"Without the political influence of the church, broadly speaking, and revivalists and traveling evangelists, the Prohibition amendment almost certainly would not have passed." — The Rev. William B. Lawrence, United Methodist and historian of the American church.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Poll shows church’s shifting views of alcohol
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A new survey by LifeWay Research shows perhaps the most dramatic evidence yet of how U.S. Methodists, once famous teetotalers, now are willing to take a drink from time to time. Heather Hahn reports on the survey and the historical shift it shows.
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Zimbabwe women put focus on cervical cancer
RUSAPE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — More than 400 women were screened for cervical cancer and those with suspicious results received a free initial treatment during The United Methodist Church’s annual women’s convention. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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South Carolina Conference
Working 3,800 hours for hurricane survivors
COLUMBIA, S.C. — More than 160 volunteers for the South Carolina Conference worked about 3,800 hours providing Christian love in action to survivors of Hurricanes Florence and Michael. Billy Robinson has the story.
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World Council of Churches
Church groups: Climate-impacted areas need action
KATOWICE, Poland — The World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation and ACT Alliance have called for renewed global solidarity and urgency of action to support the communities at the frontline of climate change impacts. The call came as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change prepares to hold its 24th session of the Conference of the Parties, also known as COP 24, Dec. 2-15 in Poland.
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PRESS RELEASES
Board of Global Ministries
Giving Tuesday donations net $624,868 for mission
ATLANTA — More than 2,450 gifts from 11 countries — totaling $624,868.81 — were contributed for missionary support, mission projects and disaster relief as part of Giving Tuesday.
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Higher Education and Ministry
Peace resolutions adopted at India conference
LUCKNOW, India —Two resolutions urging the fostering of peacemaking were approved at the 2018 conference of the Asia-Pacific Association of Methodist-related Education Institutions. More than 250 participants from seven countries attended.
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RESOURCES
New York Conference
Advent reflections for a ‘Way Forward’
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Eight deacons in the New York Conference have written a collection of Advent reflections on the theme "On Our Way Forward" as a way to help clergy and laity prepare for the special session of General Conference in February.
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COMMENTARIES
Covered in the Master’s Dust
5 ways to be relevant in Advent
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Some may argue that the church’s job isn’t to be relevant but to be holy. The Rev. Ben Gosden agrees, but also insists that if the church can’t communicate its mission in a way that connects with others, then it is falling short. He suggests five ways churches can make that connection this Advent.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Seeing a Way Forward: The Rev. Tom Lambrecht
Sierra Leone welcomes free education — with reservations
EVENTS
Monday, Dec. 3-Friday, Dec. 14
Online class on technology in the church: Presentations and games
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