“The big ʿwhy’ in all of this is that people are asking for it.” — The Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards of Discipleship Ministries, on plans for a new United Methodist hymnal.
GC2016: Turning page on new, high-tech hymnal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Delegates to General Conference 2016 will be asked to approve the first steps to develop a new hymnal for The United Methodist Church. Church leaders want it to be Internet cloud-based and print on demand, with the contents customizable by congregations. Sam Hodges reports.
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Church providing shelter, food for quake survivors
QUITO, Ecuador (UMNS) — The church is responding with aid and prayers in the wake of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake here. Sara Flores, a United Methodist missionary appointed to Quito, reports that a warehouse used for worship services is providing shelter for those displaced by the quake. Members of another church will donate their crops to help. Michelle Maldonado and Joey Butler have the story.
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United Methodist celebrates years at National Cathedral
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — For the past eight years, the Rev. Gina Campbell, a United Methodist elder, has helped plan worship services at the Washington National Cathedral, an Episcopal church. She is departing to teach at United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary, but not without recognition from faith leaders around the nation's capital. Erik Alsgaard reports for the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
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Jackie Robinson’s Methodist beginnings
NEW YORK — Tony Carnes, editor and publisher of “A Journey through NYC Religions,” takes a look at baseball great Jackie Robinson’s long faith journey, which began when a Methodist pastor, the Rev. Karl Everitt Downs, reached out to the young Robinson.
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United Methodists launch French-language portal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist Communications has launched a French-language portal at UMC.org, the denomination’s official website. The site provides resources, history, news and other information about The United Methodist Church, including details about General Conference 2016.
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What does GC2016 mean to my church?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — What happens at General Conference and what does that mean to your local congregation? Joe Iovino reports on how action at the denomination’s top legislative body affects local churches.
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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.
Saturday, April 30
Regular registration deadline for Music & Worship Arts Week 2016 at Lake Junaluska — Music & Worship Arts Week (Sunday-Friday, June 19-24, at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center) is an event highlighting the arts, worship, education and renewal in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina at Lake Junaluska, presented by The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. Designed for all worship leaders, musicians, artists, dancers, actors and pastors, as well as children and youth. $344 adult; $179 children and youth. Beginning May 1, all registration rates increase by $30. Details
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