“We defined our work as finding a way for the U.S. to do the adaptable work that will be required with the proposed General Book of Discipline.” — Judi M. Kenaston, who leads the Connectional Table’s advisory group on U.S. matters.
Church leaders look at adding U.S. structure
OSLO, Norway (UMNS) — The Connectional Table, a United Methodist leadership body, is looking at the worldwide nature of the denomination. One idea is to create a U.S. church structure that deals with issues exclusive to the U.S. Heather Hahn reports on the possibilities under discussion.
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United Methodists return favor to labor activist
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas — Daria Vera was an important young activist during the 1966 United Farm Workers’ strike here, an effort that led to better wages and a better life for many. When retired Bishop Joel Martinez learned Vera’s house was in disrepair, he contacted the Rev. Mark Porterfield, who runs a construction ministry. The result was a swarm of United Methodist volunteers who rebuilt her home.
Read Rio Texas Conference story
Read 2016 NPR interview with Daria Vera
Without aid, 1.4 million children could die
GENEVA (WCC) — About 1.4 million children are at imminent risk of death unless aid reaches them immediately. That’s the video message from faith leaders to political leaders at the G7 summit, which meets May 26-27 in Taormina, Italy. Strong political action is needed now to assist the 20 million people who face famine in Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan and Nigeria, the faith leaders declared.
Watch video
Read WCC story
Why Ascension Day matters to United Methodists
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — John and Charles Wesley, leaders of the early Methodist movement, called Ascension Day an important holy day. A hymn explains its significance. The Rev. Joe Iovino has the story.
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Advocate celebrates 180 years
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, which has informed, comforted and challenged its readers, marks 180 years in June. Allison Trussell reports.
Read Advocate story
Mission teams are modern-day circuit riders
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — The Foothills-Shawnee Valley Mission Team is delivering 10 new motorbikes to United Methodist Vietnamese pastors. These small, economical, easy-to-repair motorbikes enable pastors to itinerate from village to village as modern-day circuit riders.
Read West Ohio Conference story
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.
Sunday, June 4-Wednesday, June 7
South Georgia Annual Conference — Jekyll Island Convention Center, 75 Beachview Drive North, Jekyll Island, Georgia. This annual conference session is intentionally designed to help the conference churches reach the goal of a 10 percent increase in average worship attendance. Details
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