"Let us pray for the people of Nepal and Baltimore. Let us work in our own communities to address the injustices of poverty and racism and to be good stewards of God’s creation." — Bishop John Schol, Greater New Jersey Conference.
Conference seeks donations for Baltimore
FULTON, Md. (UMNS) — United Methodist Baltimore-Washington Conference leaders have announced a missional response to the riots and other unrest in Baltimore. Health and hygiene items are being collected immediately and will be distributed at three Baltimore churches this weekend. Also, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is sending 1,000 health kits and 500 layette sets for immediate distribution.
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Faith leaders grieve events in Baltimore, Nepal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist faith leaders are calling for prayer in the wake of violence in Baltimore and the earthquake in Nepal. Bishop John Schol of the Greater New Jersey Conference, Bishop Peggy Johnson of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and Erin Hawkins, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, all issued statements.
Read the statements:
Bishop Schol
Bishop Johnson
Erin Hawkins
South Carolina Conference plans
1 million hours for children
COLUMBIA, S.C. (UMNS) — How much do South Carolina United Methodists care about children? Organizers hope the new 1 Million Hours of Service initiative will show they care a million times over. The conference is asking anyone in ministry with children to log their hours. Jessica Brodie reports for the South Carolina Advocate.
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‘Priceless’ offering demonstrates incredible gift
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A handful of change — 18 cents — and a simple note on the offering envelope, “Please don’t be mad I don’t have much. I’m homeless. God bless,” represents a sacrificial gift, said the Rev. Patrick Hamrick, First United Methodist Church. “It took some bravery, I think, to write that (note). And for us, we acknowledge that individual gave out of his poverty proportionally a big deal.” Michelle Boudin, WCNC-TV, Charlotte, has the story.
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New initiative will promote healthy congregations, communities
NEW YORK (UMNS) — United Methodists engaged in health ministries can learn about a new initiative at a summit scheduled for Sept. 8-10 in Houston. "Healthy Congregations, Healthy Communities" is a joint effort by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Board of Pension and Health Benefits and Wesley Theological Seminary. Houston Methodist Hospital and St. Paul's United Methodist Church are the co-hosts and co-sponsors.
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Breaking new ground for campus ministry
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (UMNS) — The Rev. Lisa Batten, director and campus pastor, reflects on moving from a 1964 building to new structure underway at Western Michigan University. “How long does it take to move a church? A campus ministry?” Batten asks as ground was broken on April 21. Read her story in West Michigan Conference news.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Friday-Saturday, May 8-9
Workshop "From Membership to Discipleship" — 6:30-8:30 p.m. CDT Friday, May 8, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Killeen First United Methodist Church, 3501 E. Elms Road, Killeen, Texas. Dr. Phil Maynard, director of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries' Path 1 Coaching Network and director of Church Leadership Training Institute, will lead this workshop to help teams from local churches gain clarity around what it means for people to mature in faith as disciples. $198 for a team of up to four. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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