“Annual conferences must make clear their commitment to unity and reconciliation if The United Methodist Church is to remain intact.” — The Rev. Darryl W. Stephens in a commentary about the recent General Conference.
GC2016 commentary: We cannot legislate church
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — General Conference has given The United Methodist Church a chance to be made new, but that “will require an unequivocal commitment from each and every annual conference during the next two years,” writes the Rev. Darryl W. Stephens in a commentary.
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Rio Texas Conference seeks relief help
SAN ANTONIO (UMNS) — The Rio Texas Conference is asking for emergency-response teams to help with relief efforts in three counties affected by floods as much of Texas continues to get heavy rain. The conference also will be collecting flood buckets at its annual gathering.
Bishops reorganizing ecumenical staff
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Council of Bishops is reorganizing its staffing structure related to ecumenical and interfaith relations. The plan includes eliminating all of the eight current staff positions in New York to make way for a new staffing model based at the United Methodist Building in Washington.
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Church rolls with wheels blessing
WAYNE, Okla. (UMNS) — The Rev. Bo Ireland has found a way to get more people’s motors running toward church. For the third year, he and his congregation of Wayne United Methodist Church have invited people to the century-old country church to have their wheels blessed — any kind of wheels. Chris Schutz reports for the Oklahoma Conference.
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Navy base receives 3,300 devotions
SAN DIEGO (UMNS) — The Strength for Service team sent 3,300 copies of “Strength for Service to God and Country” to U.S. Navy Capt. Kyle Fauntleroy, chaplain of the Pacific Fleet. More than 50 chaplains, serving with 88 ships, will distribute the devotionals. Rich Peck with United Methodist Men reports.
How to have a vacation when you cannot leave town
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCom) — Ministry burnout is a real danger, and vacations are a real necessity. Tricia Brown, writing for United Methodist Communications, offers tips for church leaders looking for a way to relax even when they cannot get away.
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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 15
Early-bird deadline for HopeFest 2016: Building Hope for Humanity — Christian music festival to benefit Habitat for Humanity on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 27-28. Milford United Methodist Church, 327 N. River Road, Milford, New Hampshire, is the host. Overnight wooded camping sites are available. Performers include Mark Schultz, Jonas Woods, Epic Season, Ryan Stevenson and Rock My Soul. $25 for adults until June 15. Children under 12 are free. Details
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