“In a season of denominational upheaval, it did our souls good to learn from United Methodists in Zimbabwe.” — The Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson, a district superintendent in the Indiana Conference, on a recent visit to the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Mission trip strengthens partnership, ministries
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — An idea that began with providing chickens for generating income has grown to new collaboration and shared dreams for the Indiana Conference, Wesley Foundation of Purdue University and the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Hurricane Ida recovery, one year later
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Labor Day weekend marked one year since Hurricane Ida unleashed its devastating winds and floods on Pennsylvania. Just over a year earlier, it was Hurricane Isaias. Now the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference’s Project Restoration is making slow but steady progress, helping churches, communities and residents to recover from both storms. Denise Shelton reports.
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North Georgia Conference
Church honored by high school
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Just over a year ago, New Hope United Methodist Church welcomed a new neighbor: a brand-new high school in the church’s backyard. Now, the school has honored New Hope as a “Bronco Backer.” Sybil Davidson has the story of a fruitful community partnership.
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World Council of Churches
2 United Methodists elected to central committee
KARLSRUHE, Germany — The World Council of Churches 11th Assembly elected two United Methodists as members of the ecumenical organization’s central committee. Bishop Sally Dyck, the Council of Bishops ecumenical officer, and the Rev. Ann Jacob, a pastor in Edmonds, Washington, will serve on the 150-member committee that acts as the main decision-making body for the World Council of Churches between assemblies. UM News has more coverage planned of the assembly, including photos from UM News’ Mike DuBose.
See list of members (PDF)
See photos from the WCC Assembly
Council of Bishops
Bishops respond to letter from MARCHA
WASHINGTON — MARCHA, the United Methodist caucus of Hispanic Methodists, issued an open letter of concern Sept. 2 to the Council of Bishops regarding the current complaint filed against Bishop Minerva Carcaño. The letter expresses concern about the handling and extension of the complaint process and requests that the Council of Bishops remove the complaints from the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops and assume responsibility for processing them. In a written response to the caucus, the Council of Bishops acknowledged the grief and pain caused by the unresolved state of the complaint and subsequent suspension of Bishop Carcaño. The bishops also said the adjudication of the complaint process rests with the jurisdictional college of bishops and committee on episcopacy, and that the process has been delayed due to an appeal filed with the Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court. That appeal is still pending. The Council of Bishops said it joins MARCHA and others in prayer for healing for Bishop Carcaño and all who have experienced harm.
Read MARCHA open letter
Archives and History
Local Church Historian School launches Sept. 26
MADISON, N.J. — The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History is offering a Local Church Historian School for anyone interested in telling the story of their church. The curriculum will cover a wide range of skills necessary to research and write about the heritage and legacy of a church. A free, self-directed course is available, and there’s also a guided course with continuing education credits for $150. The school begins on Sept. 26.
Read press release
Enroll
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Responding to substance-use epidemic with hope
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (UM News) — September is Recovery Awareness Month, and the Rev. Matt Johnson encourages churches and faith communities to connect with the recovery work happening in their areas and engage those struggling with substance-use disorder. “Recovery is always a community effort,” he writes.
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UM News series: The Road to Recovery in West Virginia
United Methodist Communications
Showcasing ministry powered by communication
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications will celebrate the power of communication to drive successful ministry during Communications Impact Week Sept. 12-16. The event will showcase how communication resources and tools are empowering ministry near and far. Success stories will be shared via the ResourceUMC website and United Methodist Communications’ social media channels throughout the week.
Read press release
See resources
EVENTS
Monday, Sept. 19-Friday, Oct. 7
Online course: Planning for the Church Emergency
Wednesday, Oct. 5-Friday, Oct. 7
United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network 50th Anniversary Assembly