"This is not just a program. This is our way of being as United Methodists." — Bishop Christian Alsted, on the Four Areas of Focus.
Staying focused on Four Areas of Focus
DALLAS (UMNS) — The need to keep faith with the denomination’s Four Areas of Focus, but in ways that are relevant to the local church, dominated discussion on May 3 as the Council of Bishops continued its meeting. Sam Hodges reports.
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Commentary: Attorney on confusion over Oliveto's status
LONGMONT, Colo. (UMNS) — The denomination’s top court has held Bishop Karen Oliveto’s election and consecration as proper under United Methodist Church law, Richard Marsh writes in a commentary. Marsh, the attorney who represented the Western Jurisdiction before the Judicial Council in the case related to the election of a gay bishop, offers his take on the ruling.
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Next week: The Rev. Keith Boyette, counsel for the South Central Jurisdiction, will offer his analysis of the opinion.
Church donates food for female prisoners
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe has donated more than $1,300 worth of food to female inmates at Chikurubi Prison. Zivorinashe Mujaji, United Methodist Board of Church and Society chairperson for the Harare East District, said the church was touched by the plight of the female inmates who faced food shortages and other challenges while serving their prison terms. Kudzai Chingwe reports.
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Mission agency, Liberian church agree on payments
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and the church’s Liberia Annual Conference have reached an agreement as the result of recent audits conducted by the mission agency. The Liberia Conference will replenish $270,545 in missing Global Ministries funds through quarterly payments over the next two and a half years, beginning in June.
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Churches respond to Texas tornadoes
CANTON, Texas — In the wake of deadly and destructive tornadoes over a 50-mile stretch, United Methodists are helping with cleanup and repair, as well as sheltering survivors.
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Tips to honor moms without hurting others
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCOM) — Mother’s Day is a special day to honor mothers and grandmothers, but it also can be a painful day for many women who have struggled to give birth or who have lost children. Tricia Brown, writing for United Methodist Communications, offers tips for churches wishing to honor mothers without adding to people’s hurt.
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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.
Monday, May 8
Preaching Prophetically for Such a Time as This — 10-11 a.m., Central. This webinar features the Rev. Dawn Chesser of Discipleship Ministries and the Rev. Wes Allen, Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics at Perkins School of Theology, discussing prophetic preaching and Allen’s new book, “Preaching in the Era of Trump.” Chesser will talk about how she is using the book in her teaching and preaching, and Allen will respond and answer questions. Details
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