"The bees are always teaching us something. … Every creature in the beehive is working for the success of that colony. I think God is telling us that we are to be doing the same thing." — United Methodist Kristen Bell, on growing her faith through beekeeping.
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodist Communications
How sweet it is: United Methodists and bees
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — "I never feel more connected to the earth and to God than when I'm surrounded by a million venomous insects," says United Methodist Jay Williams about his beekeeping avocation. While Williams' statement may surprise some people, he and other United Methodist apiarists say delving into the complex world of bees has deepened their faith. Crystal Caviness reports.
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Oregon-Idaho Conference
Church to build LGBTQ senior housing
PORTLAND, Ore. — Christ United Methodist Church Cedar Mill has secured the last piece of funding needed to build an affordable housing project for LGBTQ+ senior citizens. Plans call for a 53-unit apartment complex located on two vacant lots the church owns. Kristen Caldwell has the story.
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Africa University Development Office
Scholarship to help female agriculture students
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Women studying agriculture at Africa University in Zimbabwe will get tuition help from the new $150,000 Jo Evans Winton and Ed H. Winton Jr. scholarship endowment. Although the couple never visited the United Methodist university, they stayed abreast of its development through their daughter, who now chairs the AU Tennessee corporation board. Barbara Dunlap-Berg has the story.
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Michigan Conference
Deaconess serves in Detroit
LANSING, Mich. — Anne Hillman lives out her calling as a deaconess by working with children, advocating for justice and teaching. The director of children, youth and family at Central United Methodist Church in Detroit also teaches Theology of Mission to aspiring deaconesses. Kay DeMoss reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
California-Pacific Conference
Bishop, cabinet speak to appointments controversy
PASADENA, Calif. — Bishop Grant Hagiya and the California-Pacific Conference cabinet have issued a statement addressing controversy over appointment decisions affecting three Korean American pastors. While they dispute accusations that the pastors were targeted for their traditionalist theological beliefs, they also say: "Our hearts are grieved that our covenant community is broken, and we are seeking to address the conflict in a way that represents the call of Christ on all of our lives."
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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 the UM News staff.
Tragedy leads to trauma ministry, book
ST. PAUL, Minn. (UM News) — George Floyd's murder prompted questions as well as a drive to bring healing and address mental health challenges. Those questions led the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell to write a book on dealing with trauma and create healing ministries at his church.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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