“The knowledge I acquired empowers me to make changes, not only in my life, but for the church and society that I serve.” — The Rev. Maria João Matsinhe, an Africa University graduate who has served as a pastor, district superintendent and public health coordinator in Mozambique.
Africa University graduates share their gifts
MAPUTO, Mozambique (UM News) — On the eve of Africa University’s 2022 graduation ceremonies, the Rev. Joao Sambo highlights how graduates of the United Methodist university are using their education to enrich churches and communities in Africa.
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Read story in Portuguese
Church honors couple through AU endowed scholarship
PRESS RELEASES
National Justice for Our Neighbors
New leadership for immigration ministry
ANNANDALE, Va. — United Methodist immigration ministry National Justice for Our Neighbors has announced a new leadership team, with co-executive directors Melissa Bowe and Alba Jaramillo set to helm the advocacy network. Jaramillo was the executive director of Arizona Justice for Our Neighbors and a national and local leader in immigration advocacy and human rights. Bowe has served in multiple roles at National JFON over the course of nine years, most recently as deputy director.
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United Theological Seminary
Ministry of spiritual direction is subject of online course
DAYTON, Ohio — A two-year, fully online training course in the ministry of spiritual direction is being offered through a partnership of the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary and the Center for Spiritual Formation. The center is a connectional ministry of The United Methodist Church’s Susquehanna Conference, and United is one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries.
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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.
Greater Northwest Area
What church can learn from video game
DES MOINES, Wash. — Game developer FromSoftware prides itself on creating titles with challenging gameplay, and its most recent game, Elden Ring, has found an enthusiastic audience. Patrick Scriven lists four aspects of the game’s format that churches can use to instill enthusiasm for the challenges of Christian discipleship.
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RESOURCES
Archives and History
Online history courses available
MADISON, N.J. — The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History has launched a new online teaching platform, the UM History Hub. The hub currently offers registration for the Local Church Historians’ School; an online course that focuses on past splits, separations and reconciliations of the denomination; and another course for young people on Wesleyan heritage.
Read press release
Visit UM History Hub
Discipleship Ministries
Worship series concepts sought
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Discipleship Ministries is in the market for ideas for worship series based on themes or special events. Concepts can be sent to the agency for consideration via a form on its website. Pastors, worship leaders and worship teams are encouraged to send their ideas.
Learn more and submit ideas
EVENTS
Sunday, June 12
Peace with Justice Sunday
Sunday, June 12-Tuesday, June 14
Central Texas Annual Conference
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Methodists help Ukrainian refugees in Tijuana
TIJUANA, Mexico (UM News) — The Methodist Church of Mexico is responding to a surge in immigrants from Ukraine who have been displaced by war and are seeking asylum in the United States. The Methodist Church of Mexico A.R., together with other churches, civil organizations and the support of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, is providing food and other aid. The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez has the story.
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Protocol's day has passed, some negotiators say
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — More than a quarter of the leaders who negotiated the proposed Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation say they “can no longer, in good faith, support” the proposal. The negotiators said they reached this conclusion after discussions with General Conference delegates and members of their constituencies. Heather Hahn reports.
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Read bishops’ statement
United Methodists enrich health care in Africa
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Two United Methodists are making their mark on health care in Africa as leading cardiothoracic and pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Kudzai Kanyepi and Dr. Tongai Chitsamatanga are members of Chisipiti United Methodist Church in Harare, and Chitsamatanga spent six years at United Methodist-related Mutambara Mission Hospital. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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Church court releases 3 decisions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s top court released the final rulings of its fall docket, including a decision raising constitutional issues with a longtime provision of church law. Looking ahead, the Judicial Council faces more questions related to disaffiliations. Heather Hahn reports.
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Commentary: Much is still possible for our church
BATON ROUGE, La. (UM News) — Inspired by a book of poems, a group of clergy mentors, leadership professionals and spiritual guides pondered what is “still possible” for The United Methodist Church. The Rev. John Winn shares the group’s list.
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Commentary: Steps to take to avoid a GC2024 debacle
DALLAS (UM News) — The Rev. Dr. Rebekah Miles and the Rev. David Livingston, both veteran General Conference delegates, explain what steps United Methodists can take now to avoid “the debacle of General Conference 2019.”
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Center for Scouting Ministries
Webinar to address BSA relationship
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Many United Methodist churches have for years been chartering organizations for Boy Scout troops. That’s changing, and a Zoom webinar explaining the new relationship churches will have with the Boy Scouts of America and BSA troops is set for June 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern time. The meeting is to last about 75 minutes, and United Methodist leaders say they’ll follow up with an FAQ statement.
For meeting registration details
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