“It’s become a kind of leverage for us to demonstrate to young people that we care about them, and we want them to connect the call they hear to The United Methodist Church.” — The Rev. Kim Cape, top executive of The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, on the Young Clergy Initiative.
GC2016: Keeping faith with young clergy effort
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Delegates to General Conference 2016 will be asked to renew funding for the Young Clergy Initiative. The grant-based program, created by General Conference 2012, aims to bolster the ranks of young pastors in The United Methodist Church. While officials say it is too soon for statistical evidence that the program is working, anecdotal accounts offer encouragement. Sam Hodges reports.
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GC2016 items on top court’s agenda
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — The top court of The United Methodist Church will consider two items related to the upcoming General Conference when its spring meeting begins May 6 at the Oregon Convention Center, just prior to the denomination’s May 10-20 legislative session. The Judicial Council has scheduled two oral hearings on May 6.
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AU graduates interpret for GC2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — More than a dozen Africa University alumni are interpreters and translators for the 2016 United Methodist General Conference. Many graduates have played this role since the 1996 General Conference, but in 2016, they are donating the bulk of their stipends to the United Methodist university in Mutare, Zimbabwe. They are recruiting friends and colleagues to do the same.
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New Jersey center to be Drew satellite campus
NEPTUNE, N.J. (UMNS) — The new Mission and Resource Center of the Greater New Jersey Conference will serve as a satellite campus for Drew Theological School, a United Methodist seminary. Bishop John Schol and the Rev. Javier Viera, Drew dean, announced the partnership. The new center, which houses conference administrative offices, has more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space and a full-service audio and video studio.
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Global clergywomen gathering coming
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist clergywomen from around the world will gather in Houston on Aug. 29-31 to celebrate 60 years since the Methodist Church granted full clergy rights for women. Registration is now open for the event, which will occur just before the World Methodist Conference. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is organizing the event.
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To register
Commentary: 10 women church leaders who inspire
AUGUSTA, Ga. (UMNS) — John Street United Methodist Church, which celebrates 250 years in ministry this year, owes its existence to a woman. So does the Holiness Movement. The Rev. Carolyn Moore, a United Methodist church planter in Georgia, offers a list of 10 women, both from within and outside the Methodist tradition, who can inspire church leaders today. Seedbed published Moore’s commentary.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Sunday, May 15
Pentecost ─ Celebrate the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of Christ’s church with worship resources from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries.
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