Lambrecht says only Traditional Plan offers exit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Tom Lambrecht says the Traditional Plan is the only petition that offers a way for those in disagreement to exit the denomination, which he feels is necessary at this crossroads in The United Methodist Church. Lambrecht, vice president and general manager of Good News and a member of the Wesleyan Covenant Association leadership council, spoke with UM News as part of "Seeing a Way Forward," a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
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Reconsideration sought on Judicial Council decision
Ask The UMC
Why do we baptize at different ages?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodists baptize people at whatever age or stage they come for baptism. There is no time too soon, and no time too late, to begin one's journey with Christ. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on how United Methodists celebrate the sacrament.
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NBC
United Methodist opens checkbook for Paradise
CHICO, Calif. — The destruction of Paradise, California, by wildfire prompted United Methodist layman Bob Wilson to give a $1,000 check to each student and staff member of Paradise High School. About 900 students lost their homes in the fire, which killed 88 people. Wilson, chairman of a development company and owner of a restaurant group, was a longtime member and leader at Santa Monica First United Methodist, and since retiring to San Diego has been active at First United Methodist there.
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Alabama-West Florida Conference
Florida youth get respite from storm damage
OPELIKA, Ala. — After Hurricane Michael devastated Panama City, Florida, and much of the surrounding area, student minister Neil McGee knew his youth group from Lynn Haven United Methodist Church desperately needed a change of scenery. First United Methodist Church made them feel more than welcome. Kari Barlow has the story.
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Boards of Global Ministries, Church and Society
Agency execs commend efforts to stop deportation
ATLANTA — Two agency executives have issued statements of solidarity with Samuel Oliver-Bruno, a fellow United Methodist who had taken sanctuary in a North Carolina church and now faces possible deportation. Both Thomas Kemper of Global Ministries and the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe of Church and Society commended the United Methodists who are championing Oliver-Bruno's cause.
Read Thomas Kemper's statement
Read the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe's statement
Read UMNS story on Samuel Oliver-Bruno
Sierra Leone welcomes free education — with reservations
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — A new government-instituted free education policy has garnered mixed reviews, especially among United Methodist schools. The new policy, launched in September, was good news for established schools whose teachers are paid by the government. But while the new United Methodist school in Kabala awaited government approval and the resulting funding, all but 12 students transferred to government-assisted schools so their parents would not have to pay fees for administrative costs. Phileas Jusu reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
Delivering Christmas cheer by the truckload
HARRISBURG, Pa. (UMCom) — The United Methodist Church is presenting the True Meaning of Christmas Tour. Representatives will be traveling to 11 cities across the United States in a gift-wrapped truck offering family-friendly fun, while connecting visitors with a reminder of what Christmas is all about. In addition to the 11 truck visits, there are 21 hot cocoa fellowship events across the nation.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Advent devotions: Take time to pray
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — A series of devotions for Advent offers opportunities to consider how to make room in your life for the best things this Christmas. Check out the first two devotions in the series: Make Room for Others and Make Room for Hope.
Read devotions http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/make-room-for-christmas-advent-devotions
COMMENTARIES
World Council of Churches
Bethlehem shepherds, water shortages and trees of hope
BETHLEHEM — This Christmas season, retired Bishop Rosemarie Wenner writes that she will have concrete places in her mind when she listens to the story of the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem. Wenner, now Geneva secretary with the World Council of Churches, writes about efforts to address water shortages and bring peace where Jesus was born.
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