“Although March 1871 is the date the church was officially established on the property, its congregation is thought to have worshipped there for many years before in a secluded space called a hush harbor.” — The Rev. Angela Ford Nelson.
NEWS AND FEATURES
South Carolina Conference
The message of the hush harbor
CAMDEN, S.C. — The origin of Good Hope Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church dates back to a time when its congregation had to worship in secret. What was the hush harbor? And who were some of those who risked it all to worship the God of their ancestors and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? The Rev. Angela Ford Nelson has the story.
Read story
Minnesota Conference
Lay speaker delivers 500th sermon
MINNEAPOLIS — With prompting from his pastor, Jack Rogers went through lay speaker training. Now, 15 years later, he recently completed his 500th lay sermon. “I find great joy serving Christ and being a part of so many lives,” he said. Christa Meland reports.
Read story
New Haven Register
Pastor helping inner-city youths get to college
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — The Rev. Herron Gaston is helping at-risk teenagers work their way to college admission through the Youth with a Purpose program. Gaston is senior pastor of Summerfield United Methodist Church and associate director of admissions at Yale Divinity School. Ed Stannard has the story.
Read story
Greater New Jersey Conference
Karaoke raises money for church van
NEPTUNE, N.J. — Hamilton United Methodist Church usually offers others a helping hand. Its community returned the favor. Denise Herschel reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Foundation for Evangelism
Texas lay pastor named distinguished evangelist
HUMBLE, Texas — Pastor Davidson “Danny” A. Hernaez, a charter member of the Texas Conference’s Laity Unleashed program, is the Foundation for Evangelism’s distinguished evangelist for 2018. He is president of a nonprofit that supports the distribution of Bibles and other resources to seminaries, colleges and churches in the Philippines. He also was instrumental in bringing The Walk to Emmaus to the Philippines.
Read press release
RESOURCES
World Council of Churches
Praying for women’s empowerment
GENEVA — The World Council of Churches is encouraging its fellowship and partners to join the Lott Carey “31 Days of Prayer for Women’s Empowerment” this month. The seventh anniversary Global Women’s Prayer Guide features 31 days of prayer supporting justice and equality for women.
See resource
Religion and Race
Help with deepening the Lenten season
WASHINGTON — Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. There are resources available to help create a meaningful period of self-examination and reflection.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
Reaction to GC2019 remains strong
Amid struggles, deaconess movement flourishes
EVENTS
Monday, March 11-Friday, March 22
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.