“Being part of a global delegation allowed me to know more about what the Christian students are doing and facing in their own contexts.” — Annie Solis, a member of the Methodist Church in Peru and 2012-2015 mission intern with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
Transforming young adults into Christian leaders
NEW YORK (UMNS) — When United Methodists take part in a leadership training program this week, they will be part of a denominational connection that dates back more than 120 years to the founding of the World Student Christian Federation. The federation’s ecumenical training for young Christian leaders is a project of The Advance, The United Methodist Church’s voluntary giving program. Linda Bloom reports.
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Liberian bishop calls for women's inclusion
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. is calling on all United Methodists in Liberia to be an example of inclusiveness of women in church programs and activities. He makes that call during International Women’s Month. Julu Swen reports.
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New bishops assigned in Congo
KAMINA, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — The Congo Central Conference episcopacy committee has announced its assignments for four United Methodist bishops. Newly elected Bishop Daniel Lunge will lead the Central Congo Episcopal Area; Bishop Kasap Owan will lead the South Congo Area, which includes parts of Zambia; and Bishop Mande Muyombo will lead the North Katanga Area, which includes Tanzania. Bishop Gabriel Unda, first elected in 2012, will continue to lead the East Congo Area.
Read about bishop elections
On World Water Day: 'Why waste water?'
NAIROBI, Kenya (WCC) — Jesse N.K. Mugambi, a professor in Kenya, reflects on the need to reduce and recycle wastewater, especially amid a drought in much of Africa. He writes for the World Council of Churches, which joins other international bodies in marking World Water Day.
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Churches worship side by side
ELGIN, Okla. (UMNS) — Drawing on the example of Paul and Barnabas, two United Methodist churches are holding worship services at the same time on the same church campus. First United Methodist of Elgin and Elgin: Community United Methodist reach different audiences, using different worship styles. They share child care space and staffing. Holly McCray of the Oklahoma Conference reports.
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Commentary: 9 things preachers should never say
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (UMNS) — Many preachers hurt their message when they start off with hackneyed or formulaic phrases that fail to capture the fleeting attention of those in the pew, writes the Rev. Charley Reeb, a Florida United Methodist pastor. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership offers his suggestions.
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LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Sunday, March 26
UMCOR Sunday — Gifts to UMCOR Sunday lay the foundation for all United Methodist Committee on Relief work by covering the costs of doing business. This means all contributions designated to specific programs can go 100 percent to these programs because UMCOR’s basic expenses are covered. Details
Saturday, April 1
Men's Faith Seminar — From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT, Temecula United Methodist Church in Temecula, California, will host Gene Bedley, founder of the National Character Education Center. He will present on the topic: “Biblical Emphasis on Ethics and Character Development Through Scripture." Cost is $35. Details
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