“They’re actually willing to get their hands dirty when they’re dealing with the homeless and other individuals that most people are not willing to work with.” – Grady White, a police officer, says of the Shades of Grace congregation.
Plan calls for global funding of general church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – For the first time, United Methodist churches around the world would have a set formula to support financially the denomination’s global ministries, under a plan going before the 2016 General Conference. Heather Hahn reports.
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Serving a forgotten community
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (UMNS) – The Rev. Will Shewey was so determined to begin a storefront ministry for forgotten people that he was willing to resign as a United Methodist pastor to make it happen. Instead, he got the support of the Holston Conference to start Shades of Grace. Less than a year after its first service, the church has its own location, offering a complex ministry every day of the week for an inner-city community. Average worship attendance is 160, with a high of 310. Annette Spence reports.
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Yemba keynotes DRC peace conference
in Geneva
GENEVA (WCC) — United Methodist Bishop David Yemba was the keynote speaker May 27 during a three-day conference on peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo, convened by the World Council of Churches. Yemba sketched the mountainous threats and challenges within the country, especially the deep insecurity brought on by resource pillaging, corruption in business and the public sector, and the ensuing poverty. “Where is the church in all this?” he asked.
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Summer retreats offer healing to migrant children
NEW YORK (UMNS) — At least 50 migrant children will gain lifetime memories and a new sense of hope this summer as the California-Pacific Conference — with support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief and other partners — organizes weeklong retreats for them. Susan Kim reports for UMCOR.
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Feeling the joyful burden of ministry
DALLAS (UMNS) — The Rev. Stephen Rankin, chaplain at Southern Methodist University, reflects on his 40 plus years in ministry, with a focus on the joyful burden of the pastor's life.
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Honoring lost loved ones with unique memorials
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – United Methodists share innovative ways they channeled their grief by creating personalized memorials. “Meaning matters,” writes Susan Passi-Klaus.
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‘Pain of racism’ unpacked at reconciliation pilgrimage
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (UMNS) – Calling themselves “pilgrims of pain and hope,” more than 100 United Methodists gathered for a racial reconciliation pilgrimage to bring healing and awareness about the Orangeburg Massacre and the long history of racism in South Carolina. Jessica Brodie has the story for the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate.
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The struggle to recover from Ebola
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) – The United Methodist Church in West Africa has been on the frontlines of the fight against Ebola since the outbreak began in May 2014. As the deadly virus shows signs of retreating, United Methodist News Service visited Sierra Leone to chronicle the many challenges that lie ahead for the church and the country in overcoming the devastation of the outbreak. Jan Snider’s four-part special report, published May 19-22, includes stories and video.
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History Quiz: United Methodist women in leadership
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – United Methodist Women have a long history of activism. Can you name a female Methodist leader who fought in the suffrage and temperance movements?
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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.
Sunday, May 31
Peace with Justice Sunday — This Special Sunday funds grants that aim to help United Methodists do justice in Jesus' name. UMCgiving.org offers resources for celebrating this Special Sunday and examples of the differences the offering makes. Resources
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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