“There is high optimism that a way forward will unwind itself as the team works together.” — Mazvita Machinga, member of Commission on a Way Forward from Zimbabwe.
Commission ponders structural changes
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The 32 members of the Commission on a Way Forward are getting down to the business of doing what their name says — finding a way for a denomination deeply divided over homosexuality to move forward together. On the table are looser ways to be in connection. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
WCC condemns attacks on Egyptian churches
GENEVA (UMNS) — The World Council of Churches condemned the vicious Palm Sunday attacks on innocent worshippers in St. George (Mar Girgis) Coptic Church in Tanta and in front of St. Mark’s Church in Alexandria, Egypt.
Read story
No rest for church's 'Respite Ministry'
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (UMNS) — The Respite Ministry at First United Methodist Church here was started by Daphne Johnston in 2012 to provide relief for caregivers of people with memory loss due to dementia, Parkinson’s or stroke. Now 120 volunteers provide 11,000 volunteer hours a year in the program. Mary Catherine Phillips reports for the Alabama-West Florida Conference.
Read story
UMW gives Theressa Hoover award grants
NEW YORK (UMNS) — A group of 12 young women who form the New Generation Climate Justice Group and a young woman exploring Swedish family policy and child care are the recipients of the 2017 Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award from United Methodist Women.
Read press release
Loads of Love addresses laundry needs
PEMBERTON, N.J. (UMNS) — Members of Pemberton United Methodist Church recognized that families often had to choose between spending $13 on laundry or buying food. The church responded with Loads of Love, a ministry distributing coins and detergent packages to those in need at the local laundromat. Kaitlynn Deal reports for the Greater New Jersey Conference.
Read story
Commentary: Invoking the Holy Spirit
HOUSTON (UMNS) — The Rev. Walter Fenton, an analyst for Good News, responds to the United Methodists who invoke the Holy Spirit to explain the election and ministry of Bishop Karen Oliveto, the denomination’s first openly gay bishop. Good News is an unofficial advocacy group that urges the denomination to maintain its restrictions against the practice of homosexuality.
Read commentary
LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Saturday, April 15-Sunday, April 16
Easter at Lake Junaluska — Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, 91 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Easter events include a sunrise service, a 5K road race, a children’s Easter egg hunt and more. Details
See more United Methodist events
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.