"Contrary to the bishop’s finding, we conclude that the question of law is germane to the discussion…" — Judicial Council Decision 1329 regarding a ruling by Bishop Sally Dyck related to the Northern Illinois Conference.
Court to bishops: Rule on 'proper' questions of law
LISLE, Ill. (UMNS) — At its Oct. 25-28 meeting, the United Methodist Judicial Council addressed decisions of law by several bishops of annual conferences where positions of “non-conformity” to church law related to the ordination of gay clergy and other issues of sexuality had been adopted. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Judicial Council looks at clergy penalty questions
LISLE, Ill. (UMNS) — How penalties imposed by trial courts were handled in two cases involving clergy was the subject of separate oral hearings before the United Methodist Judicial Council. The denomination’s top court issued decisions on 11 docket items during last week’s meeting. Linda Bloom reports.
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Agency leaders to address issues together
ATLANTA (UMNS) — During an Oct. 22-25 meeting, The General Secretaries Table, representing United Methodist agency leaders, agreed to increase communication and collectively address issues around the denomination’s Four Areas of Focus.
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Commentary: Voting is a prayerful act
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Voting is a matter of faith, citizenship and democracy, writes Susan Henry-Crowe, top executive of United Methodist Board of Church and Society, in a commentary for Interpreter magazine. “It is a kind of prayer and faithful testament to the belief that every citizen bears a responsibility and equal right to determine the future of governance in society,” she writes.
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S.C. crews cleaning up in Matthew's wake
COLUMBIA, S.C. (UMNS) — Weeks after Hurricane Matthew pummeled coastal South Carolina, United Methodist disaster leaders are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work to show Christ’s love to thousands of people affected by the storm. Jessica Brodie, editor of the South Carolina Conference Advocate, reports.
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5 creative ways to thank donors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCom) — How often and how well do churches thank their donors? Tricia Brown, in a story for United Methodist Communications, offers five creative ways to let donors know how much they are appreciated.
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.
Friday, Nov. 11-Saturday, Nov. 12
Workshop "Building a System for Church Multiplication" — Sonrise United Methodist Church, 10125 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, will host training for church leaders launching new campuses, developing a multisite strategy or considering adopting another congregation as a ministry outpost. The Rev. Alex Fernandez of Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Caledonia, Michigan, will lead. $10. Details
Saturday, Nov. 12
"Building Worship Bridges" Workshop — 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST. Mount Horeb United Methodist Church, 9542 County Highway S., Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, will host the Wisconsin Conference workshop “Building Worship Bridges: Compelling Services to Connect Your Church to the Neighborhood.” Cathy Townley will present this seminar on worship and worship planning. $29 per person or $75 per team. Details
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