“Church is where we learn and are reminded of who we are and how we fit into God’s larger story. … But that cannot be where we stop.” — The Rev. Heather Heinzman Lear, director of evangelism ministries for the Board of Discipleship.
How do United Methodists define evangelism?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Heather Lear, director of evangelism ministries for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, offers ideas to share the Good News in the Wesleyan way.
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A New Year’s resolution that will transform the church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Gil Hanke, top executive of the Commission on United Methodist Men, suggests how churches can cultivate small groups that turn “pew sitters” into disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity resources
NEW YORK (UMNS) — United Methodists around the world are encouraged to participate in the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is Jan. 18-25 this year. The Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships, United Methodist Council of Bishops, has online resources.
See resources
Cardinal celebrates ecumenism at United Methodist church
SUDBURY, Mass. (UMNS) — Catholic Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley preached at a special service at Sudbury United Methodist Church in honor of the 50th anniversary of Cardinal Richard Cushing’s historic visit to the same congregation to discuss the Second Vatican Council’s efforts toward Christian unity. United Methodist Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, who leads the New England Annual (regional) Conference, also presided at the service, along with the Rev. Joel B. Guillemette, pastor of the host church. The Boston Globe has the story.
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Cardinal, United Methodist pastor team up on baptism renewal
SUDBURY, Mass. (UMNS) — The Rev. Anne Robertson has baptized more infants and youngsters than she can count in her years as a United Methodist pastor in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida. But the Massachusetts Bible Society director never imagined that she’d get the chance to share a ritual drop of baptism water with a Roman Catholic cardinal. It happened Sunday, when Cardinal Sean O’Malley asked her. The Patriot Ledger has the story.
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Commission on women offers free leadership webinars
CHICAGO (UMNS) — A series of webinars aimed at helping develop principled leaders in The United Methodist Church is being offered this year by the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women. Among the topics are the following Robert’s Rules of Order and submitting petitions to annual or General Conferences. The webinars start at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4.
To see schedule and register
May gathering focuses on lasting revival
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) — A group of United Methodists hope the word Aldersgate will signify present-day revival. A Gathering of the Aldersgate Covenant is scheduled for May 17-18 at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan. The 20-hour prayer gathering is open to everyone. Amy Forbus of the Arkansas Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
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Wisconsin Conference to celebrate MLK
MILWAUKEE (UMNS) — Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the Wisconsin Annual (regional) Conference has announced a conference-wide celebration Monday, Jan. 20, in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Bishop Julius Trimble of the Iowa Conference will be a guest preacher at the gathering at 7 p.m. CT, at Albright United Methodist Church, 5555 W. Capitol Dr. in Milwaukee. An offering will be taken for the Rising Sun Camp, a Wisconsin United Methodist-sponsored summer camp that serves school-age children who have incarcerated parents.
Read news release
To watch livestream of the service
Mission Society elects new president and CEO
NORCROSS, Ga. (UMNS) — The Rev. Max Wilkins has been elected president and CEO of The Mission Society, effective June 1. A board member, Wilkins has served in nearly 20 countries for the society, an independent organization with ties to The United Methodist Church.
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