“Let’s be clear, if we divide, nearly all our essential unifying institutional activities would be lost or severely diminished.” — Bishop Bruce Ough in his presidential address to the Council of Bishops.
Bishop Ough says entire church is watching
DALLAS (UMNS) — Bishop Bruce Ough, in his May 1 presidential address to the Council of Bishops, spoke of what would be lost if The United Methodist Church divides over homosexuality. He urged support for the Commission on a Way Forward, and called on bishops to redouble efforts in evangelism and social outreach. “The entire church is rightly watching how we will lead in this moment,” Ough said. Sam Hodges reports.
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Reactions vary to ruling on clergy qualifications
NEWARK, N.J. (UMNS) — Two more decisions concerning acceptance of LGBTQ people as church leaders in The United Methodist Church are being met with pain, anger and approval across the denomination’s diverse worldwide membership. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Evangelical group plans for what's next
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (UMNS) — At their group’s second public gathering, leaders of the Wesleyan Covenant Association leave open the possibility of a church split. No matter what happens, leaders of the evangelical group say they’ll be prepared. Heather Hahn reports.
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United Methodists join People's Climate March
WASHINGTON — United Methodists were among the estimated 200,000 people who converged on Washington April 29 for the People's Climate March. Before the march, an interfaith prayer service was held on the steps of the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill. Erik Alsgaard reports for the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
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Prayers for East Texas tornado victims
CANTON, Texas — A string of tornadoes hit East Texas on April 29. The Texas Conference called for prayers for those affected, and Canton First United Methodist Church is serving as a Red Cross shelter.
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Deacons to discuss role as emissaries
CHICAGO — Deacon Dialogue is designed to provide United Methodist deacons with an opportunity to fellowship with other deacons, learn about each other’s ministries and receive both encouragement and challenge to their ministries. With the theme, “Deacons as Emissaries, Sent by the Spirit,” Deacon Dialogue 2017 is held in conjunction with the World DIAKONIA Assembly.
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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.
Thursday, May 4-Saturday, May 6
#Millennial Conference — 3 p.m. May 4 to noon May 6, Georgia Veterans State Park, 2459 U.S. 280, Cordele, Georgia. The Southwest District of the South Georgia Conference and Next Step Ministry are sponsoring this conference for clergy and laity to aid churches in attracting and engaging young people in their congregations. The keynote speaker is Haydn Shaw, author of "Generational IQ: Christianity Isn’t Dying, Millennials Aren’t the Problem, and the Future Is Bright." Details
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