"Providing for retired pastors and spouses across the central conferences is the right thing to do and (the Board of Discipleship) is blessed to be able to contribute to this important fund." - The Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
$25 million central conference pension goal reached
GLENVIEW, Ill. (UMNS) - The United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits announced Wednesday that the Central Conference Pension Initiative reached its $25 million challenge goal with a $217,000 "tithe" contribution from the Board of Discipleship board of directors. The initiative addressed the challenge to provide a long-term foundation for retirement security for dedicated pastors outside the United States who would otherwise have little or no pension support when they retire from ministry.
Read news release
Wedding bells sound challenge for church
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) - On Oct. 26, Joe Openshaw and Bobby Prince will participate in a holy ceremony officiated and blessed by United Methodist retired Bishop Melvin Talbert in the presence of their family and friends. The three are publicly defying the denomination's law book, which states marriage is only between a man and a woman and that no ordained United Methodist elder can officiate at a same-sex union. Openshaw and Prince say they feel that a holy wedding will "make their lives complete."
Read story and post a comment
Resources for Laity Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Lay people make all the difference in The United Methodist Church, which is why the denomination celebrates Laity Sunday each year. This year's celebration is Sunday, Oct. 20. United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers resources to celebrate and cultivate lay leaders.
Learn more
Ever seen a 'John Wesley' jack-o-lantern?
MCKENZIE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The Rev. Jason W. Jones at McKenzie First United Methodist Church is a talented pumpkin carver. Lane Gardner Camp of the Memphis Annual (regional) Conference has his story, and you will have to click on the link to see Jones' carving on John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.
Read story
Wesley accepting applications for leadership doctorate
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - United Methodist-related Wesley Theological Seminary is accepting applications for doctor of ministry in church leadership excellence. The application deadline is Dec. 2 for the May 2014 cohort in Washington. The program draws on the combined resources of the Wesley faculty and the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
Learn more
UMTV: Church meal for military
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - When the New Providence United Methodist Church decided to create a ministry to support members of its congregation, it became a real family affair. Located near Fort Campbell military base, the church started the Eagles' Wings Ministry to pair military families with sponsors who help shepherd the children and spouses of deployed soldiers.
Watch video
Faithful Filibuster continues at U.S. Capitol
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Leaders of the Faithful Filibuster, which marked its seventh day Oct. 16, gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol Building before sunrise for a short service of prayer, Scripture and hymns. The "Faithful Filibuster" aims to remind congressional leaders of the biblical mandate to protect the most vulnerable people.
Read story
'It is truly all about the connection'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - In a commentary on why he is a United Methodist, Moses Kumar, the top executive of the denomination's General Council on Finance and Administration, notes that "United Methodists may not always agree on the best way to solve the problems of this world. But what we do all agree on is that we can do greater work together as one body than we can do by ourselves separately."
Read commentary
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.