"Most people liked the efficiency. But everybody missed the personal connection."
— Jason Moore, consultant to annual conferences, on the virtual sessions forced by the pandemic.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Conference sessions go virtual, with mixed results
NEPTUNE, N.J. (UM News) — The COVID-19 pandemic has caused nearly all U.S. annual conferences of The United Methodist Church to take their big yearly meetings online. Some have gone smoothly, with others struggling technologically. All over, delegates reported missing in-person time with colleagues. Sam Hodges reports.
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Many European conferences still unable to meet
Read 2020 Annual Conference reports
Michigan Conference
Church contributes to 'nicest place' designation
BUCHANAN, Mich. — Buchanan First United Methodist Church is doing its part to make its town "The Nicest Place in America." Reader's Digest profiled Buchanan as the No. 1 place for kindness in a recent issue. The Rev. Ellen Bierlein of the church says the award is "a statement of who we are, what we do, and what we stand for." Kay DeMoss has the story.
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Read Reader's Digest story
South Georgia Conference
Church adds spice to pumpkin tradition
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — For 25 years, Christ United Methodist Church has been known as "the Pumpkin Patch church." This year, church members reimagined their long-standing tradition and decided to give pumpkins away at a safe, socially distanced event rather than sell them. Kara Witherow reports.
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Memphis Conference
Tennessee churches pack Christmas shoeboxes
CAMDEN, Tenn. — United Methodist churches in the Tennessee River District packaged 741 Christmas shoeboxes full of small gifts and supplies destined for children in developing countries where United Methodist missionaries and pastors serve. Lane Gardner Camp has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Iliff School of Theology
Research center launched at Iliff
DENVER — A research institute to study how public policy and legislative initiatives are shaped by religion has been launched by the Iliff School of Theology. Its first director, the Rev. Amanda Henderson, will leave her current post as executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. The Institute for Religion, Politics and Culture will launch on Jan. 1.
Read press release
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
A ritual to help kids cope with stress
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Children are not immune to the stress caused by the pandemic and other events in their lives. The Rev. Leanne Hadley, a longtime United Methodist children's minister, suggests a weekly three-step healing ritual to help children navigate their anxieties.
Read about healing ritual
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Thursday, Oct. 22
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