“This forum is like the first ripple in the water.” — Rio Anne B. Dizon, a United Methodist deaconess, on a United Methodist forum in the Philippines about ministry to and with LGBTQ persons.
Lesbian pastor to take involuntary leave
WICHITA, Kansas (UMNS) — A complaint against the Rev. Cynthia Meyer, a lesbian pastor in Kansas, has ended with her taking an involuntary leave of absence at least until the conclusion of the next General Conference. Her leave is part of a resolution that ends the church complaint against her, and means a scheduled church trial will not go forward. Heather Hahn reports.
Filipinos hold forum on LGBTQ ministry
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — A recent forum on ministry to and with LGBTQ persons provided United Methodists in the Philippines a rare, welcome opportunity for discussion on the subject, organizers said. General Conference 2016, as it grappled with divisions over church law on homosexuality, also was on the agenda. Gladys Mangiduyos reports.
Global Ministries missionary dies in Nigeria
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Onema Lomoto Ombaku, 66, a United Methodist missionary in Nigeria, died on July 29 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. He was being treated for a kidney disorder, said an announcement from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Known as “Ombaku,” his area of expertise was mission finance and he had previously served for Global Ministries in Sierra Leone and his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ecumenical project grants available
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Grants for 2017 to create ecumenical and interreligious ministries on a local level are available from the United Methodist Council of Bishops Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships to groups within the denomination’s conferences. Grant recipients for 2016 organized modular class sessions, sponsored a collaborative women’s retreat and summer urban ministry fellow and created study guides and a video series. The application deadline for 2017 is Sept. 16.
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Dance ministry fosters friendship, fitness
GILBERT, S.C. (UMNS) — Peppy Christian music plays from speakers in the fellowship hall at Beulah United Methodist Church, and the room dims as a dozen women of all ages take their places. Mary Rowell, the pastor’s wife, has introduced the fitness-through-dance program REFIT to help church members enjoy fellowship and get in shape. Jessica Brodie reports for the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate.
7 tips for keeping cool in hot times
CASPER, Wyo. (UMNS) — With the U.S. election season in full swing, concerns about violence around the globe, and The United Methodist Church’s own debates, churchgoers have plenty of reasons to disagree these days. The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, a United Methodist consultant, offers tips for keeping communication open in turbulent times.
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New time for Daily Digest
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist News Service Daily Digest is moving to a new time. The e-newsletter of news from around the United Methodist connection is now sent at 6 a.m. CDT. Beginning Aug. 9, the digest will be sent at 6 p.m. CDT.
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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. 8-Friday, Aug. 19
BeADisciple online course “Leading Public Prayer for Lay Leaders” — This Lay Servant Ministries course aims to help participants effectively prepare and lead various prayer forms, primarily in worship settings. This course follows the required text “Let the Whole Church Say Amen!” by Laurence Hull Stookey (Abingdon Press, 2001). $65. Details
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