“I would hope the agencies exist to support the work of the local church and not the other way around.” — The Rev. Clayton Oliphint, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas.
Could reorganizing agencies boost church vitality?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Plan UMC Revised, a proposed restructuring of United Methodist general agencies, aims to align denominational resources toward fostering vital congregations. Church members debate whether the plan meets its goals. Heather Hahn reports.
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Eastern Pennsylvania elects delegates Nov. 14
MACUNGIE, Pa. (UMNS) — The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference meets Nov. 14 to elect General Conference and Northeastern Jurisdiction delegates, as well as to vote on resolutions and the 2016 budget. The re-vote comes after problems with Wi-Fi connectivity that resulted in discrepancies in the final tally.
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Read previous news release about voting problems
Wesley loved All Saints Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — John Wesley loved All Saints Day, a sometimes-overlooked holy day in United Methodist congregations. In a journal entry from Nov. 1, 1767, Wesley calls it “a festival I truly love.” On the same day in 1788, he writes, “I always find this a comfortable day.” Joe Iovino reports.
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Historic church re-opens after earthquake repairs
NAPA, Calif. (UMNS) — Nearly 15 months after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake damaged Napa United Methodist Church, the congregation will go home. Weekly worship in the historic 1917 sanctuary will resume on Nov. 22 after a $2.5 million refurbishment. The California-Nevada Conference has the story.
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United Methodists reach out to Hispanic flood survivors
GREENWOOD, S.C. (UMNS) — United Methodists in South Carolina are working to reach Spanish-speaking flood survivors with information about how to get help. The Rev. Elizabeth Murray, coordinator of Hispanic/Latino Ministries for the conference, said measures include a Spanish-language flood hotline, website and more. Jessica Brodie reports for the Advocate.
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View Spanish website
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.
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Deadline to register for three online courses offered by United Methodist Communications — United Methodist Communications will offer the following courses Nov. 4-Dec. 16: “Communicating Faith in the 21st Century,” “Connectional Giving" and “Welcoming Ministry 100.” Costs vary. Connectional Giving is free. Details.
“Art in the Archive: Exploring Jacob Landau" — 4 p.m. EST in the Wilson Reading Room, United Methodist Archives and History Center at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Cassie Brand, Methodist library associate and special collections cataloger at Drew, will lead a discussion of Landau's art, which draws on biblical and literary sources. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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