"This day demonstrates service and advocacy, United Methodist Women turning their faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth for 150 years and counting." — Harriett Jane Olson top executive of United Methodist Women, on the UMW service and advocacy day.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Women act on faith, 'pass out grace'
COLUMBUS, Ohio (UMNS) — About 2,600 United Methodist women fanned out across the city to the United Methodist Church for All People and other sites for a day of service and advocacy. The day kicked off the UMW Assembly, which comes as the organization is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Texas Conference
Latest mass shooting affects Texas Conference
SANTA FE, Texas — The mother of a Texas Conference district superintendent was a substitute teacher at Santa Fe High School, near Galveston, Texas, when a mass shooting occurred there on May 18. Margaret Heck, mother of the Rev. Alicia Coltzer-Besser, was unharmed. Nearby Aldersgate United Methodist Church prepared to open for prayer and grieving, and Texas Conference Bishop Scott Jones said, "I grieve, pray and weep with the families of the victims … ." Sherri Gragg reports for the Texas Conference.
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Bishops clarify statement on Way Forward plans
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Council of Bishops issued a statement May 18 that says the One Church Plan will be placed before the special 2019 General Conference for legislative action. The statement, which the release said clarified earlier statements, said the council voted by an overwhelming majority to share the work done by the Commission on a Way Forward on three plans and to recommend the One Church Plan. Sam Hodges has the story.
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Board of Church and Society
World, National council of churches
Raising concerns over Gaza violence
GENEVA — United Methodist and ecumenical leaders have raised concerns over the use of excessive violence by Israel against protestors in Gaza and offered prayers for peace for all in the region. The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, who has led groups of Christian, Muslim and Jewish students, faculty members and staff to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan, said "the effects of such conflict are profound."
Read Church and Society statement
Read WCC story
Read NCC statement
Greater New Jersey Conference
Church provides third water well in Liberia
HOPE, N.J. — For the third time, St. John’s United Methodist Church here has answered the call to raise the money needed to dig a well in Liberia. "When the Spirit calls, we listen," said the Rev. Carla Costantino. Lawrence Costantino reports on the impact of the mission campaign.
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Discipleship Ministries
Discipleship Ministries hosts pilgrimage to Korea
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Seventeen United Methodists from seven annual conferences were hosted by Bupyeong Methodist Church in Incheon, South Korea, from April 18-25 for Discipleship Ministries’ Mission Pilgrimage to Korea. The pilgrims learned about missionary efforts to South Korea and experienced the practices of spiritual disciplines that led to the rapid growth of Christianity in the country following the Korean War. The Rev. Heather Lear, Discipleship Ministries’ director of evangelism, reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
Survey: What seekers want in a church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new survey of spiritual "seekers" shows that the top motivators for considering a church are knowing that everyone will be welcomed, making friends, finding support and learning more about God. Conducted by the Barna Group on behalf of United Methodist Communications, the survey included people aged 25-49 not affiliated with a church.
Read press release
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Sunday, June 3
Summer Sustainability Institute 2018: Building sustainable and resilient communities
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