“We praise and thank God for this blessing of abundance.” — Liberia Area Bishop John Innis on the doubling of the Central Conference Theological Education Fund.
Theological fund big winner at GC2016
DALLAS (UMNS) — In an otherwise hold-steady general church budget, the Central Conference Theological Education Fund is getting a big hike — from $5 million to $10 million for the next four years. General Conference delegates were persuaded by testimonies about how the fund has helped and how much more needs to be done to train church leaders in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. Sam Hodges reports.
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‘Watershed moment’ for refugees
NEW YORK — This year’s World Refugee Day is “a watershed moment” for refugees, said Filippo Grandi, U.N. high commissioner for refugees. “As wars spiral out of control we feel this must be a year to take collective responsibility and action to end the conflicts which force people to flee and also to help the millions of people whose lives have been destroyed by this violence,” he wrote in a June 20 statement.
Read U.N. statement
Wesley honors Charleston shooting victim
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary marked the one-year anniversary of the Charleston 9 shooting with a sign of hope: the establishment of a Doctor of Ministry program in Public Engagement in the memory of its slain student, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney.
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Lacing up for better health
NEW YORK (UMNS) — In Howard, Pennsylvania (pop. 718), United Methodists and their neighbors are lacing up their sneakers for a 10-week walking program organized by Howard United Methodist Church. Howard was among the first U.S. congregations to sign onto the 10,000 Church Challenge. Linda Unger and Dr. Olusimbo Ige report on the challenge, part of the Abundant Health initiative administered by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
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Young advocates for social justice
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Four intern organizers for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society are “lifting up the work of justice and peace” around the world.
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Why celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist Communications needs your thoughts and feelings about Native American Ministries Sunday. Please take this brief survey about why United Methodists celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday.
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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.
Friday-Sunday, July 8-10
Upper Room’s “Journey to the Table” — The Upper Room is introducing a new ministry of spiritual formation for young adults, Journey to the Table. Registration is now open for the program, which will be held at Scarritt-Bennett Retreat Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Registration is $200. Scholarships are available. Details
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