“When I look at something like this, I look at who is paying the price.” — Dr. Steve Furr, General Conference delegate, on the delay of bishop elections until 2022.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishops’ election plans draw mixed reaction
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Many General Conference delegates praised the bishops for retracting an earlier recommendation of a four-year hold on episcopal elections. But some still have misgivings about delaying elections until 2022. Heather Hahn reports.
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Sentinel and Enterprise
Youth group gives 500 gift cards to teachers
LEOMINSTER, Mass. — Members of Leominster United Methodist Church’s Ignite Youth Group dropped off 500 $5 Dunkin’ gift cards to be distributed to district educators in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. The youth had initially raised the funds for a service trip, but found this way of saying thanks after the pandemic altered their plans.
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The Texas Tribune
Church steps up vaccination effort
MT. PLEASANT, Texas — Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church hosted vaccination clinics that helped this small northeast Texas town reach Hispanic residents and others, greatly boosting the local rate of those immunized against COVID-19. Mt. Pleasant had been way behind in vaccinations until pastors and churches got involved. Karen Brooks Harper reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Desert Southwest Conference
Bishop Hoshibata announces retirement
PHOENIX — Bishop Bob Hoshibata plans to retire as of Oct. 1. He said because he is taking voluntary retirement, his stepping down requires approval by the Western Jurisdiction. A special session will be scheduled soon, he said. “During my time with you, I have been blessed with the great privilege and responsibility of guiding the clergy and laity of the Desert Southwest Conference,” he wrote.
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Western North Carolina Conference
Bishop Leeland plans to retire Sept. 1
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Bishop Paul L. Leeland has announced his intent to retire, effective Sept. 1. He was elected to the episcopacy in 2008 and served as the bishop of the Alabama-West Florida Conference for eight years before being assigned to the Western North Carolina Conference in 2016. Leeland said that his ministry can be summarized with the word "gratitude."
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Henderson Settlement
New leader for Henderson Settlement
FRAKES, Ky. — Pastor John Newman begins work June 7 as the new executive director of Henderson Settlement, which works to improve life for residents of Appalachia. Newman replaces James L. Knight, who has run the facility for three years. Henderson Settlement is a mission institution of the Red Bird Missionary Conference.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Celebrate Peace with Justice Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Peace with Justice Sunday is May 30. This Special Sunday offering helps the church strengthen its capacity to advocate publicly in communities and nations throughout the world. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society administers the offering, which supports grants benefitting peace with justice ministries in conferences and around the world.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Europeans make plans for separation
Georgia laity question bishop in full-page ad
EVENTS
Sunday, May 30-Tuesday, June 1
Texas Annual Conference
Wednesday, June 2-Friday, June 4
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