"We have raised a little over $4,000 through scrap metal and cans." – Jason Burghart, a member of First United Methodist Church in Windsor, Colorado, speaking of the church’s fund-raising for clean water projects around the world.
Together, we ‘can’ change the world
WINDSOR, Colo. (UMNS) – After participating in a forum about the lack of global access to clean water, Jason and Kelly Burghart helped First United Methodist Church start a metal recycling program. From a single can to larger cars and appliances, every piece of metal makes money that the church gives to WASH, the water, sanitation and hygiene program of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Susan Kim reports for UMCOR.
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6 questions with ‘Chuck Knows Church’ star
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The United Methodist Discipleship Ministries online series “Chuck Knows Church” is now seen by more than 50,000 people around the world. A big part of the series’ appeal is actor Josh Childs, who brings Chuck to life. He talks about the series and his own Christian walk in a Q&A.
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National Bible Quiz winner plans to keep studying
MANILA, Philippines (UMNS) – The first-place winner in the senior division of the Ninth National Bible Quiz plans to keep studying the word of God. “I am so blessed, really, and it will not end here. We will start in small groups,” Alexis John Caguingin said. The United Methodist Church Board of Christian Education and Discipleship sponsors the quiz in partnership with the Philippine Bible Society. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
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Business experience helps church planter
LAWTON, Okla. (UMNS) – At age 28, Phil Hodson sold the last of five companies he had launched and looked forward to golfing for pleasure. Then "I woke up one day with nothing to do, and there was God, waiting," he said. Now, the former entrepreneur is Oklahoma’s newest church planter. Holly McCray reports for the Oklahoma Conference.
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Intercepting traffickers ahead of Super Bowl
SEATTLE (UMNS) – Members of United Methodist Women at Seattle’s First United Methodist Church are huddling together to bring awareness to human trafficking in the week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. They are asking others to join a photo campaign called “Intercept the Traffickers.” Elizabeth Blanton and Cary Lee have the story for the Pacific Northwest Conference.
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How a church is using blended worship to reach new people
SHREVEPORT, La. (UMNS) – Summer Grove United Methodist Church is in a neighborhood transitioning from majority white to majority African-American. If the church didn’t change, its pastor said, it would die. So Summer Grove has started a service that blends contemporary and traditional elements led by an African-American worship leader. Sherry P. Shephard of the Shreveport Times reports on the results.
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Global Ministries names head for global health
NEW YORK (UMNS) – Dr. Olusimbo Ige, a public health physician from Nigeria who has served as an infectious disease consultant for the World Health Organization and others, has been named by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries to head its Global Health unit.
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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.
Monday, Jan. 26
Deadline to register for online course "Maximizing Your Leadership EQ: An Online Leader Development Course" – The Discipleship Ministries course is 2-4 p.m. CST Feb. 2-23. The course is for leaders and planners in Christian education/faith formation, children’s ministry, youth ministry and adult ministry. $94. Details
Tuesday, Jan. 27 Free webinar "Creating a Shared Vision for Faith Formation" – 6:30 p.m. CST. In this Discipleship Ministries webinar, participants will explore how to create a shared congregational vision for the role of faith formation in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Details
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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