“We students are humbled by seeing people come from all over the world. It means someone cares for us beyond that mountain, beyond the continent." — Christopher Namilonga, president of the student representative council, at Africa University’s 25th anniversary celebration.
Africa University celebrates 25 years
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Hundreds gathered at United Methodist Africa University on March 25 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Many supporters brought gifts and memories as they looked forward to the pan-African institution’s future. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story, and Mike DuBose has the photos.
Read story
See photo album
Carcaño looks ahead in celebrating AU
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Bishop Minerva Carcaño preached at the close of the 25th anniversary celebration of Africa University. She said she dreamed of satellite campuses of the pan-African, United Methodist school. Kathy L. Gilbert reports, and Mike DuBose has the photos.
Read story
New Orleans church offers sanctuary
NEW ORLEANS (UMNS) — A diverse New Orleans church is willing to shelter undocumented immigrants in danger of being separated from family or returned to countries they fled. The Rev. Shawn Anglim said becoming a sanctuary church seemed a natural extension of the ministry of First Grace United Methodist Church. Vicki Brown has the story.
Read story
Top communicators honored by peers
NEW ORLEANS (UMNS) — Carolyn Conover provided leadership at a critical time when she joined the Greater New Jersey Conference after Superstorm Sandy, Bishop John Schol said. Conover was honored as 2017 Communicator of the Year by the United Methodist Association of Communicators. Catherine “Cate” Monaghan, former director of communications for the California-Nevada Conference, was the Hall of Fame inductee.
Read Communicator of the Year story
Read about Hall of Fame inductee
See full list of winners
Comentary: Electing Oliveto
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (UMNS) — In a commentary, Emily Allen and the Rev. Kent Ingram write about the 2016 Western Jurisdiction’s election of the Rev. Karen Oliveto as bishop from their perspective as delegates who participated in the vote. Oliveto is the first openly gay bishop for The United Methodist Church.
Read commentary
Faith and Order Committee wants feedback
HOUSTON (UMNS) — Knowing that the nature of The United Methodist Church is a hot topic, the Committee on Faith and Order has developed a resource to facilitate that conversation. The document is titled “Wonder, Love, and Praise: Sharing a Vision of the Church.” Bishop Scott Jones, who leads the committee, encourages United Methodists to engage in a new small-group study on the document and complete feedback forms.
Read press release
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, April 3 - Friday, April 14
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Multimedia Technology — This workshop from BeADisciple.com is designed for the church volunteer or pastor who would classify themselves as “beginners” in multimedia experience. Please note that since the workshop utilizes some software that is Windows-based, Apple users may find limitations. This course has been approved by Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries. $75. Details
Thursday, April 6
Free webinar “Celebrating Pentecost with Children” — Elizabeth Christie, a Christian educator with The United Methodist Church, will lead a discussion of projects, books and activities to help children and their families celebrate the birthday of the church and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Practical Resources for Churches, an ecumenical group, offers the webinar. Details
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.