"People don’t do well when they don’t have water. They need water. It's August." — The Rev. Alicia Coltzer, Texas Conference district superintendent, describing the situation in Beaumont, Texas.
Harvey havoc continues, testing churches
BEAUMONT, Texas (UMNS) — A United Methodist church that became a Tropical Storm Harvey shelter began to take on water, forcing the pastor, volunteers and flood victims into a loft, where they waited hours for rescue. Recovery is underway in some areas, but others are on alert as rivers rise. Beaumont churches are unlikely to have services Sunday because the city water system is shut down. Sam Hodges reports.
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Video: UMCOR's 'Feet on the Ground’
Commentary: 5 Harvey things you don’t expect
Church provides relief to mudslide, flood survivors
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — With more than 1,000 feared dead and thousands more left homeless from the landslide and flooding, The United Methodist Church has stepped up efforts to provide relief for people affected or displaced by the disaster. Phileas Jusu and Julu Swen have the story.
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United Methodists to reconcile in Burundi
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — United Methodists in Burundi have resolved to reconcile after divisions that have affected the witness of the church in the East African country for over a decade. A joint annual conference is planned in February. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Commentary: Praise and protect workers on Labor Day
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — “Collective bargaining and workers’ rights have long been a part of the spiritual DNA of the people called Methodists,” writes Bishop Peggy Johnson in a commentary on honoring Labor Day and its call for human and economic justice.
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Older adults lead church recycling program
YAKIMA, Wash. — Thirty years ago, Wesley United Methodist Church set out an apple bin to collect cans for a Boy Scout project. That simple act blossomed into a church-led recycling program that in 2016 recycled more than 700,000 pounds of materials. The effort is led by retired members of the church. The Rev. Elmer Bigham of the Pacific Northwest Conference has the story.
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Healthy churches make better disciples
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A partnership between the United Methodist South Carolina Conference and the University of South Carolina is creating programs in churches that will help members become healthier disciples for Christ. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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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.
Monday, Sept. 11 — Friday, Sept. 29
Online workshop “Youth Ministry Foundations” — This workshop from BeADisciple.com aims to help participants build a youth ministry that is effective and sustainable. The course will cover control and vision documents, fundraising, parent and family ministry, theological youth ministry, worship, administration and youth culture. It is eligible for 1.0 CEU. $65. Details
Monday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Oct. 1
Online class: Certified Lay Ministry Module 2 — The second Certified Lay Ministry module, led by Joshua Reichard, explores basic skills needed by the certified lay minister, including leading worship, preaching and sharing faith, forming discipleship ministries and providing congregational care. Students must complete module 1 before enrolling in this class. Cost: $45. Details
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