"I can never really thank God and praise God enough for this gift, but at the same time the episcopacy is not only a gift to me, but makes me a gift to the church. That's a tall order, and I want to be a worthy gift to the church." — Bishop Pedro M. Torio Jr. on his re-election.
Torio re-elected bishop in the Philippines
ANGELES CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — Bishop Pedro M. Torio Jr., currently serving as resident bishop of the Baguio area, was re-elected as a United Methodist bishop by delegates at the Philippines Central Conference on Dec. 1. Gladys Mangiduyos reports.
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Joe Hale: Worldwide ministry, sprinkled with magic
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The Rev. Joseph Rice Hale was a committed Methodist who used Houdini-like magic tricks to attract a crowd; counted Pope John Paul II as a friend and united the followers of John Wesley. Linda Bloom has a remembrance of Hale, 81, who died Nov. 14.
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Tornadoes shock churches dealing with fire
ALCOA, Tenn. (UMNS) — Holston Conference churches were already responding to devastation caused by wildfires when tornadoes touched down Nov. 30 in three eastern Tennessee counties. Annette Spence of The Call reports on how United Methodists are responding to these disasters.
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Commentary: The costs of schism
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UMNS) — The Rev. James Howell writes that breaking up The United Methodist Church would be the “worst conceivable witness to the unchurched." He also spells out possible practical consequences of schism for his own church, 5,200-member Myers Park United Methodist.
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Kids love church's Taco Tuesday
SAUGERTIES, N.Y. (UMNS) — More than 40 hungry kids are getting hot meals served by members of the Saugerties United Methodist Church on Tuesday nights. For some, it is the only hot meal they get all week. Robert Ford of the Saugerties Times reports.
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Follow UMNS on Facebook for church news
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Want to keep up with breaking news in The United Methodist Church? You can see the latest news stories on the UMNS Facebook page.
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.
Friday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 11
Lake Junaluska’s Appalachian Christmas — Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, will feature a performance of Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 p.m. EST Dec. 9, and a bluegrass concert by the Cockman Family at 2 p.m. Dec. 10, and a Christmas concert by multiplatinum contemporary Christian band Point of Grace at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Concert tickets are $18 for general admission. Details
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