"We’re so excited over the decision, and mindful of all the people who have worked so hard to get to this point." — the Rev. David Wilson, on the federal ruling that the Dakotas Access Pipeline must be re-routed.
Standing Rock decision cheered
MITCHELL, S.D. (UMNS) — United Methodists who supported the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s protest of the Dakotas Access Pipeline cheered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to deny construction under a dammed section of the Missouri River, and to look for alternative routes.
Bishop Juan re-elected in Philippines
ANGELES CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan was re-elected as a United Methodist bishop by delegates at the Philippines Central Conference. Gladys Mangiduyos reports on where he and the other Philippines bishops are assigned.
Torio re-elected bishop in the Philippines
Francisco re-elected bishop in Philippines
Agency report: Archives and History
MADISON, N.J. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History made its presence known at General Conference 2016 and also helped many students through grants and scholarships. Part of a series of reports on the work each general agency accomplished in 2016.
WCC: Aleppo's child victims 'unacceptable'
GENEVA (WCC) — The World Council of Churches has urged an immediate cessation of airstrikes and bombardments on Aleppo, Syria. “It is unacceptable that children should become victims in this way,” said the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit in a Dec. 4 statement.
$1 million grant addresses pastors' finances
MINNEAPOLIS (UMNS) — The Dakotas-Minnesota Area has received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The funding will be used to help pastors develop stronger financial literacy skills, reduce or eliminate personal debt and become equipped to foster a theology of generosity within their congregations. Christa Meland and Doreen Gosmire report.
Grandma's kindness inspires church volunteer
NEW YORK (UMC.org) — The Church of the Village, a United Methodist congregation, is thankful for the volunteers who keep their weekly community meal and food pantry going. One of the most stalwart is member Sheila Washington. This video tells her story.
Pastor aims to help poor with tiny homes
DETROIT (UMNS) — In Detroit’s urban core — ravaged by depopulation, unemployment and abandonment — the Rev. Faith Fowler is building something big with tiny homes. Duke Divinity School’s online magazine Faith and Leadership has the story on this new United Methodist endeavor.
Weekly Digest correction: Water is a human right
ATLANTA (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has changed the date for its awareness event and press conference about access to water and the Standing Rock situation but an item in the Dec. 2 UMNS Weekly Digest still reflected the old date. The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. EST Dec. 12 at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta.
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.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Deadline to register for Creating a Culture of Renewal for churches in New England, Tuesday, Jan. 17 to Thursday, June 29, 2017 — The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, a United Methodist church consultant, leads this series of events aimed at helping churches reach their God-given potential. The opening retreat is 3 p.m. EST Tuesday, Jan. 17 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine. The closing retreat will be held from 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday, June 27 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 29 at Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine. In between, there will be monthly online group meetings at times to be announced. To register
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