"There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that the average United Methodist member or pastor has no idea." – Missouri Area Bishop Robert Schnase on the work of the United Methodist pension board.
Changes ahead for pension board investments
GLENVIEW, Ill. (UMNS) – The United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits plans to exclude certain investments in thermal coal and companies that operate in countries with a pattern of human rights abuses. The key element the board is looking at: Are these investments sustainable?
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Church plans 30 birthday parties for foster kids
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio (UMNS) – Strongsville United Methodist Church is hosting its first camp for foster children – and throwing a birthday party for each of the 30 campers. "A lot of foster kids never had a birthday party or even a birthday card," said Sue Puffer, a church member and volunteer camp counselor. Bob Sandrick reports for Cleveland.com and the Northeast Ohio Media Group. Read story
Cybersecurity education consortium includes UM schools
WASHINGTON (UMNS) – Three United Methodist-related historically black colleges will be part of a cybersecurity education consortium. Vice President Joe Biden said in announcing the program that it focuses on filling the critical need for skilled cybersecurity professionals while also diversifying the pipeline of talent in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. The program includes a $25 million grant from the Department of Energy over the next five years for 13 historically black colleges and universities, two national labs and a K-12 school district. The United Methodist-related schools are Clark Atlanta University and Paine College, both in Georgia; and Claflin University in South Carolina.
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Real happiness is more than putting on a face
DOVER, Del. (UMNS) – Tony Armstrong, a professor at United Methodist-related Wesley College, teaches a happiness class. “It’s a myth that life circumstances control your happiness,” he says.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday, Jan. 22
Twitter chat on human (race) relations inside and outside of church – 9 p.m. EST. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race will discuss how The United Methodist Church has changed since the end of formal segregation in its predecessor denominations. What is the church doing to attract more people, younger people and more diverse people? To join, visit @GCORR_UMC or use #GCORR. Details
Free webinar "The Committee: Pilot Webinar" – 1 p.m. CST. This webinar, based on the new "Chuck Knows Church" program "The Committee," will explore issues related to deep change and the spiritual life of leaders, as well as examine the lifecycle of the church. Details
Free webinar "Trustees Manage for Ministry" – 6:30 p.m. CST. Trustees are stewards of church property, both physical property and gifts and bequests. In this United Methodist Discipleship Ministries webinar, new and continuing trustees will review the legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Details
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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