“Church doesn't need to be boring. Worship shouldn't be lackluster. It doesn't have to be a gimmick — we are just doing what we love and doing it in a community that loves it, too.” — The Rev. Nathan Webb of Checkpoint Church, an online congregation.
NEWS AND FEATURES
'Nerd' church builds community without a building
DENVER, N.C. (UM News) — As churches in the pandemic era have gotten creative with online worship, Checkpoint Church was designed to be exclusively virtual. The congregation doesn't even have a building. Aaron Cross has the story.
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UM News: Online gamer ministry offers unique outreach
Guidance for sexual harassment survivors
CHICAGO (UM News) — A new website offered by the Commission on the Status and Role of Women offers step-by-step guidance on the complaint process for people who are considering pursuing sexual misconduct charges against a church official. The Do No More Harm site strives to make the system put forth in the United Methodist Book of Discipline more clear. Jim Patterson reports.
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Minnesota Conference
Stump has meaning for congregation
HILL CITY, Minn. — The loss of a majestic tree on the property of Hill City United Methodist Church has been eased by making meaning from the stump that is left behind. The top of the stump has been painted, and steps and a railing have been added so speakers can use it as a platform. Congregants see the stump as a metaphor for their church, which has declined in membership but still has work to do. Christa Meland reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Men
Commission selects Greg Arnold as top executive
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Commission on United Methodist Men has named Greg Arnold, a deployed staff member of the commission, to serve as general secretary. He succeeds Gil Hanke, who retired from the post in October. Arnold, a 12-year Mississippi-based staff member, will begin work Nov. 1.
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Duke Divinity School
$1.5 million grant to support clergy of color
DURHAM, N.C. — United Methodist Duke Divinity School has received a $1.5 million grant from the Duke Endowment to strengthen Wesleyan pastors in the Carolinas who are Black, indigenous or people of color. The grant will go toward developing retreats and building networks among clergy.
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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 the UM News staff.
Creating a Culture of Renewal
Models for small church ministry in pandemic
CASPER, Wyo. — Small churches are often isolated from each other, so one congregation may not be aware of how other congregations are coping. The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter shares different ways small churches have kept worship alive and Christian education thriving in the pandemic. Her main message to churches: “You are not alone.”
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RESOURCES
Amplify Media
Get ready for ‘The Bible Year’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Amplify Media, part of the United Methodist Publishing House, is offering “The Bible Year” to help small groups and churches that want to read the entire Bible over 12 months but are feeling a bit overwhelmed at the idea. A webinar introducing the project’s resources and key contributors will be held at 1 p.m. U.S. Central time Oct. 26.
For more information and to register
RECENT HEADLINES
Photo essay: ‘I was a stranger…’
Kenyan church provides clean, safe water
EVENTS
Monday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Nov. 6
Online course: Biblical Storytelling I
Sunday, Nov. 14
The Nyadire Connection 15th Anniversary Celebration
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