“I urge my church to try new things. If it fails after a year or so, so what? We try something else. In order to fulfill our mission of reaching out to make disciples for the transformation of the world, we must be very courageous and try out new things.” — Bishop Harald Rückert on ministry in Germany.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Vitality takes many forms in German churches
MUNICH, Germany (UMNS) — A lively church in a new building with plenty of children and youth programs might not seem to have much in common with a tiny village church that runs a weekly community café. But both are examples of vital congregations in Germany, churches that are reaching out in many ways to make disciples in a largely secular society. Vicki Brown reports and Mike DuBose has photos. This the ninth in an occasional series of stories, “German Methodism: A strong Christian voice.”
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Next: Thriving Munich church fills new building
United Methodists respond to Maryland school shooting
GREAT MILLS, Md. — United Methodist leaders responded with open churches, prayer services and words of comfort for a Maryland community reeling from a March 20 school shooting. The two shooting victims remain hospitalized. The gunman, a 17-year-old student, was shot and killed by the resource officer at Great Mills High School. Erik Alsgaard has the story.
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Writing helps Irma survivors confront trauma
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A devotional-writing workshop — part of a three-day retreat hosted by Upper Room Ministries in hurricane-demolished St. Martin — helped participants express their trauma in dealing with disaster, and opened up the possibility of future workshops. Tim Ghianni has the story.
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Board of Global Ministries
Sharing passions for health and wholeness
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Only at the United Methodist Day of Health would you find a hula-hoop circus artist, United Methodist clergy and other health enthusiasts gathered in one room. The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries hosted the March 17 event in partnership with the North Georgia Annual Conference. Bella Simonetti reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Yellowstone Conference office closing
BILLINGS, Mont. — The conference office for Yellowstone will close June 30 to consolidate administrative functions and financial operations of both Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone conferences as recommended by the General Council on Finance and Administration. Mountain Sky Area Bishop Karen Oliveto said the consolidation has been a long-standing conversation.
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COMMENTARIES
Bishop thoughts, prayers and 5,000 letters
LAKELAND, Fla. (UMNS) — United Methodists in Florida moved beyond thoughts and prayers to advocacy in response the deadly school shooting on Ash Wednesday, Florida Area Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr. writes. Carter’s commentary details the 5,000-letter campaign.
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New York Conference
Embodying sanctuary
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — As many churches consider what it means to become sanctuary, the chair of the New York Conference Immigration Task Force reflects on the question of how individual Christians are “called to embody the word sanctuary.” The Rev. Karina Feliz is a pastor in the Hudson Highlands Cooperative Parish.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Gay pastor’s case heads back to West Ohio committee
Pastor caught up in political violence
EVENTS
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.
Friday, March 23-Sunday, March 25
Intersections: Faith, Church and the Academy
Friday, April 2-Sunday, April 18
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Leading worship 101
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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