“As two congregations — one in Britain and one in Germany — we are saying ‘yes’ to the possibility of peace in world of conflict by sharing a Christmas Eve connection with those we once called ‘enemy.’” — Liturgy for “Christmas Truce” 100th anniversary observance.
WWI truce spurs Christmas Eve call for peace
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Two Methodist congregations — one in England and one in Germany — are using the 100th anniversary of the unofficial “Christmas Truce” of World War I for a joint Christmas Eve service, to signal the hope for peace in today’s conflicted world. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Communications agency a leader at global summit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Ebola crisis makes a real case for why communications technologies are so desperately needed in low-resource parts of the world. United Methodist Communications took a leadership role in the 2014 GETHealth Summit, aimed at closing communication gaps that exist among health workers and their communities.
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Kenya church leaders alarmed by targeting of Christians
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist and evangelical African Inland leaders say attacks by Somalia’s al-Shabab militants in Kenya are increasingly taking on an anti-Christian tenor, including targeted executions of non-Muslims. At a Dec. 10 news conference, the leaders called upon Muslims to redouble efforts to preach religious tolerance and end youth radicalization. Fredrick Nzwili reports for Religion News Service.
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Hot wings, church and a Letterman shout-out
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) — Riverchase United Methodist Church wants to reach people who are more comfortable seated in a booth than a pew, so it’s launching a worship service at a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings on Dec. 14. The AL.com story inspired the Top 10 list on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” His focus: what people might overhear at a Buffalo Wild Wings church.
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Christmas season: More joy, less stress
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — What's not to love about the holiday season? People are a little more generous, your favorite coffee shop has its seasonal drink ready and there are more than enough gatherings to fill a social calendar. Joyous? Sure. Stressful? No doubt. Rethink Church offers some tips to make this season a little less frenetic and a little more meaningful.
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Advent quiz: Why is Blue Christmas worship often on Dec. 21?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Many churches hold “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night” services on December 21. Why?
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UMC.org Advent quiz
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