"He taught me to love the ritual and history of the church in a way I didn't understand or love before." — The Rev. Rob Apgar-Taylor, a former seminary student and longtime friend of the late Rev. Laurence Hull Stookey, who shaped United Methodist worship.
Remembering professor who shaped worship
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (UMNS) — The Rev. Laurence Hull Stookey, a pastor and worship professor who influenced how United Methodists worship and understand the sacraments, died Oct. 16 at the age of 79. He also brought United Methodist liturgy to Camp David. Heather Hahn and Sam Hodges have a remembrance.
Churches demand action on Aleppo
LONDON (UMNS) — The Methodist Church in Britain has joined five other U.K. churches in calling upon the Syrian and Russian governments and other forces to stop their bombardment of Aleppo, Syria. The statement also urges the international community to take action and hold responsible parties accountable.
Discovering God's will: John Wesley's difficult decision
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Sometimes, we face a choice between two good options. Oct. 21 marks the anniversary of John Wesley setting sail to serve as a missionary in America. Joe Iovino writes about Wesley’s discernment process, which included a stained-glass window and a Bible story.
Help needed in Haiti after Hurricane Matthew
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (UMNS) — John and Sharon Harbottle, Methodist British Missionaries in Haiti, report that conditions are still critical in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. “Pray for the leadership of EMH (Eglise Méthodiste d'Haiti, the Methodist Church in Haiti), as they seek to provide the most effective assistance they can with very limited resources.”
Donate to UMCOR’s International Disaster Response
The Methodist Church World Mission Fund
Cal-Pac invites youth to Spanglish
WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (UMNS) — “Por Tanto Go (Therefore Go),” an event for young people in the California-Pacific Conference that explores and celebrates Hispanic/Latin culture in the U.S., will be held Nov. 11-13 at Camp Wrightwood.
UMW meeting focuses on identity, mission
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The United Methodist Women board discussed at a recent organizing meeting the self-supporting group’s identity and mission priorities for the next four years. United Methodist Women will focus on alleviating problems in four areas: climate justice, economic inequality, maternal and child health, and mass incarceration. Julia Chance reports.
UMW’s board and Program Advisory Group
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday, Oct. 27
Reformation Day at Emory University — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. “Law and Grace: Martin Luther, Lucas Cranach and the Promise of Salvation” is the theme for the conference. The gathering will explore the Reformation painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder, “Law and Grace,” from the standpoints of art history, biblical studies and theology. The event will be at the Pitts Theology Library at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, 1531 Dickey Drive. Optional $10 for lunch. Registration required. Details
Tuesday, Nov. 1
All Saints' Day — United Methodist Discipleship Ministries offers prayers and a family litany for this day when Christians celebrate the people who have joined the Church Triumphant. Resources
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.