“Ecumenism is part of our Methodist identity. Ecumenism is in the DNA of us Methodists.” — Germany Bishop Harald Rückert, addressing the Council of Bishops.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
Church faces shake-up in ecumenical relations
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church is grappling with questions that affect its relationships with other Methodist denominations and its growing ties with The Episcopal Church. During its recent meeting, the Council of Bishops heard an update on the denomination’s ecumenical work and why it matters. Heather Hahn reports.
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Engaging in ministry with older adults
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (UM News) — Churches can play a vital role in keeping older adults connected to their congregations and equipped to handle new challenges, say leaders of ENCORE Ministry, the older adult ministry of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. ENCORE hosted a workshop in partnership with the University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s School of Nursing to offer resources for older adults and those in older adult ministry. Vernon Jordan reports.
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Great Plains Conference
Bishop speaks on Native American Heritage Month
WICHITA, Kan. — Bishop David Wilson, the first Native American elected to the United Methodist episcopacy, shares what Native American Heritage Month means to him. Wilson spoke to Todd Seifert for the podcast series “In Layman’s Terms.” November is Native American Heritage Month.
Listen to podcast
Texas Conference
Campbell to be conference archivist
HOUSTON — The Rev. Ted Campbell will continue his work in Methodist history by becoming archivist for the Texas Conference. Campbell plans to retire as Albert C. Outler Professor of Wesley Studies at Perkins School of Theology. Lindsay Peyton reports on his transition.
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Upper New York Conference
Sabbath is vital to avoid burnout
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — Are you tired, worn out, burnt out on religion? In a new episode of the “Spiritual Practices” podcast, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius talks about taking a “real” rest as she dives into the spiritual discipline of Sabbath.
Listen to podcast
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Gratitude is crucial to Christian leadership
WASHINGTON — Author Andy Stanton-Henry explains how the practice of gratitude can change the way we view our community and our world. For leaders, gratitude isn’t merely an essential personal spiritual practice, he writes. It is a way to promote the sustainability and resilience of their communities.
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EVENTS
Monday, Dec. 4-Friday, Dec. 15
Closing Conversations: An End-of-Life Care Guide
Jan. 8-Feb. 2
Online course: Introduction to the Enneagram
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Calling for peacemaking in Holy Land
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Council of Bishops, during its fall meeting, released a statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict, seeking investment in peacemaking. On the same day the bishops released their statement, Christian leaders in Jerusalem urged their flocks to prepare for a solemn Advent and Christmastide focused on providing relief for the war’s victims. Heather Hahn reports.
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Read Council of Bishops statement
The burdens of an alcoholic pastor
ANDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — After missteps and failures along the way, the Rev. C. Don Jones made it through treatment for alcoholism and is back in the pulpit. But the wounds from the experience are still there. In “The Sun Still Shines: The Legend of a Drunken Pastor,” Jones tracks his eight-month journey through rehab stints and regressions. Jim Patterson has his story.
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Bishops plan for new leaders, renewed vision
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UM News) — During its November meeting, the United Methodist Council of Bishops elected East Ohio Bishop Tracy S. Malone as its next president. She will be the first Black woman to serve in that role. In addition to electing new officers, the bishops discussed their vision for how the denomination can move on from a tumultuous time. Heather Hahn reports.
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Read press release
Church center equips, empowers young women
MATOLA, Mozambique (UM News) — The United Methodist Tsalala Training Center is helping to give girls and young women the skills they need for a brighter future. The church-supported school teaches girls and teens seamstress skills and educates them about early marriages and other social issues. Alvin Makunike has the story.
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Council of Bishops
Bishops plan to call special General Conference
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The United Methodist Council of Bishops plans to call a special session of the General Conference in 2026 for delegates to strategize and work toward bringing about the next vital expression of United Methodism. The decision comes after the Judicial Council’s recent revised ruling on when the next regular General Conference session should be scheduled. The bishops plan to unveil the specific call next year.
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UM News: Church court reverses call for extra General Conference
Central Texas, North Texas, Northwest Texas conferences
Plans take shape for new, unified conference
PLANO, Texas — A vision for unifying the Central Texas, North Texas and Northwest Texas conferences has been laid out by Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. and colleagues from the conferences. A timetable foresees a new, unified conference being operational by January 2025.
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