“Differences were honestly dealt with. People made an effort to establish relationships with each other. There was lots of good humor.” — David N. Field, Swiss member of the Commission on a Way Forward.
Commission takes on church unity from multiple fronts
ATLANTA (UMNS) — The United Methodist commission charged with bridging division around homosexuality spent its first meeting mainly getting to know and trust each other. The group also took first steps toward possible outcomes. Heather Hahn reports on the first meeting of the Commission on a Way Forward.
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Church is scene of police apology for 1940 lynching
LAGRANGE, Ga. — The police chief of this community apologized to relatives of a black man who was abducted from a local jail and lynched in 1940. Chief Louis Dekmar spoke during an appearance at LaGrange’s Warren Temple United Methodist Church. The New York Times reports on the apology, and on the decision by United Methodist-related LaGrange College to have Congressman John Lewis — a legendary civil rights leader — speak on campus despite objections by some alumni.
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United Methodists help during church massacre trial
CHARLESTON, S.C. (UMNS) — The South Carolina Conference helped fund a team of chaplains, mental health advocates and counselors during the trial of the man convicted of killing nine people at Mother Emmanuel AME Church. The team ministered to survivors and family members of the massacre who attended the trial of Dylann Roof. Jessica Brodie reports for the Advocate.
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United Methodist Women protest N.C. law
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UMNS) — United Methodist Women will participate in a rally on Jan. 30 protesting the state’s HB2 law. “People don’t understand the bill is hurting more people through the inclusion of statutes that limit workers’ rights,” said Tonya Lanier, Western North Carolina United Methodist Women.
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Make the bishop jump
MINNEAPOLIS (UMNS) — Bishop Bruce R. Ough has promised to jump into the frozen waters of Lake Koronis on Feb. 18 — if United Methodists pledge $10,000 for camp scholarships. More than $8,000 has been pledged so far to support scholarships for Camp Minnesota campers.
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Lina H. McCord summer interns welcomed
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Eight students from historically black United Methodist colleges recently traveled to Nashville for their orientation as Lina H. McCord summer interns. The internship program is sponsored by the denomination’s Black College Fund. It’s named for the late, longtime executive director of the fund.
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Four-part series on Methodism in Cuba starts Jan. 31
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A four-part series that examines the state of the Methodist Church in Cuba begins on Jan. 31. The United Methodist News Service series looks at how Methodism is growing throughout urban as well as rural regions of the nation. Writer Linda Bloom and photographer Mike DuBose spent a week traveling throughout Cuba, taking advantage of a recent loosening of travel embargoes for Americans to the Caribbean island.
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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-Saturday, Feb. 3-4
Executing Grace in Georgia: A Faithful Discussion About the Death Penalty — 7 p.m. EST Feb. 3, 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 also will speak at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1065 Gaines School Road, Athens, Georgia, and at 6 p.m. at Centenary Church, 1290 College St., Macon, Georgia. 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
Monday, Feb. 6-Saturday, Feb. 18
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Come to the Table — This course will deepen understanding and practice of Holy Communion and cover beginning a Eucharistic ministry. The study provides resources and ideas for all, both laypeople and clergy, who plan and lead worship and provide pastoral care. The course has been approved by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course with 10 contact hours in Lay Servant Ministries. Cost is $65. Details
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