“We have portrayed ourselves as a global church, but in reality, we function as a U.S.-centric church with some global outreach.” — Roland Fernandes, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Committee on Relief.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Boards push forward despite budget cuts
ATLANTA (UM News) — In wide-ranging joint board meetings, officials with the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry plotted an ambitious future despite diminishing resources. Plans call for more equitable collaboration with constituents who need aid in an effort to get past colonialist attitudes, said Roland Fernandes, top executive of Global Ministries. He will lead both agencies beginning July 1. Jim Patterson has the story.
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Fernandes urges stronger Middle East response
Imagine No Malaria campaign concludes
UM News: Boards’ move comes as agencies face challenges
California-Pacific Conference
Fresh Expressions event inspires conference
PASADENA, Calif. — Throughout a recent Fresh Expressions gathering, a recurring theme emerged: Dream big while starting small. The Rev. Ken Suhr and eight others from the California-Pacific Conference say they are excited to support the growth of the new church communities being formed through Fresh Expressions. Conference staff report.
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UM News: Hope Chapel models Fresh Expressions
South Georgia Conference
Pastors gifted Wesley’s works in Spanish
MIDLAND, Ga. — The Wesley Heritage Foundation started in the 1990s as a way to create the first large-scale, scholarly translation of a large portion of John Wesley’s writings into Spanish. The result of this effort is the 14-volume “Obras de Wesley.” Hispanic pastors of the South Georgia Conference are the newest recipients of Wesley’s sermons in Spanish. The Wesley Heritage Foundation has the story.
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St. Stephen United Methodist Church
Church baptizes 76-year-old man
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ira Bukzin first learned about St. Stephen United Methodist Church when he received an outreach postcard in the mail. On March 10, with family by his side, he was baptized at the church at age 76. The church has the story of his faith journey.
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Holston Conference
Roof leak doesn’t get church down
SALE CREEK, Tenn. — A leak discovered around the steeple threatened to wipe out the budget of Sale Creek United Methodist Church after the building needed other costly repairs. But then a local Chattanooga business stepped up to help the tiny church. Annette Spence shares the church’s story and other recent Holston Conference developments.
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RESOURCES
Empowering women at General Conference
CHICAGO — Which woman is making history at General Conference? What is the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women’s monitoring role at the legislative assembly? What legislation affecting women and girls is on the table? Find out the answers to these questions and more during Embrace the Challenge: Empowering Women at General Conference, a webinar presented by the commission at 11 a.m. U.S. Central time March 22.
Register for webinar
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Monday, April 8-Friday, April 19
Online course: Leading Public Prayer for Lay Leaders
Monday, April 22-Saturday, May 4
Online course: Biblical Storytelling 1
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