"The United Methodist Church is in an unprecedented place, and there is a great deal at stake. At the same time, we are in God’s hands, and God is faithful." — Bishop Ken Carter
Way Forward commissioners share prayers, hopes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — When the Commission on a Way Forward holds its first face-to-face meeting next week in Atlanta, members will come with some very different perspectives and experiences. Heather Hahn and Isaac Broune report on their shared prayers and potential points of agreement.
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Wisconsin bishop hopes to open 'grace margin'
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (UMNS) — The Wisconsin Conference's Bishop Hee-Soo Jung invited leadership from the conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the Wisconsin Association of Confessing United Methodists to meet with him in hopes of opening a “grace margin." The Confessing Movement asked the bishop to replace board members after the board said it would not consider sexual orientation in determining fitness for ministry.
Read statement
European United Methodist leaders focus on unity
FRANKFURT (UMNS) — United Methodist bishops and cabinet members of the European central conferences gathered Jan. 9-11 to discuss and pray about maintaining unity within The United Methodist Church, despite disagreements over church law related to homosexuality. Klaus Ulrich Ruof, communicator for the Germany Central Conference, reports.
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Clergy, laity share letters to Martin Luther King Jr.
DES MOINES, Wash. (UMNS) — Clergy and laity of the Pacific Northwest Conference shared letters to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the style of Bishop Woodie White’s annual letter to the civil rights leader. The letters address environmental racism, how King’s legacy continues and other issues.
Read the letters
105-year-old Eagle Scout
TYRONE, Ga. (UMNS) — Lamar Wallace is, at 105, likely the oldest living Eagle Scout. He’s also a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church.
Read North Georgia Conference story
Read Atlanta Journal-Constitution column
Global Ministries hosts WCC commission
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Planning for the 2018 World Mission Conference in Arusha, Tanzania, began this month when members of the World Council of Churches’ Commission on World Mission and Evangelism met at the headquarters of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. The meeting also included a public lecture and discussion on “mission from the margins.” Joy Kitanga reports for Global Ministries.
Mission lecture and discussion
WCC meeting
LOOKING AHEAD
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.
Tuesday, Jan. 24
Who Are the Boomers? Baby boomer spirituality webinars — 7 p.m. CST. Led by Craig Kennet Miller, author of “Boomer Spirituality: Seven Values for the Second Half of Life,” each 60-minute webinar provides ideas and insights about ministry with the boomer generation. Details
Church Council: What’s My Role? — 7 p.m. CST. This webinar sponsored by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries helps church leaders with important support resources for building and overseeing a comprehensive plan for ministry and discipleship. Details
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