“No other name would have been better (for the new church) than ‘Grace,’ because Kailahun has gone through so many crucibles, has gone through so many challenges … and only the grace of God has kept a smile on the faces of the people of Kailahun.” — Sierra Leone Bishop John K. Yambasu, speaking at the dedication of Grace United Methodist Church.
Photo by Phileas Jusu, UMNS
NEWS AND FEATURES
New church brings grace to former Ebola epicenter
KAILAHUN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — A growing congregation now has its own home with the dedication of a new $90,000 church in this former Ebola epicenter in the eastern part of the country. In less than a year, the congregation at Grace United Methodist Church, which had been worshipping in a makeshift structure, already has more than 200 members. Phileas Jusu has the story.
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United Methodist Men, USA Today
New name for scout troops
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The new name for the Scouting program for 11- to 17-year-old boys and girls — Scouts BSA — takes effect Feb. 1, 2019. Larry Coppock, director of Scouting ministries for the Commission on United Methodist Men, points out that the decision to include girls in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts expands the pool of candidates for ministry outreach and evangelism. Girl Scouts of the USA remains a separate organization.
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North Texas Conference
Church, students respond to vandalism
RICHARDSON, Texas — Three pellet-gun incidents left Arapaho United Methodist Church here with shattered glass, but college students from the church and nearby Synergy Wesley Foundation painted the ply-board coverings with messages of love and hope. “Now people know us not for the violence that happened to us but for our response,” said the Rev. Blair Thompson-White, pastor. Matt Jacob reports.
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World Council of Churches
UK churches call for 'tax justice'
LONDON — The Rev. Michaela Youngson, president-designate of the British Methodist Conference, was among the Christian leaders who visited the House of Lords in April to challenge government inactivity on tax justice reforms and to demand action. UK churches have formed a new initiative, “Church Action for Tax Justice.” The World Council of Churches has called for “a fair and equitable system of taxation” worldwide.
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Greater New Jersey Conference
From running for soccer to running for Christ
MORRISTOWN, N.J. — The Rev. Charles Perez used his experience in sports ministry to begin a soccer ministry for young people as a step toward building a bilingual Latino/Hispanic Ministry and it has scored. Perez and Morristown United Methodist Church pastor Brandan Cho have seen the faith of these young people soar.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Churches find hope in Korean summit
Bishops begin high-stakes deliberations
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.
Monday, May 14-Monday, June 4
Online children's education workshop: Called to teach
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