“I like to help because I like to see people smile — makes my day, makes their day.” — Jeremain Robinson, 16 and newly baptized, helping with Louisiana recovery.
Baton Rouge church fixing ‘holy, beautiful messes’
BATON ROUGE, La. (UMNS) — A United Methodist church straddling a line between racially divided neighborhoods is repairing homes and, hopefully, relationships in one of the poorest ZIP codes in the city. Kathy L. Gilbert reports, with video from Joey Butler.
Baton Rouge church hosts school
Professor: Division of United Methodist Church ‘a given’
HOUSTON (UMNS) — The World Methodist Conference, underway here through Sept. 3, is a feel-good event bringing together Wesleyan Christians from around the world. But it took a somber turn when the Rev. Ted Campbell, a professor at United Methodist Perkins School of Theology, gave a speech arguing that the division of The United Methodist Church over homosexuality is “a given.” Sam Hodges reports.
Kulah takes over as Liberia interim bishop
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Retired Bishop Arthur Kulah, who was bishop in Liberia for 20 years, has been called out of retirement to serve the Liberia Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church as its interim bishop until 2017. Bishop John Innis, who led the conference since his election in 2000, retired as of Sept. 1. Julu Swen has the story.
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Promoting women’s health in Uganda
SEATTLE (UMNS) — Denise Belista, a member of Beacon United Methodist Church in Seattle, recently returned from serving as a United Methodist global justice volunteer for eight weeks in Kampala, Uganda. Belista talked to Jesse N. Love of the Pacific Northwest Conference about her work supporting development and education on reproductive health through the Days for Girls organization.
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What a difference a name change can make
ROCKY TOP, Tenn. (UMNS) — Two years after changing its name to go along with town leaders, good ol’ Rocky Top United Methodist Church is still home sweet home to a bunch of dedicated members. It’s also finding a new way to serve, reports Annette Spence of the Holston Conference’s The Call.
A parable of storm and faith
NEW YORK (UMC.org) — In his blog post “Overboard,” the Rev. Stephen Bauman tells the story of a woman transformed by a storm at sea and her understanding of the event 20 years later.
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, Sept. 8
Webinar “Basic Youth Leader Resources and Information” — 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. This course will take a look at books, websites, training opportunities and other sources of information for experienced youth ministers as well as those new to the ministry. The information available covers topics such as starting a youth ministry, relating to parents, planning programs and youth worship. Debbie Kolacki, a United Methodist Christian educator and certified lay servant, will lead. Details
Sunday, Sept. 11 and Sunday, Sept. 18
Day 1 — The Rev. Charles Reeb, senior pastor at Pasadena Community Church, a historic United Methodist church in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the featured preacher on “Day 1,” the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org. Details
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