“We are living in strange and stirring times, but it is God's time. It is an opportunity to put hope in action and move forward for a better and brighter future together as The United Methodist Church.” — Bishop Delores J. Williamston, in a sermon for her installation service.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Louisiana Conference
Installation features New Orleans-style parade
NEW ORLEANS — The installation service for Louisiana Conference Bishop Delores J. Williamston occurred March 4 at Dillard University. That was the first time such an event had been held at the historically Black United Methodist-related school. The service had some unusual touches, including a New Orleans-style “second line” parade featuring the Pinstripe Brass Band and Zulu Tramps. The Rev. Todd Rossnagel reports.
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Watch summary video
Watch service
Judicial Council
Church court releases spring docket
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Judicial Council has released a 12-item docket for its spring session. The United Methodist Church’s top court plans to meet in person this spring for the first time since the pandemic began. Briefs are due April 6 and the deadline for reply briefs is to be announced.
See docket
Baltimore-Washington Conference
Campus, community connect in evolving ministry
FROSTBURG, Md. — A university chapel — where the community, church and academy intersect — can be a place of immense creativity, justice-making and spiritual growth. The Rev. Trey Daniel has made it his ministry to begin creating just such a space at Frostburg State University. Melissa Lauber has the story.
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Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Arkansas church reaches amicable split
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Central United Methodist Church will split three ways after reaching what leaders are calling an “Amicable Reconciliation Agreement.” Central will remain in The United Methodist Church while Genesis Church, its south Fayetteville campus, will become independent. Central’s pastoral team will leave and start an independent church, with seed money from Central. Arkansas Conference Bishop Laura Merrill said: “I am grateful that church members and leadership have been willing to work together to pursue futures for various faith communities in Fayetteville. We are excited for refreshed leadership and intentional openness to revival at Central United Methodist Church.” Frank E. Lockwood reports.
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Read agreement
Denton Record-Chronicle
Church gives land for affordable housing
DENTON, Texas — Members of First United Methodist Church of Denton voted overwhelmingly March 5 to donate 2 acres for a 185-unit apartment complex project. The goal is to provide affordable housing for the working poor at a time when housing prices have soared in and around Denton. Church members greeted the announcement of the vote totals with a standing ovation. Lucinda Breeding-Gonzales reports.
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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 UM News staff.
Disaffiliation supporters use political playbook
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — Bill Brownson, a General Conference lay delegate, reflects on the arguments of those advocating for church disaffiliations. He writes many are using the same fear tactics seen in political campaigns.
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RESOURCES
North Carolina Conference
Celebrating International Women’s Day
GARNER, N.C. — In honor of International Women’s Day today, the North Carolina Conference’s Commission on the Status and Role of Women encourages United Methodists to embrace equity and empower clergywomen and laity around the globe. The conference has produced a video that other churches can share with their congregations. It profiles the ministry of the Rev. Laure Kalau, a Congolese pastor serving Haw River United Methodist Church in rural North Carolina.
Watch video
Learn more
RECENT HEADLINES
Church drums up support for orphans
Bishop: Time to move from rancor to revival
EVENTS
Monday, March 20-Monday, April 3
Online course: Cultivating a Resilient Spirit
Monday, March 20-Saturday, April 1
Online course: Come to the Waters
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