“Fusion’s creation, and now its establishment as its own church, speaks to the ethos that founded us: ‘How do we bring the church to those who are unchurched? And more importantly, how do we help others reconnect with Church?’ When we successfully do this, we begin to truly change our world.” — Dakota Wesleyan University President Amy Novak.
New church born from South Dakota campus ministry
MITCHELL, S.D. (UMNS) — The campus ministry at United Methodist-related Dakota Wesleyan University has taken its Sunday worship services, known as Fusion, to a new level. Under campus pastor the Rev. Brandon Vetter, Fusion has become its own church, offering United Methodist theology but with a focus on serving those uncomfortable with a traditional church setting. Dakota Wesleyan President Amy Novak equates Vetter’s effort with that of the 19th century circuit riders.
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Spreading God’s word knows no age limit
COLUMBUS, Ohio (UMNS) — At 18, Gerald Koster made his pastor father a promise that he too would spend his life spreading Christianity. Now 90, Koster recently celebrated 70 years of following in his father’s footsteps. JoAnne Viviano of the Columbus Dispatch tells the story.
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Denver church, temple sign interreligious covenant
DENVER (UMNS) — Members of Park Hill United Methodist Church and Temple Micah celebrated a new interreligious covenant during a joint worship service on Martin Luther King Sunday, bonding the two congregations.
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Making sure your church Super Bowl party is legal
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (UMNS) — Churches can host Super Bowl parties on Feb. 2 without fear of penalties and interference from the NFL for copyright infringement — if they stay within certain boundaries. Christian Copyright Solutions answers some frequently asked questions.
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Imagine No Malaria via basketball
ROGERSVILLE, Mo. (UMNS) — It’s hard to do anything 1,000 times. But the Rev. Cliff Rawley, the 69-year-old pastor of Rogersville United Methodist Church, was undaunted when he decided to attempt 1,000 baskets to support the denomination’s Imagine No Malaria effort. Fred Koenig of the Missouri Annual (regional) Conference shares how Rawley fared.
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Learn more about Imagine No Malaria
Registration for global event for youth now open
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Registration for the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly, to be held this summer in Tagaytay, Philippines, is now open to all young people and adult leaders. The quadrennial convocation and legislative assembly, organized by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship’s Young People’s Ministries, is scheduled for July 16-20.
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CWS applauds international food aid funding
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Church World Service, Bread for the World and other organizations are applauding Congress for approving funding and reforms that will increase the efficiency of international food aid programs.
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How a bishop’s actions in 1963 differ from today’s same-sex debate
MEMPHIS (UMNS) — The Rev. Maxie Dunnam shares his misgivings about Bishop Minerva Carcaño equating her recent invitation to Frank Schaefer to Bishop Gerald Kennedy’s 1963 welcome of eight Mississippi pastors who supported ending racial discrimination. Dunnam, retired president and chancellor of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky., helped write a statement against segregation and was one of the pastors Kennedy welcomed. The blog Wesleyan Accent shares his commentary.
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Read 1963 Born of Conviction statement
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