“You would think the rapture had come.” — The Rev. Kermit “K.C.” Roberson, speaking on the effects of flooding on a Louisiana cemetery.
Floods reopen decades of grief when caskets disturbed
DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (UMNS) — The flooding in Louisiana was powerful enough to raise concrete crypts and caskets out of the ground at Plainview Cemetery and toss them around like boats, bringing pain to family members and the congregation at Roberts United Methodist Church in Denham Springs, which cares for the cemetery. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story and Joey Butler has a video.
Watch video interview with pastor
Clergywomen's event offers celebration, frank talk
HOUSTON (UMNS) — The Global United Methodist Clergywomen’s Gathering, occurring in conjunction with the World Methodist Conference, drew some 450 participants from 27 countries. The event included celebration of advances for women clergy, but also frank talk about lingering challenges of justice, equity and living out the ideal of a worldwide church. Sam Hodges reports.
Bishops delay naming commission
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Council of Bishops executive committee has delayed naming members to the Commission on a Way Forward. The committee wants more time to consider more than 300 nominees for the body charged with reviewing and potentially recommending changes to church teachings on sexuality.
World Methodist Council relies on UMC funding
HOUSTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church will continue to provide the bulk of the financial backing to support the budget of the World Methodist Council for the next five years. The Rev. Maidstone Mulenga of the Baltimore-Washington Conference reports.
Protesters arrested, residents afraid to work
BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — United Methodists in Beni report that bodies believed to be victims of the Aug. 13 massacre are still being found. Meanwhile, a civilian and police officer were killed at a protest march against terrorism and residents are afraid to tend crops. Judith Yanga has the story.
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.
Tuesday, Sept. 6
Deadline to register for two online courses offered by United Methodist Communications — United Methodist Communications will offer the following courses Sept. 7 to Oct. 19: “Communicating Faith in the 21st Century” and “Welcoming Ministry 100.” Details
Tuesday, Sept. 6 to Monday, Sept. 12
Online course "Using the Common English Bible: A Primer” from BeADisciple.com — The Common English Bible is the latest translation that is supported by The United Methodist Church. This course will examine the unique translation features of the Common English Bible and what it means to United Methodists in Bible study, preaching and personal reflection. Students will need a copy of the Common English Bible. One CEU will be awarded. $30. Details
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