“I think there is a broad desire to maintain a connection. There is also a broad understanding that the connection is going to be different because of the theological differences that exist in our church.” — The Rev. Thomas Lambrecht, member of Way Forward Commission.
Way Forward group looking to get feedback
ATLANTA (UMNS) — The Commission on a Way Forward is still in its early stages, but the group already is talking about how to gather feedback for eventual proposals related to church unity. Commission members expressed optimism about the work ahead. UMNS staff report.
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Resolution reached in bishop complaint
DES MOINES, Iowa (UMNS) — A just resolution has been reached in a complaint against Bishop Julius Trimble, which means he will not face a church trial. The complaint filed by 17 lay and clergy members of the Iowa Conference stemmed from the bishop’s dismissal of a complaint against a clergywoman who announced at annual conference that she was “a self-avowed practicing homosexual.” Bishop Laurie Haller, who now leads the Iowa Conference, announced the resolution to the conference.
Read Bishop Haller’s announcement
Taking Ash Wednesday outside
Pastors at some United Methodist churches took this year’s Ash Wednesday observances outside — seeking to bring sacred moments into the daily grind of people in their community. Peak United Methodist Church in Apex, North Carolina, Ovilla United Methodist Church in Ovilla, Texas, and Wall Street United Methodist Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana, were among churches that offered ashes-to-go.
Watch News & Observer video
Watch NBCDFW video
Read Courier-Journal story
Leaders seek support for Standing Rock march
OKLAHOMA CITY (UMNS) — Native leaders in The United Methodist Church are urging members of the denomination to join the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and others in a peaceful protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline in Washington on March 10.
Read press release
Profiling a 'giant' of a humble little lady
SEATTLE — Each Sunday, Jean Ferguson and the people of Seattle First United Methodist Church share a meal with 300-400 people whose last decent meal may have come the previous Sunday. In his “Eric’s Heroes” segment for KOMO News, Eric Johnson tells the story of Ferguson, whom he describes as a "humble, decent and compassionate little lady.”
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Pastors say 'The Shack' could help with grief
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — United Methodist clergy say the movie “The Shack” may help “those who are suffering to find a language to share their grief and begin the healing process."
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Test your knowledge of Lent, Easter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — How well do you know the traditions and symbols of the Lenten season? UMC.org offers a different question five days a week through April 14 about these two important seasons of the church year.
Take the quiz
LOOKING AHEAD
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, March 13-Friday, March 31
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection — This course from BeADisciple.com will help newcomers to The United Methodist Church get their bearings. It will help longtime members consider the specific structural challenges the church faces in the 21st century. Approved by Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries, this is the polity course required for Lay Speaker certification. 1.0 CEU. $70. Details
See more United Methodist events
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