"Even in the midst of evil, there was peace — a peace I can only attribute to God." — The Rev. John Schlicher on the shooting at the Fort Lauderdale airport.
Pastor: 'In the midst of evil, there was peace'
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (UMNS) — The Rev. John Schlicher lay on the ground praying, thinking he and his family would die at the hands of a gunman who killed five people at the Fort Lauderdale airport. Kay Panovec of the West Ohio Conference reports on the pastor’s experience.
Clergy bless badges of first responders
DELANCO TOWNSHIP, N.J. (UMNS) — Clergy joined in a blessing of the badges of police, firefighters and emergency medical workers at Dobbins United Methodist Church. “We wanted to pray for them, that God would continue to be with them and give them patience, strength, compassion, and grace whenever they encounter difficult aspects of their jobs,” said the Rev. Chuck Mitchell, who helped organize the event. Josh Kinney reports for the Greater New Jersey Conference.
United Methodists give hope to foster children
MACON, Ga. (UMNS) — The Heart Gallery of Georgia and Foster Hope are offering hope and healing to children who have no resources and no one to turn to for help. Founded by South Georgia United Methodists, these two organizations — and the people who run them — strive to help children in seemingly hopeless situations. Kara Witherow of the South Georgia Conference has the story.
Architect puts heart in Wesley Foundation
TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa architect Gary Sparks has a special interest in designing Oklahoma State University’s new Wesley Foundation center. Bill Sherman of Tulsa World reports how the ministry gave Sparks both a roof over his head and a hunger for Jesus.
United Methodist foundation selects new director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The board of the United Methodist Church Foundation has selected Ehren Congdon as director. Congdon, who served as manager of investor relations for the past year, assumed his role Jan. 1.
Wesley studies lay certification available
WINFIELD, Kan. (UMNS) — The Wesley Theological Seminary Lay Academy offers 11 online courses. The program is in partnership with The Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship, based at United Methodist-related Southwestern College.
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection.
Tuesday, Jan. 10
Reclaiming the Common Good webinar — 3 p.m. EST. This webinar prepares United Methodists around the United States to host or join house/church parties on Jan. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss and engage in ways to “Reclaim the Common Good.” The United Methodist Board of Church and Society and other church agencies are organizing this webinar. To register
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