"Unfortunately, many of us are not surprised by the action. We know our work is far from over." — The Rev. David Wilson on President Trump's executive order on Dakota Access Pipeline.
Standing Rock Sioux to fight Trump's order
CANNON BALL, N.D. (UMNS) — The Rev. David Wilson, Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference superintendent, said there is “great disappointment” over President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order advancing the Dakota Access Pipeline. In a press release, the Standing Rock Sioux tribal chairman said the executive order violates the law and the tribe will take legal action to fight it. Ginny Underwood reports.
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FBI honors pastor-led coalition
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition is receiving recognition from the FBI for its work in reducing violence in the community. In April, the group will receive the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. The Rev. Charles Harrison, the president of the coalition’s board, is also senior pastor of Barnes United Methodist Church. WISH-TV has the story.
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Initiative combats predatory lending
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (UMNS) — Margaret “Maggie” Lohmeyer, a Global Mission Fellow of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, is “listening to her heart” as field coordinator for a ministry that helps working poor find sustainable loans, and offers financial mentoring. Larry R. Hygh Jr., director of communications for the California-Nevada Conference, reports.
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Registration open for national men’s gathering
INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) — Registration is open for the United Methodist Men’s 12th National Gathering, set for July 7-8 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Speakers include Bishops James Swanson Sr. and Jonathan Holston, as well as the Rev. Kevin Watson, Candler School of Theology professor, and Shan Foster, national director of the YWCA program combatting domestic violence.
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University offers theology program for high-schoolers
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (UMNS) — The University of Evansville, a United Methodist-affiliated school, is hosting “Open Table,” a weeklong theology institute for high school students. Students live in the dorms and learn about the Christian narrative and other faith traditions. Through a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant, tuition is covered for the July 16-23 program, though students are responsible for travel costs.
For application information
Francis Asbury film wins 3 regional Emmys
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A short documentary outlining the impact of Francis Asbury, the first American bishop, on The United Methodist Church won three regional Emmy awards at the 30th Midsouth Emmy presentations. The film was produced by Discipleship Ministries.
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Methodism in Cuba
Methodism in Cuba has eclipsed its pre-revolutionary beginnings and emerged as a visible and vital part of Cuban society. Writer Linda Bloom and photographer Mike DuBose visited the island for United Methodist News Service just before Fidel Castro’s death. Their four-part report, “Singing the Spirit in Cuba,” begins next week.
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.
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4
Executing Grace in Georgia: A Faithful Discussion About the Death Penalty — 7 p.m. EST, Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, 1660 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, Georgia. Author and activist Shane Claiborne will explore how people of faith and conscience can change the conversation about justice, mercy and forgiveness in Georgia, which executed nine inmates in 2016, more than any other state in the nation. Claiborne will appear Feb. 3 and 4 in Atlanta, Athens and Macon. The three-city tour is sponsored by Candler School of Theology’s James T. and Berta R. Laney Legacy in Moral Leadership and the seminary’s Social Concerns Network. Details
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