"It is only when our love grows cold, that we can think of separating from our brethren." — John Wesley in his sermon "On Schism."
What John Wesley teaches about church unity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — John Wesley throughout his life argued against the Methodist movement completely separating from the Church of England. However, when it comes to Wesley and church unity, Wesleyan scholars say the example he set is complicated. Heather Hahn reports.
Agency report: Wespath Benefits and Investments
GLENVIEW, Ill. (UMNS) — While continuing to manage around $21 billion in church assets in a manner that honors the principles of United Methodism, the newly named Wespath Benefits and Investments also “does good” through programs like microfinancing in developing nations. Part of a series of reports on the work each general agency accomplished in 2016.
A pastor's take on pipeline controversy
REDFIELD, S. D. (UMNS) — The Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd, pastor of Redfield United Methodist Church, says the Dakota Access Pipeline fight comes down to “the struggle between the modern world’s thirst for oil and the created world’s need for clean water.”
Protest over deportation from Tel Aviv airport
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Among those protesting the detention and deportation of the only African in a World Council of Churches delegation arriving Dec. 5 at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv is Thomas Kemper, top executive, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. “I commend WCC General Secretary Olav Fykse Tveit for asking legal representatives to enter an appeal of what he called ‘patently unjust and discriminatory action,’ Kemper wrote in a Dec. 7 statement.
UMW sets assembly theme for 2018
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The 2018 Assembly of United Methodist Women will mark both the official celebration of the organization’s 150th anniversary and a return to the location of the first Assembly — Columbus, Ohio — in 1942. The theme of the May 18-20, 2018 event is “The Power of Bold.”
Wesley's sermons published in Spanish
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Two compilations of John Wesley’s sermons translated into Spanish have been published by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Agtarap to head New Church Starts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Bener Baysa Agtarap, superintendent for congregational vitality in the California-Nevada Conference, has been named associate general secretary of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries. He will lead New Church Starts, also known as Path 1.
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.
Tuesday, Jan. 10
Webinar "Healthy Families Series: (Social Health) Tackling Challenges of Clergy Families" — 2 p.m. CST. This webinar looks at the unique stresses for clergy families including sexism and racism and how the church can be supportive and demonstrate God’s love for families across many experiences. Details
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