"You’re not doing anything wrong, yet they won’t accept you. And you are in dire need." — An immigrant reflecting on Mary and Joseph’s search for room in Bethlehem, far from their home in Nazareth.
Photo courtesy of the Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo
NEWS AND FEATURES
How an immigrant family found room at the inn
CHICAGO (UMNS) — Las Posadas is the Mexican tradition of re-enacting Joseph and Mary’s search for safe lodging for Christ’s birth. For at least one immigrant family, the tradition has special resonance. Heather Hahn reports how the family found safety with the help of the United Methodist ministry Justice for Our Neighbors.
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South Georgia Conference
Church's crops help grow congregation
CORDELE, Ga. — Midway United Methodist Church has deep agricultural roots and a former farmer as pastor. So it made sense for the church to begin a food and gleaning ministry in a field on its property. The conference has the story on how the church blossomed alongside its produce.
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Joseph: A model of faith and fatherhood
LEAWOOD, Kan. (UMC.org) — He is pivotal to the Christmas story, yet the Bible doesn’t tell us much about the quiet man who parented Jesus. The Rev. Joe Iovino talks to the Rev. Adam Hamilton of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection about what Joseph teaches us.
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Global Ministries
Friends of Lithuania focus on self-sufficiency
BIRSTONAS, Lithuania — Lithuania has 2.9 million people, but only four full-time United Methodist pastors and a handful of lay leaders. A group called Friends of Lithuania is focusing on strengthening self-sufficiency and developing leadership for The United Methodist Church here. Ivy Couch reports.
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Greater New Jersey Conference
New Jersey church connects with Mongolia
MENDHAM, N.J. — It’s called “Hot Lunch Fund” and it’s the newest mission project of the Mendham United Methodist Church. Collaborating with Huree University, a United Methodist-supported college in Mongolia, the church is raising funds for student lunches in a country with poor financial resources. Mark Shenise reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Book helps clergy navigate early days of ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new book that features information about first appointments, first sermons, leadership development and community involvement can help clergy navigate the early days of their ministry. The Rev. F. Belton Joyner Jr. wrote “The United Methodist Clergy Book of Firsts” especially for licensing school and Course of Study students. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry published the book.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Praying, singing as white supremacists rally
EVENTS
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, Jan. 15-Sunday, Feb. 4
Online class: Evangelism — how to love your neighbors to Christ
Monday, Jan. 15-Monday, March 12
Online class: Methodist identity — our story (Wesley Lay Academy Course)
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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