“The transition is being felt most deeply by churches that had an expectation of a full-time clergyperson who devoted all of his or her time to the church.” — E. Brooks Holifield, religion scholar, talking about transition to part-time clergy.
Part-time clergy spark church innovation
DURHAM, N.C. (UMNS) — Although church leaders often worry that switching from full-time to part-time clergy will lead to decline, congregations across the country are finding new vitality by reimagining the roles of clergy and laypeople. Duke Divinity School’s Faith & Leadership reports on the experiences in multiple denominations.
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United Methodists create new conference in Nigeria
KARIM LAMIDO, Nigeria (UMNS) — United Methodists celebrated the inauguration of the new North East Nigeria Annual Conference this month, with Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, Nigeria Episcopal Area, presiding. The new conference consists of 12 districts, six mission areas, 124,311 professed members and 88 clergy members. Sharon Adamu Bambuka reports.
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UMW gears up for 2018 Assembly
COLUMBUS, Ohio (UMNS) — “The Power of Bold” will be the theme for the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women, set for May 18-20, 2018, in Columbus. A promotional video and other resources are already available.
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Michigan youth claim call
LANSING, Mich. (UMNS) — THRIVE Youth Academy offers young United Methodists a chance to explore discipleship and equip themselves for leadership. “There’s that kid in every youth group who wants to go deeper,” said Bridget Nelson, coordinator of youth and young adult ministries. Kay DeMoss reports for the Michigan Area.
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10 ways to strengthen relations with police
BALTIMORE (UMNS) — The Rev. C. Anthony Hunt, a Baltimore pastor, says congregations need to work proactively to strengthen community relations and build trust with police and public officials. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership shares his 10 suggestions for strengthening these critical relationships.
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Gwen White memorial service planned
LEXINGTON, Mass. (UMNS) — A memorial service for Gwen White, the wife of retired Bishop C. Dale White and a longtime retreat and spiritual director, will be held at Lexington United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. on April 11. The New England Conference corrected the address for condolences to Bishop White to 80 Deaconess Road, Unit 453, Concord, Massachusetts, 01742.
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.
Thursday, April 6
The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber speech — 6 p.m. CDT, Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 2404 Kirby Road, Memphis. The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, New York Times bestselling author, will speak about “Faith and the Power of Imperfection: Being Broken Gospel People in a World Demanding Excellence.” Bolz-Weber is an international speaker and founding Lutheran pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver. The event is sponsored by Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Memphis; Epiphany Lutheran Church, Collierville; and Methodist Health Systems, Memphis. Details
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