“I find this agreement to be making official what has been a reality all along. We are brothers and sisters, and we do share so much.” — The Rt. Rev. J. Christian Giesler on the Moravian-United Methodist agreement.
Shared DNA: Moravians and United Methodists
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Throughout the Rt. Rev. J. Christian Giesler’s life, there has always been a United Methodist church — and a community partner — close by. So it made perfect sense to Giesler, a bishop in the Moravian Church, that the two denominations follow a closer path to unity. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Central conferences to elect bishops
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Over the coming months and into next spring, the United Methodist central conferences — church regions in Africa, Asia and Europe — will meet to elect new bishops. Joey Butler offers an overview.
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Pastor’s daughter wins national cooking prize
SELLERSVILLE, Pa. (UMNS) — The 9-year-old daughter of a United Methodist clergyman won first place on a nationally televised children’s cooking competition show. Lucy Chelton, whose parents are on the ministry staff of Christ United Methodist Church in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, is sharing part of her $10,000 prize with FISH, a program that provides food, clothing, school supplies and other needs to low-income families with children. John Coleman reports for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.
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Why the best days are ordinary days
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Many Christians label the season after Pentecost and before Advent as ordinary time. Chris Fenoglio writes in a commentary about how this time in the church year can be an important reminder to lead a Christian life not just on Sundays or special occasions.
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Young people work for change in racial justice
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Young black and white leaders in The United Methodist Church are organizing resources and support to help the church effect sustainable change so people of color can live and lead in a more just and viable culture. The effort grew out of a meeting in Dallas with young people from each U.S. jurisdiction. The meeting was organized by Young People’s Ministries, a division of Discipleship Ministries.
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Caring for children in your church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCom) — Ministering to the needs of children in a congregation means praying for them, acknowledging them and including them, writes Tricia Brown for United Methodist Communications. She offers tips on how to make sure children are welcomed by the church.
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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.
Monday, Aug. 22-Friday, Sept. 2
Online course “Teach Adults” from BeADisciple.com — This two-week, interactive course is approved by Discipleship Ministries for lay servants. It aims to help participants improve their ability to guide adult learners through their faith development. Topics include multiple intelligences, adult faith development and learning hooks. $65. Details
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