"Are we 'ready to cross every boundary to call for true human dignity among all peoples?'" — Bishop Thomas Bickerton, quoting the Theology of Mission statement of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
Migration as a mission challenge, blessing
ATLANTA (UMNS) — The conflicts, the numbers, the news coverage, the politics — every aspect of what is happening to refugees and migrants signals a global crisis. The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries addressed concerns about migration during its April 20-22 spring meeting. Linda Bloom reports.
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Read more about Kemper's speech
Grants for disaster recovery, health needs
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Five United Methodist conferences handling major disaster response projects and four church-related health boards in Africa will receive new grants from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Linda Bloom has the story.
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'Go Gray' to fight pediatric brain tumors
ALCOA, Tenn. — After three children in the Holston Conference were diagnosed with brain tumors, a group of parents and churches in the conference are supporting a new fundraising and awareness event. “Go Gray Sunday,” scheduled May 7, aims to fight pediatric brain tumors through research. Annette Spence reports.
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Planting seeds for sustainability
NAPLES, Fla. — “John Wesley preached environmental protection. What would the world look like if we practiced creation care every day?” Elan Brown, chair of the Florida Conference Creation Care, poses that question in her ministry. She and other United Methodists are joining in efforts across Florida to take better care of the environment. Joel Henderson reports for the Florida Conference.
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Desert Southwest ministry to immigrants
PHOENIX — The Future AZ Justice For Our Neighbors will welcome immigrants by providing affordable, high-quality legal services to low-income immigrants, engaging in advocacy for immigrant rights and offering education to communities of faith and the public. The Desert Southwest Conference has already raised $32,500 toward a goal of $115,000 for the project.
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With reconciliation, cemetery returns home
WASHINGTON — Dumbarton and Mount Zion United Methodist churches have a long history. In 1816, Mount Zion was formed when African-American members left Dumbarton to form their own congregation after enduring discrimination and oppression. The church’s current pastors, the Revs. Mary Kay Totty and Johnsie Cogman, tell how these two historic congregations in the U.S. capital have reconciled and settled ownership of a cemetery.
Read Baltimore-Washington Conference story
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.
Friday, April 28
Tenth Annual United Methodist Caretakers of God’s Creation Conference — 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia. Participants also can take part in the National People’s Climate Movement March in Washington the following day, April 29. Details
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