“It’s an instrument of healing and peace, and I am so excited that we get to share this with the world.” — Nathan Frank, Johns Creek United Methodist Church, on the restoration of an organ damaged during 9/11.
2 bishops rule on ordination questions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Two bishops ruled on the role of conference boards of ordained ministry in determining whether clergy candidates meet the denominational standards related to marriage and homosexuality. Heather Hahn reports.
Free from Ground Zero dust, organ shines anew
ATLANTA — An organ from Trinity Church in New York, just three blocks from Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001, has been refitted and restored for Johns Creek United Methodist Church. A community concert is planned Jan. 29. Frank Reddy reports for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Read NPR story on organ’s dedication
Bishops invite church to 'pray our way forward'
GARNER, N.C. (UMNS) — United Methodist bishops launched a new phase of the “Praying Our Way Forward” initiative on Jan. 1. The effort began in the North Carolina Conference and will wrap up in the West Angola Episcopal Area in June 2018. "The aim of 'Praying Our Way Forward' is to ask and listen for God’s leadership at this critical time in the life of our church,” said retired Bishop Al Gwinn.
Hurricane work blitz shows love in action
NICHOLS, S.C. (UMNS) — Thanks to the efforts of 236 United Methodist volunteers from across South Carolina, families devastated by Hurricane Matthew have new hope and a strong feeling of Christian love and support. Jessica Brodie reports on the South Carolina Conference’s work blitz.
Scholarships available for 2017 Wesley Pilgrimage
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Registration is underway for the 2017 Wesley Pilgrimage to England for United Methodist lay and clergy leaders, and the deadline to apply for 25 available scholarships is Jan 15. During the 10-day journey, scheduled for July 10-20, pilgrims will learn, pray and explore places where John and Charles Wesley lived.
Global Ministries, WCC set Jan. 13 event
ATLANTA (UMNS) — A panel discussion on “mission from the margins,” sponsored by the World Council of Churches’ Commission on World Mission and Evangelism and United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, is planned from 7-9 p.m. on Jan. 13 at Grace United Methodist Church in Atlanta.
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.
Tuesday, Jan. 10
Webinar “Healthy Families Series: (Social Health) Tackling Challenges of Clergy Families" —
2 p.m. CST. This webinar looks at the unique stresses for clergy families including sexism and racism and how the church can be supportive and demonstrate God’s love for families across many experiences. Details
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