"My thing has always been to create a fresh expression of church so that I feel Jesus is walking in the neighborhood.” — Winnie Baffoe, Methodist Church in Britain.
Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS
NEWS AND FEATURES
British Methodists open doors to stay relevant
LONDON (UMNS) — Like their U.S. counterparts, British Methodist churches face both challenges and opportunities in an increasingly secular society. This is the first of an occasional series of stories, “British Methodism: Staying Relevant in Wesley’s Homeland.” Linda Bloom has the story and Mike DuBose has the photos.
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Next: In northern England, a dying church starts a men’s health group and joins forces with another small congregation to become a real presence in the community.
New UMW training center opens in Sierra Leone
BO, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — The Sierra Leone Conference is celebrating the opening of a new United Methodist Women’s Training Center. The United Methodist Church in Germany donated $142,000 to build the new center, which will offer more space to provide skills training to disadvantaged women and girls. Phileas Jusu reports.
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Florida Conference
Largo church partners with 9 schools
LARGO, Fla. — Anona United Methodist Church works with nine different schools in the community in an effort to create healthy students and families. Projects include reading programs, restoration of a butterfly garden, and a middle school program to match boys with role models in the community. Yvette C. Hammett has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Board of Higher Education and Ministry
A book for Puerto Rico
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Spanish-language book, the title of which translates to “Choose Wisdom: How to Serve and Use Our Words and Money to Do Good,” has been published by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The Rev. Eric A. Hernández López wrote the book to equip local churches and leaders in Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria.
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Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center
Meditation pier at Lake Junaluska
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — A meditation pier that will extend over 40 feet into the water and seat up to eight people is under construction at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. The pier, which will provide a scenic spot for reflection, is expected to be open to the public by Easter.
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COMMENTARIES
Board of Church and Society
#MeToo shows how women and girls are harmed
WASHINGTON — Not everyone can share their stories about sexual harassment or assault. “But, the #MeToo movement is creating spaces for some voices to be heard,” writes Susan Greer Burton of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. “And it’s absolutely making a difference.”
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RECENT HEADLINES
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Africa University's top fundraiser endows scholarship
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. 26-Saturday, March 17
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection
Tuesday, Feb. 27
Live Q&A: Social Media for Churches
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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