"Arkansas death row inmate Ledell Lee's last meal request before being executed last night? Holy Communion — the body and blood of Jesus Christ." — The Rev. Britt Skarda, pastor of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Clergy react to Arkansas execution
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) — Legal challenges stopped three of four planned executions in Arkansas this week, but Ledell Lee was put to death on April 20. United Methodist clergy are among those who spoke out against the plans for multiple executions. Kathy L. Gilbert updates the story.
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Church connects with Native American foods
DALLAS — The Dallas Indian Mission United Methodist Church has a remarkable history and a great way with food. “Friday Night Frybread and More” is a church tradition. And its recent wild onion dinner, drawing on a traditional Native American recipe, had people lined up before the doors opened. Linda Stallard Johnson reports for the North Texas Conference.
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Why we are called United Methodists
DALLAS (UMC.org) — There have been many nicknames for the band of believers who followed the lead of John and Charles Wesley in their early ministry in England. On April, 23, 1968, United Methodists got their current moniker on what was the denomination’s official birthdate. Fran Coode Walsh has the story.
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Tiny house provides many lessons
DE PERE, Wis. (UMC.org) — The Rev. Rebecca Rutter was finishing seminary, pastoring a church and parenting three children. She needed something to help her relax, so she built a tiny house. Along the way, the United Methodist pastor learned about going green, living simply and making room for Jesus in her busy life. Joe Iovino has the story and podcast.
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Pastor and dentist roast coffee, change lives
DOUGLAS, Ga. — In the heart of Coffee County, Georgia, a dentist and a part-time local pastor are helping make disciples and transform a small part of the world, one cup of coffee at a time. Kara Witherow of the South Georgia Conference reports on how the two United Methodists have created an artisanal coffee company that supports mission.
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Wespath plans listening session May 12
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Wespath Benefits and Investments, the United Methodist pension board, invites interested plan participants to address the board of directors during a listening session at 9 a.m., Central, May 12 at the Hilton Chicago/Northbrook, 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, Ill. To place your name and topic on the agenda, contact Colette Nies at [email protected] by April 28.
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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.
Sunday, April 30
Native American Ministries Sunday — This Special Sunday is observed on April 30 this year. The offering supports Native American outreach within annual conferences, provides seminary scholarships for Native Americans, and strengthens, develops and equips Native American rural, urban and reservation congregations, ministries and communities. Get resources
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