“I would just say the Holy Spirit was present in all of these experiences and processes, in particular ways and throughout all of the people who are participating.” — The Rev. Kim Ingram, chair of the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy that developed a plan for bishop distribution.
NEWS AND FEATURES
US sees big changes in bishop assignments
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — In a history-making development, four out of the five jurisdictions will share bishops across boundaries starting Sept. 1. The milestone results from unprecedented levels of collaboration among U.S. United Methodists. Heather Hahn reports.
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UM News: How North Central Jurisdiction handles assignments
Council of Bishops: A journey of hope and transformation
Western Jurisdiction: Collaborative efforts to pursue a common goal
Texas Conference
Church responds to Beryl damage
HOUSTON — Hurricane Beryl caused minimal flooding in Texas and Louisiana, but the July 8 storm resulted in significant wind damage that left more than 2.75 million homes and businesses without power. Early rescue efforts involved trained professionals who could safely operate chainsaws and heavy equipment, rather than volunteers. The Louisiana Conference sent a $10,000 solidarity grant to the Texas Conference to assist communities harmed by the hurricane. Brant Mills has the story.
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Michigan Conference
Haiti ties continue despite setbacks
LANSING, Mich. — Despite trouble in Haiti in recent years, the Michigan Conference remains a supporter of the people there. “The situation in Haiti remains brittle,” says the Rev. Alex Plum, chair of the Michigan Conference Board of Global Ministries. “But when we ask for your financial gifts, we have systems in place that we can trust.” Kay DeMoss reports.
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North Georgia Conference
Church takes VBS to local inn
FORSYTH, Ga. — Grace United Methodist Church took an innovative approach to its vacation Bible school, bringing the beloved summertime tradition directly to children and families who live at the local America’s Best Value Inn. Through a children’s food ministry, the congregation became aware of families living in nearby hotels and campgrounds. Sybil Davidson has the story.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Digest 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.
Putting hope in the ‘harder thing’
WASHINGTON (UM News) — Regionalization allows the worldwide church to remain United Methodist in a new connectional way, writes the Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli. After serving as a delegate to the recently held General Conference, she is hopeful for what these worldwide gatherings might be like in the future.
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Faith & Leadership
Reflecting on an alma mater’s closure
DURHAM, N.C. — Anne Mitchell Whisnant, a historian and graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, reflects on the sudden closing of the United Methodist-related small liberal arts school. She writes about why it matters to the thousands of students who went there over the years.
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UM News: Birmingham-Southern College to close
RECENT HEADLINES
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Ask The UMC: The UMC Really Is… reinstating some clergy
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