“Something would be lost and gained either way. We pray for wisdom for the voting delegates.” — Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, talking about proposed bishop term limits.
GC2016: Should bishops have term limits?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Multiple proposals heading to General Conference would limit how long bishops can serve and, in some cases, require them to face re-election. The bishops themselves also have been studying bishop tenure. Heather Hahn reports.
Finding comfort after the flood
CLARKSDALE, Miss. (UMNS) — These days Melanie Henry Schnadelbach is finding comfort in music and the caring of others. Schnadelbach, director of music at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, is one of the Mississippi residents who lost her home in the recent floods. When she finally could assess the damage, United Methodist disaster responders were there. Tamica Smith Jeuitt of the Mississippi Conference reports.
Make a prayer lantern for GC2016 climate vigil
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — United Methodists are invited to celebrate Earth Sunday by making or decorating a prayer lantern for use at climate vigil before General Conference 2016. The Pacific Northwest Conference is hosting the vigil on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center Plaza. The Rev. Jenny Phillips writes about how churches can make the lanterns to celebrate Earth Sunday.
Click here to learn more about the vigil
Click here to RSVP on Facebook
BU offers online course on ethical leadership
BOSTON (UMNS) — The Boston University School of Theology, a United Methodist seminary, is joining with the university’s School of Education to offer a Massive Open Online Course on ethical leadership. Walter E. Fluker, professor in the theology school, is teaching. The course debuts May 24.
Congressional leaders make civil rights pilgrimage
COLUMBIA, S.C. (UMNS) — Congressional leaders and a prominent United Methodist leader spent three days digging into South Carolina’s extensive civil rights history and listening to stories of pain and reconciliation. Jessica Brodie reports for the South Carolina Advocate.
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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.
Tuesday, April 5 and Tuesday, April 12
Webinars “Writing a Safe Sanctuaries Policy, Sessions 1 & 2” — Each is at 6 p.m. CDT. These two webinars are designed for congregations that don’t have a written Safe Sanctuaries Policy. They will prepare a core team of four to five individuals to work with the congregation to write a policy that covers children, youth and vulnerable adults, as well as provide information on how to train trustees, teachers, parents and pastors on the implementation of that policy. The webinars’ leader will be Cassandra Negri, a children’s ministry and Safe Sanctuaries consultant for the New York Conference. Details
Sunday, April 10
Native American Ministries Sunday — Offerings for this special Sunday fund urban ministries with Native Americans, scholarships for Native American attending United Methodist seminaries and conference Native American ministries. Details
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