“It is with fear and trembling that I step forward and step out.” — The Rev. Siobhan Sargent, one of the 15 signers of a letter in which clergy and candidates in the New York Conference came out as gay.
15 clergy, candidates come out as gay
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Fifteen United Methodist clergy and clergy candidates took a leap of faith together and came out as lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer members of the New York Conference. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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GC2016: Divestment debate continues
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Through petitions and advocacy, some United Methodists are again asking delegates to the denomination’s top legislative body to use divestment as a way to address the Israel-Palestine conflict. Linda Bloom reports.
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Susanna Wesley: Mother of Methodism
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — She never preached a sermon, published a book or founded a church, yet Susanna Wesley is known as the Mother of Methodism. The example of faith and religious reverence she set for her children John and Charles inspired them to become powerful spiritual leaders and to launch the Methodist movement.
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Church leads community development
HOUSTON (UMNS) — Here comes the neighborhood. The Gethsemane campus of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church has helped found Connect Community, a coalition of nonprofit groups. The goal is to boost southwest Houston, a neighborhood of mostly immigrants. “If the church is to transform Houston with the love of God and redemptive power of the gospel, then the time is now,” said the Rev. David Horton.
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What missions can teach U.S. churches
AUGUSTA, Ga. (UMNS) — The Rev. Scott Parrish of the North Georgia Conference writes about what lessons churches outside the United States offer congregations within this country. Parrish, who is also a consultant with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, offers lessons from the international mission field on how to be a “Lazarus Church,” resurrected in ministry.
Scarritt Bennett appoints interim head
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Scarritt Bennett Center has named Maxine Clarke Beach as interim executive director, while its board of directors launches a search for new leadership. Former Executive Director Jocelyn D. Briddell resigned on March 11.
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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 22
Peace with Justice Sunday ─ Offering on this Special Sunday supports United Methodist peace with justice ministries through conferences and the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. UMCGiving.org has resources for pastors and lay church leaders
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