“I love this church. I see every day how God blesses me and my family in this church.” — Alex Kutsov, 21, a member of Livespring United Methodist Church in Kara-Balta, Kyrgyzstan.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Young people drive church growth in Kyrgyzstan
KARA-BALTA, Kyrgyzstan (UM News) — For youth and young adults, the United Methodist community in Central Asia represents family and a place to experience God’s love. With six congregations in Kyrgyzstan, the church is growing by emphasizing ministries with young people. Mike DuBose and Tim Tanton have the story.
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‘Hollering for Change’ series spotlights Black pastor
SEVERNA PARK, Md. (UM News) — The latest installment of the “Hollering for Change” series continues to look at women “firsts” in the denomination. The Rev. Tori Butler speaks with the Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross, the first African American woman appointed to Noblesville First United Methodist Church in Indiana. Caldwell-Gross describes being fearful before her son’s affirmation made her consider other places God had sent her to prepare for this next step.
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North Georgia Conference
Church reimagines Charles Wesley hymns
ATLANTA — Northside United Methodist Church worship leader Matt Jackson reimagined how some of Charles Wesley’s traditional hymns could sound with a modern melody. The result is “The Faith We Sing,” a short album featuring recordings of “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” “Soldier of Christ Arise” and “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.” People can listen to the album wherever they stream music. The Rev. Jeff Rogers has the story.
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Listen to album
PRESS RELEASES
Church World Service
Mourning deaths of 39 migrants in fire
WASHINGTON — Church World Service, a United Methodist partner in working with migrants, joined in grief for 39 migrants who died in a fire at a facility in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, just south of the border with the U.S. “Seeking asylum is a legal right; any policy that forces the vulnerable to remain in danger is not only against that right, but against the spirit of our nation,” said Danilo Zak, associate director of policy and advocacy with Church World Service.
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Emory & Henry College
University status for Emory & Henry
EMORY, Va. — Emory & Henry College, a United Methodist-related school, is on track to become Emory & Henry University. The change, which reflects the addition of graduate programs in health sciences, education and business, will be fully implemented by fall 2024.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
4 tips for putting the fun in fundraisers
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fundraisers are valuable tools for achieving missional visions that create community and bring hope and healing to the world. Conner Prusha offers four tips for churches to take the next step in advertising their fundraisers online.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
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For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts
Monday, April 10-Monday, June 5
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