"To think about how this bridge on the original day was covered in blood — I appreciate the sacrifice and I don’t take it lightly that I was able to participate 50 years later." — Elizabeth Pollard, Candler School of Theology student.
United Methodists return for “Bloody Sunday” 50th anniversary
SELMA, Ala. (UMNS) — United Methodist leaders — two who took part in the original civil rights marches in 1965 and one who comes each year with his seminary students — joined President Barack Obama and thousands of others who marched across the Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge to remember the violent clash between police and protesters known as “Bloody Sunday.” Joey Butler and Mike DuBose have the story and photos.
Read story and post a comment
Schools reopen as Ebola cases decline
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Students are glad to be back in class at United Methodist schools, but Ebola still casts a shadow over education in Liberia. Nyamah Dunbar reports, with help from Julu Swen.
Read story and post comment
NCC responds to federal report on Ferguson
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The National Council of Churches, of which The United Methodist Church is a member, thanked U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and the Justice Department for its report after a thorough investigation of the Ferguson Police. “We encourage the City of Ferguson to implement the recommendations of the Department of Justice,” the group said in a statement.
Read press release
History of Hymns: ‘Come, We that Love the Lord’
DALLAS (UMNS) — Isaac Watts, known as the “Father of English Hymnody,” composed this hymn that was a favorite of John Wesley’s. Taylor Vancil, a Master of Sacred Music student at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, traces the hymn’s origins to its inclusion in today’s United Methodist Hymnal.
Read story
Lent Quiz: May anyone take Communion at a United Methodist Church?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The sacrament of Holy Communion is based on the Last Supper of Christ in the Bible. May anyone take Communion in The United Methodist Church? Find out in today’s quiz.
Take today's quiz
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.
Tuesday, March 10
Deadline to register for four online courses offered by United Methodist Communications — The agency will offer the following courses March 11-April 22: “Communicating Faith in the 21st Century,” “Welcoming Ministry 100,” “Connectional Giving" and “Moodle 200 — Advanced Training.” Costs vary; Connectional Giving is free. Details.
Saturday, March 14
Workshop on interpreting worship in American Sign Language — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT at First United Methodist Church, 500 Common Street in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Rev. Kirk VanGilder, Ph.D., assistant professor at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., is the instructor. The course costs $75 before March 14 and $85 at the door. To register and get more information, email Evon Malray at [email protected] Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.