“Tracy and Bob are the epitome of iron sharpening iron.” — Western Pennsylvania Conference Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, on Tracy Merrick and the Rev. Bob Zilhaver.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Progressive, traditionalist link arms
PITTSBURGH (UM News) — Tracy Merrick is a theological progressive; the Rev. Bob Zilhaver a traditionalist. But they’ve worked closely together for more than 20 years on Western Pennsylvania Conference matters. This season of disaffiliation in The United Methodist Church has seen them as busy as ever. Sam Hodges reports.
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Western North Carolina Conference
Connection lifts up church after wall collapse
FRANKLINVILLE, N.C. — When a wall of its historic sanctuary suddenly collapsed July 6, Franklinville United Methodist Church experienced what it feels like to be wrapped in the arms of fellow United Methodists. “It’s the beauty of being part of a connectional church,” said the Rev. Michele Hill, the congregation’s pastor. Ken Garfield reports.
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Dakotas Conference
Game show host inspires rebranding
MISSION, S.D. — Tree of Life Ministry Center on the Rosebud Reservation has rebranded its thrift store in honor of a favorite son: game show host Bob Barker. The new slogans for the store are “The Price Is Right” and “Come on Down.” Those words were uttered thousands of times on “The Price Is Right,” which Barker hosted from 1972 to 2007. Barker, who is part Sioux, grew up on Rosebud Reservation. He is 99 years old. There will be a grand opening and celebration on July 26. The Rev. Linda Baldock and Doreen Gosmire have the story.
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Kentucky Conference
‘Living a dream’: New church launches
CADIZ, Ky. — More than 50 people attended the launch of the United Methodist Church of Trigg County on July 9. The Rev. Steven Neel, the pastor, couldn’t be more excited. “Just living a dream. That’s all I can say,” he said. Alan Wild has the story.
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The Associated Press
Pastor and longtime Tennessee lawmaker dies
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Roy Herron, a longtime Tennessee state lawmaker and an ordained United Methodist pastor, died July 9 from injuries sustained in a jet ski accident. Herron wrote several books, including “God and Politics: How Can a Christian Be in Politics?” He was 69. Meg Kinnard reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
Church podcasters sought for podcast-a-thon
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications is seeking podcasters to participate in the second annual United Methodist Podcast-a-thon in October. The agency is accepting submissions from United Methodist podcasters for participation consideration through Aug. 15.
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To apply
World Council of Churches
Group remembers Global Ministries staffer
GENEVA — In a letter of condolences sent to the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the World Council of Churches praised the Rev. Edgar Avitia Legarda as a passionate ecumenical bridge builder. The letter also recognized Avitia’s work as a specialist in Hispanic and Latino ministry in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Read letter
UM News: Global Ministries staffer mourned near and far
RESOURCES
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
7 ways to turn VBS into evangelism opportunity
WASHINGTON — How can a church deepen its relationship with the children and families participating in a vacation Bible school and stay connected with them throughout the year? The Rev. Doug Powe, Lewis Center director, outlines strategies to make vacation Bible school a meaningful and effective evangelism opportunity.
Read ideas
RECENT HEADLINES
Korean Methodists continue work for reunification
New mission church brings Gospel parable to life
EVENTS
Monday, July 24-Friday, Aug. 4
Fractured Ground: A Book Study Exploring Mass Trauma
Monday, July 31-Friday, Aug. 11
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