"It’s intentional, when you walk into church you see the food ministry. And when you walk out you see the food ministry. And when people come to be fed, they see the sanctuary." — The Rev. Rachel Cornwell, Silver Spring United Methodist Church.
UMTV: English Circle builds church community
SILVER SPRING, Md. (UMNS) — Food and fellowship are big at United Methodist churches. Silver Spring United Methodist Church took this hospitality a step further when members reached out to clients of the church food pantries to ask what other ways they could enhance life in their community. When neighbors asked for more help learning languages, a popular social group called the English Conversation Circle was formed.
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Wife and mother of bishops dies at 98
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (UMNS) — Benja Lee Crutchfield, spouse to the late Bishop Finas A. Crutchfield and mother to retired Bishop Charles Crutchfield, passed away May 31 at Epworth Villa in Okahoma City. She was 98. As a bishop’s spouse, she was active in the Louisiana and Texas conferences. She visited many international mission sites and presented numerous programs about the church’s mission work.
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Resources for clergy families
CHICAGO (UMNS) — The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women is compiling an online list of resources to address the unique struggles and stresses of clergy families. A larger resource hub will be developed in 2016, but here is a preview of resources already available.
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Imagining a mosquito sculpture
FERRISBURGH, Vt. — Children of North Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church used a mosquito sculpture and coffee cans to raise money for Imagine No Malaria, the denomination’s public health initiative in Africa. The innovative fundraising approach got coverage in the local paper, The Eagle.
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‘Day 1’ airs 70th anniversary series
ATLANTA (UMNS) — “Day 1,” the nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Peter Wallace, will present a special series celebrating 70 years of weekly broadcasts as the Protestant Hour (1945-2002) and “Day 1” (2002 onward). The programs will air for five weeks beginning June 28.
View Day 1 website
History quiz: What do you know about the global church?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Do you know when the first Methodist church was started in Russia?
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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.
Wednesday, June 10
Free webinar "Addressing Elder Abuse in Your Faith Community" — 2-3 p.m. EDT. Many victims and survivors of elder abuse turn to their faith communities for help. This webinar is designed for all clergy, faith leaders and therapists who want to know more about elder abuse, how to respond, and where to refer, as well as for advocates who are building partnerships with faith communities. The webinar is sponsored by United Methodist Women Domestic Violence Initiative in partnership with the FaithTrust Institute. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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