"As United Methodists, we cherish our brothers and sisters from all parts of the world and we believe that God loves all creation regardless of where they live or where they come from." — Bishop Bruce R. Ough on President Trump’s remarks about immigrants.
Council of Bishops
Bishops condemn Trump's remarks
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Council of Bishops has condemned President Trump’s reported remarks about immigrants from Haiti and Africa. “We will not stand by and allow our brothers and sisters to be maligned in such a crude manner. We call on all United Methodists, all people of faith, and the political leadership of the United States to speak up and speak against such demeaning and racist comments,” Bishop Bruce Ough, the council's president, said on behalf of the bishops.
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NEWS AND FEATURES
Blind artist beats odds, gives back
LEAWOOD, Kan. (UMC.org) — A legally blind artist who taught himself to paint while undergoing chemotherapy as a child has raised millions for charity with his art. Celebrities like Elton John and Billy Joel are among those who have bought paintings by Jeff Hanson, a young United Methodist.
Watch video
Texas Conference
Refugees become a team, on field and off
HOUSTON — As part of its investment in at-risk youth, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Gethsemane built a soccer field and changed the lives of a group of Congolese refugees. The United Methodist congregation is one of the 26 area churches partnering with reVision Houston, whose CEO organized the young men into a competitive soccer team. The team has received the $120,000 Youth Sports Matter Award from Dick’s Sporting Goods. Sherri Gragg reports.
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Watch team video produced for Dick’s Sporting Goods
Greater New Jersey Conference
Church joins Harry Potter market event
NEWTON, N.J. — First United Methodist Church joined in when a group of merchants transformed the town’s original shopping district into Diagon Alley, the magical market from the Harry Potter series. Members transformed themselves into the Hogwarts School Choir of Singing Frogs. Josh Kinney reports.
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Commercial Appeal
Steeple raising for downtown church
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — First United Methodist Church raised the steeple Jan. 11 on its new sanctuary — the crowning outward touch on the downtown church's comeback from a devastating 2006 fire. Wayne Risher reports on how the new steeple reflects the historic church’s changing mission.
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PRESS RELEASES
Higher Education and Ministry
Agency names leadership development director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry announced the appointment of Sarah E. Bollinger as the director of leadership development in collegiate ministry. She starts Jan. 16.
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Lifewatch
Lifewatch holds annual worship service
WASHINGTON — The annual Lifewatch worship service will be at 9:30 a.m. EST Jan. 19 at the United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave. Delivering the sermon will be the Rev. David F. Watson, professor of New Testament and vice president for academic affairs and academic dean at United Methodist United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Following the March for Life, Lifewatch will have its board meeting at 3 p.m. in the United Methodist Building. Lifewatch is an unofficial United Methodist group that advocates against abortion.
To learn more
EDITOR'S NOTE
No Daily Digest on Jan. 15
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no UMNS Daily Digest on Monday, Jan. 15. The digest will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
RECENT HEADLINES
Way Forward Commission tops 2017 news stories
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.
Sunday, Jan. 14
Monday, Jan. 22–Friday, Feb. 23
Online book study: Lord, It’s Boring in My Prayer Closet
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