Artist Contreda Navarro-Jewell is using her talents and teaching skills to provide art therapy in Detroit area churches. A member of Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield, Mich., Navarro-Jewell teaches children there and has served as the art director for the district’s Urban Methodist Youth Camp during the summer.
Kids Free Christmas Shopping helps youngsters buy Christmas gifts for their families, and the price is right: free. ARK United Methodist Church in South Dakota and Velva United Methodist Church in North Dakota work together on the project each year. “It is such a joy to see the faces of the children … and the delight in the volunteers that are helping.”
The Rev. Deen Thompson is an ordained elder again nearly 50 years after he was removed from ministry because of his sexuality. “This moment was important for Deen, so it was important period,” said Louisiana Conference Bishop Delores J. Williamston.
For over a decade, Klein United Methodist Church in Spring, Texas, has turned Thanksgiving into a celebration of generosity, community and connection. This year, the congregation expects to serve more than 1,000 people at its annual Thanksgiving Feast.
