“There are people who really resonate with what the WCA says. But we all need to come together to listen to each other and see where we can grow together.” — The Rev. Roslyn Lee, one of the organizers of a letter to the Wesleyan Covenant Association.
Young clergywomen challenge evangelical group
EDGEWOOD, Md. (UMNS) — More than 200 United Methodist clergywomen under the age of 40 have signed an open letter disputing statements by the Wesleyan Covenant Association, a new evangelical group. The clergywomen argue differing views on homosexuality can be Wesleyan. Heather Hahn reports.
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Holston Conference helps wildfire victims
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Holston Conference is working with the Appalachia Service Project to help low-income families rebuild from the November 2016 wildfire that swept from Great Smoky Mountains National Park into Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The fire took 14 lives and destroyed 2,800 buildings.
Read the Holston Conference report
Micro homes for homeless on church campus
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A community of 20 micro homes that will provide transitional housing for homeless people is planned on the campus of Glencliff United Methodist Church. The homes provide an alternative to “tent cities.” Getahn Ward reports for The Tennessean.
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Sierra Leone publishing partnership signed
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone and Discipleship Resources International are collaborating to create a publishing team. Plans include a quarterly newsletter, the production of catechism booklets, daily devotionals and school curriculum books for the Sierra Leone church. Julu Swen has the story.
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This Lent, adopt the role of comforter
DURHAM, N.C. (UMNS) — Looking to take on a new spiritual practice during Lent? Christians should consider adopting the role of comforter, suggests Gretchen E. Ziegenhals, managing director of leadership education at United Methodist Duke Divinity School. But she warns that “being a comforter is not as warm and cozy as it sounds.”
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Rethink Church offers Lent, Easter resources
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCom) — Rethink Church offers resources that churches can use to encourage visitors to attend worship at Easter. Some of these free resources are downloadable. Printed door hangers, postcards and invitation cards are free while supplies last. All are based on a new national advertising campaign using the slogan “Our beliefs. Their words.”
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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.
Tuesday, March 14
Faithful Aging Conference — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT, Lynchburg College, 1501 Lakeside Drive,
Lynchburg, Virginia. This conference will address opportunities related to an aging congregation and meeting the needs of older members, inside and outside the walls of faith communities. Details
Wednesday, March 15
Office Hours Webinar: Storytelling for Career Guidance — Noon to 1 p.m. EDT. This webinar will explore common career turning points at various stages and ages, as well as how your own vocational story can help others in both religious and secular fields make career decisions as they respond to their own calls. Office Hours is a free webinar series featuring Candler School of Theology faculty and staff addressing practical, relevant issues in ministry. Details
See more United Methodist events
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