
LINCOLN, Neb. — At Lulu’s on N, a small downtown restaurant, Karen Lamb has found a formula to feed the homeless and hungry by tapping into the generosity of her paying customers. Every $5 donation pays for one meal. After losing her corporate job, she started the restaurant, works part time at an insurance office and preaches at two small United Methodist churches. Cindy Lange-Kubick has the story.
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RESOURCES
The Upper Room
Upper Room publishes devotional in Catalan
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “El Cenacle,” the Catalan edition of The Upper Room daily devotional guide, published its first issue this month, making it the devotional’s 35th language edition. Catalan is the official language of the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain. Starting with the January/February 2019 issue, people can purchase “El Cenacle” in five formats: mobile application, digital, email, audio/MP3 and print.
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COMMENTARIES
‘God can do anything’
BAY VILLAGE, Ohio (UMNS) — Starting at age 6, Molly McNamara ran a lemonade stand to raise money for Imagine No Malaria. Over a decade, she raised more than $100,000 and helped 10,000 people. That experience strengthened her faith and showed her how God provides people the will to do whatever they set out to do.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Rural group lists concerns on plans before GC2019
Backers say One Church Plan preserves unity
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Friday, Feb. 8-Sunday, Feb. 10
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