| "This is what it means to be connectional. Everyone in the pews contributes to the success of Imagine No Malaria. This is selfless, joyful giving. This is generosity that will save thousands of lives. I am so proud of my United Methodist brothers and sisters in Christ.” – Pittsburgh Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, chair of the Imagine No Malaria executive committee. |  |
People in pews, big donors net millions to fight malaria
DONNELLSON, Iowa (UMNS) — As the Imagine No Malaria campaign enters its home stretch, United Methodists can look with satisfaction at $60 million already raised in gifts and pledges, and can have confidence in surpassing the $75 million goal by the end of 2015. Most of the money raised has been from grassroots efforts, but now gifts of $1 million are coming in.
Upper New York churches help vets
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (UMNS) — The 77 congregations in the Crossroads District of the Upper New York Annual (regional) Conference are more than halfway to purchasing a new van that will help veterans in central New York get to medical appointments. The effort is getting a big boost from United Methodist Men. Beth DiCocco of the Upper New York Conference has the story.
Grants available for creative older adult ministries
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Local churches with ideas for creative ministries involving older adults can apply for a limited number of special Aging in Poverty Ministry grants from the United Methodist Committee on Older Adult Ministries. The grants are from the committee and the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. The deadline to apply is Aug. 18.
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.
Free webinar “Safe Sanctuaries for Camps and Retreats — Part Two,” Tuesday, May 27 — 11 a.m. CT, This training is for local church leaders who do camps and retreats as well as leaders serving at camp and retreat centers. Details.
Free webinar “Children’s Ministry: Created by God,” Thursday, May 29 — 10 a.m. CT, Advice for using the “Created by God” curriculum, which teaches 'tweens about bodies, growth and development, relationships, reproduction and God's role and desire for this process. Details.
Ascension Day, Thursday, May 29 — “Ride on King Jesus” is among the litanies and meditations from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship to celebrate Christ’s Ascension.
“Only Four Things to Grow a Church” seminar, Saturday, May 31 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, the Revs. Bill Tenny-Brittian and Bill Easum. a retired United Methodist pastor who helped a dying church grow to a membership exceeding 2,000, are at Bethany Lutheran Church in Slidell, La. $75. Details about their tour across the United States.
African American Summit, Tuesday-Wednesday, June 3-4 — Retired United Methodist Bishop Ernest S. Lyght will be the guest speaker for this Peninsula-Delaware Conference event at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 11868 Academic Oval, Princess Anne, Md. $25. Call the Rev. Sheila Hunley at 410-810-4612. Details.
Deadline for Distinguished Evangelist nominations, Wednesday, June 4 — The Foundation for Evangelism is seeking nominations for the 2014 Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church Award. To nominate someone.
Stop Human Trafficking of Children, Friday, June 6 — An interdisciplinary training for practitioners and students in nursing, medicine, social work, law, business, law enforcement, and those who serve youth will be held at The Lunda Center, Western Technical College, in La Crosse, Wis. Details from Wisconsin Annual (regional) Conference.
Pentecost, Sunday, June 8 — Throw the church a Spirit-filled birthday party with resources from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
Day 1, Sunday, June 8 and Sunday, June 15 — The Rev.Charles Reeb, senior pastor of Pasadena Community Church (United Methodist) will be the featured speaker on Pentecost and Trinity Sunday on the nationally syndicated radio program “Day 1.” To listen.
Free webinar “Children’s Ministry: Preparing Children for Kindergarten and Other Milestones,” Monday, June 9 — 10 a.m. CT, ways that the church can support and celebrate children as they embark on new stages in their lives. Details.
Free webinar “Sunday School Curriculum Review,” Thursday, June 12 — 7-8 p.m. ET, A discussion of the different types of curriculum available and factors to consider in selection, led by Debbie Kolacki, a certified Christian educator and United Methodist lay servant. Details.
Lake Junaluska Summer Youth Events, June 12 - July 20 —Lake Junaluska Youth Events will focus on being the Body of Christ through service, worship, and community, with afternoons free for groups to customize their trip and explore the mountains of North Carolina. Leadership includes Shane Claiborne, Duffy Robbins, Andy Lambert, and more. Register at http://www.lakejunaluska.com/youth.
Peace with Justice Sunday, June 15 — The offering taken during Peace with Justice Sunday on June 15 will allow The United Methodist Church to advocate through a broad spectrum of global programs. Details and resources.
“Fierce With Age: Aging as a Spiritual Path,” retreat, Monday through Wednesday, June 23 – 25 — Carol Osborn, bestselling author of “Fierce with Age: Chasing God and Squirrels in Brooklyn” will lead retreat at Scarritt-Bennett. Costs range from $152 to $272 depending on whether guests stay overnight. Details.
Prepare: A Training for New Leaders, Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24 & Summer Institute, Tuesday to Friday, June 24-27 — Both events at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta aim to address that need by training, equipping, and building a network for new, seasoned, or prospective United Methodist collegiate ministers. Combined cost of events is $100. Details.
Deadline to apply for CORR Action Fund grants, Monday, June 30 — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race will award grants of $20,000 to $80,000 to “innovative, bold, high-impact initiatives” that will increase intercultural competency or support vital conversations about race, cultural diversity and systemic equity. Details.
Deadline to register for Boards of Ordained Ministry Mid-Quadrennial Training, Friday, July 11 — Event for board officers and cabinet representatives will be Tuesday, Aug. 12 and ends by noon on Friday, Aug. 15 in Denver. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is sponsoring. Details.
Aldersgate 2014 Conference, Thursday to Sunday, July 17-20 — The national conference of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries will be at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Ill. The theme is freedom. Details.
Deadline to register for School of Congregational Development 2014, Tuesday, July 15 — Gathering Thursday-Sunday, Aug.14-17 sponsored by the United Methodist boards of Discipleship and Global Ministries at Matthews United Methodist Church, Matthews, 801 S Trade St., Matthews, N.C. $425. Details.
Introduction to United Methodist Board of Church and Society seminar program, Wednesday-Friday, July 23-25 — Youth group and young adult leaders are invited to attend a three-day “In Focus” familiarization event about United Methodist Seminars on National and International Affairs. The program will introduce the seminars and will explain how to organize and lead a group for these tailored study experiences in the U.S. capital. Details.
Festival of Wisdom and Grace, Monday to Thursday, July 28-31 — Columbia (S.C.) Area Bishop Jonathan Holston will be the conference preacher at this time of worship and learning at Lake Junaluska (N.C) Conference and Retreat Center. The theme is “Living Ordinary Time with EEEE’s — Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Engagement and Empowerment.” Details.
United Methodist conference “Walking with Palestinian Christians,” Thursday-Friday, Aug. 7-8 —Sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and host Ginghamsburg Church, 6759 S. County Road 25A, Tipp City, Ohio. Details on PDF.
Deadline to apply for Ethnic Local Church Grants, Sunday, Aug. 10 — The grants, distributed by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, aim to strengthen ethnic minority local churches through education, advocacy or leadership development as they engage in social justice. Details.
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