“Our capacity to communicate continues to change as technology changes. As we focus on our future and vision as an agency, we will be considering how to communicate more effectively in ways that are relevant for a global church.” — Dan Krause, top executive of United Methodist Communications.
Timeline of telling the church’s story
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — In 1940, the first national communications office of the Methodist Church opened its doors, developing over the decades into what is known today as United Methodist Communications. Now celebrating the 75th year of telling the church's story, the agency is looking back at its history in a series of features and a timeline detailing the ministry.
See the timeline
United Methodist Communications celebrates 75 years
Cleaver joins Obama on Kenya trip
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II, the U.S. representative from Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, left with President Barack Obama and other members of Congress July 23 on a five-day trip to Kenya and Ethiopia, the first trip by any sitting U.S. president to Ethiopia. Cleaver, a United Methodist elder, is in his sixth term in Congress.
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Children learn to climb Mount Everest
ROUND ROCK, Texas (UMNS) — Across the nation, hundreds of children enrolled in vacation Bible school are not only learning about the faith and courage it takes to climb Mount Everest, they are also donating money to earthquake survivors in Nepal. Susan Kim reports on how the program led youngsters at Round Rock United Methodist Church to raise nearly $1,500 for the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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Women of Color Scholars mark 40th graduate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — For more than 25 years, the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Women of Color Scholars Program has provided mentors and advisers to students like AHyun Lee, its 40th graduate. Nicole Burdakin reports.
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Drew displays 16th century common prayer books
MADISON, N.J. (UMNS) — “Til death do us part.” “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” These are just two common phrases that originated in the 16th century Book of Common Prayer authored by Thomas Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury under Kings Henry VIII and Edward VI of England. United Methodist-related Drew University is displaying several original editions of the book through Oct. 23.
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Make a school kit to help kids
NEW YORK (UMNS) — In some countries, children do not have books or school supplies. School kits may be their only educational resources. The United Methodist Committee on Relief offers directions for how you can help.
How to assemble a school kit
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.
Thursday-Friday, July 30-31
Drew Theological School presents T.R.A.N.S.: Worship Beyond Borders Summer Music Institute 2015 — Trans: A Latin noun or prefix, meaning “across," “beyond” or “on the opposite side.” Drew Theological School in Madison, New Jersey, will present its 10th Summer Music Institute to help worship leaders learn and grow in a community that moves across, beyond and into the opposite side where God's love is found. Details
Friday-Sunday, Aug. 21-23
Incarnate: A Lake Junaluska Signature Series Conference — Featuring Shane Claiborne, author and founder of The Simple Way, a Christian community in inner-city Philadelphia, and the Rev. Rudy Rasmus, pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston. Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, Lake Junaluska, N.C. Details
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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