"I see this as a critical moment to live out my faith. If I can raise my voice through an act of nonviolent resistance like civil disobedience to encourage members of Congress to act on behalf of DACA recipients, I will."— Rebecca Cole, director of organizing for the denomination’s Board of Church and Society.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Protest for Dreamers leads to arrests
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — United Methodists were among hundreds arrested on the steps of the U.S. Capitol as they demonstrated in support of the DREAM Act. Heather Hahn reports.
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East Ohio Conference
Growing arts ministry births modern baptismal font
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Faith United Methodist Church has a growing arts ministry that invites people to discover their creativity and provides opportunities for them to use their talent. In May, the group was asked to design a new baptismal font for the church’s modern worship service. The finished piece surprised even the artists. Rick Wolcott reports.
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Global Ministries
Safe water for Mayan communities
SANTA APOLONIA, Guatemala — Maria Santos Baquiax often made 12 trips on foot with two heavy jugs and a baby strapped to her back to get water. Although the water was contaminated, she used it for cooking, laundry and personal hygiene. Thanks to a partnership between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and Asociación Bienestar Progreso Desarollo, Baquiax and other Mayan families now enjoy safe water at home. Bella DiFilippo reports.
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Greater New Jersey Conference
Church connecting with music, veggies
FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — Franklin Lakes United Methodist is connecting to the community by growing vegetables and by hosting local musicians at a coffee house inside the church's nearly 100-year-old-sanctuary. The Rev. Alison V. Philip has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Global Ministries, Board of Church and Society
2 agency heads: Jerusalem should be 'city of peace'
WASHINGTON — The top executives of two United Methodist agencies said the decision by President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. embassy there goes against 70 years of consensus within the international community. Thomas Kemper and the Rev. Susan-Henry Crowe pointed to a 2016 resolution that spells out the denomination’s vision of a shared Jerusalem, as a city of peace and reconciliation.
Read statement
Read resolution
World Methodist Council statement
Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Book features scholarly statements on unity, sexuality
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new collection of essays provides help to United Methodists struggling with issues of sexuality and church unity. “Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness” showcases presentations made at a March 2017 academic colloquy. The book is sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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‘Missio Dei’ proves challenging colloquy topic
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. 8-Monday, Jan. 22
Developing a dynamic praise and worship experience, online workshop
Monday, Jan. 8-Wednesday, Jan. 31
Crossing the bridge: Life after loss, online workshop
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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