“This is a full-on celebration of the Wesleyan tradition that takes place once every five years.” — Sarah Wilke, program chair for the upcoming World Methodist Conference.
World Methodist Conference looms
HOUSTON (UMNS) — The once-every-five-years World Methodist Conference, set for Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in Houston, will bring together some 2,500 people from Methodist-related groups around the world. There’s no legislation, but plenty of preaching, teaching, singing and mingling, and United Methodists will be in the thick of it. Sam Hodges reports.
Florida ministries help homeless combat Zika
MIAMI (UMNS) — With the looming risk of contracting the Zika virus, the presence of mosquitoes is posing a real health hazard for the homeless. United Methodist churches in Florida are collecting cans of insect repellent and putting together mosquito-killing kits for distribution. D'Ann Lawrence White reports for the Florida Conference.
Bishop retiring to family farm
HOUSTON — Bishop Janice Riggle Huie’s 12-year tenure as Texas Conference leader is almost over, and she’ll be moving back to her family farm in Bee County, Texas. As the first woman to lead that large conference, she is credited with offering energetic, pragmatic leadership and serving as a role model to clergywomen.
Read Houston Chronicle profile
Teddy bear ministry shares smiles
LAKE CHARLES, La. (UMNS) — The Rev. Davis Clark, pastor of Warren United Methodist Church in Lake Charles, hopes that his church’s new teddy bear ministry will meet its goal of sending the stuffed animals to each area hospital with a pediatric unit by the end of 2016. The Louisiana Conference reports on the ministry.
South Central Jurisdiction realignment studied
HOUSTON (UMNS) — A task force has been making plans for the possible realignment of the South Central Jurisdiction. The work is under way because of the likelihood that the jurisdiction will, due to membership losses and Book of Discipline requirements, lose a bishop in 2020. The Texas Conference reports.
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 and adult faith development. $65. Details
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