"We had a lot of students and teachers there, lots of deep connections. Our families were waiting to get notice that their child was fine. … People are still in shock.” — The Rev. Vance Rains, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Coral Springs, Florida, on the Ash Wednesday shooting at a nearby high school.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Pastors, churches respond to Florida school massacre
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (UMNS) — United Methodist pastors near the Ash Wednesday mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, found themselves rewriting sermons and offering counseling and consolation to grief-struck parishioners. United Methodist leaders also responded to the horrific attack, with some renewing calls for legislation to curb gun violence. Sam Hodges reports.
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Administrative agencies support church's ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — From helping The United Methodist Church understand how the past informs the denomination’s future to managing $23 billion in pension assets, the work of the administrative agencies touches ministry in myriad ways. Last in a series.
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Church preaches peaceful Sierra Leone elections
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone is working to curb election violence across the country ahead of March 7 elections. A team of young adults hit the road this month to promote an anti-violence message. The campaign is aimed at young people who often are targeted by politicians to incite violence. Phileas Jusu reports.
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Board of Global Ministries
Lent as joyful preparation
ATLANTA — The start of Lent was a strange day, the Rev. Justo Gonzalez told those gathered for an Ash Wednesday service at Global Ministries’ headquarters: “… As we consider fasting, all of society around us is feasting.” Elliott Wright has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Board of Church and Society
Congressman talks about peace in Korea
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie — a Kentucky Republican and United Methodist — talks about peace on the Korean Peninsula with Mark Harrison of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
Read interview
Committee on Faith and Order
Faith and Order reviews church feedback
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The United Methodist Committee on Faith and Order reviewed church feedback on a statement on United Methodist ecclesiology. The committee said the feedback on "Wonder, Love and Praise" will provide a clear vision for redrafting the document to inspire the church “to more fully live into its mission and ministry as part of Christ’s body, the church.”
Read press release
RESOURCES
Commission on Religion and Race
Resources for observing Black History Month
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race provides small group resources, reading lists and other materials to help churches observe Black History Month.
Get resources
RECENT HEADLINES
Evangelists aim to bring Bible to life
Membership agencies focus on advocacy, connections
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, Feb. 19-Friday, March 23
Online class: “Fallible Followers — The Disciples in Mark, and Us”
Monday, Feb. 19-Sunday, March 4
Online Lay Servant Workshop: “Come to the Table”
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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