“We were marching for justice for our own people, members of our congregations and our communities.” – Bishop Sally Dyck reflecting on a march and rally asking President Obama to stop deportations.
United Methodist presence strong in Chicago rally
CHICAGO (UMNS) — Bishop Sally Dyck became the third United Methodist bishop to be arrested since President’s Day in an international campaign calling for President Barack Obama to stop deporting immigrants with no criminal record and separating children from their parents.
Clark Atlanta hosts young African leaders program
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Clark Atlanta, one of The United Methodist Church’s historically black colleges, is among 20 host schools selected for the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders programs. The Washington Fellowship, which will be on campus June 14 to July 25, is the flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative, whose purpose is to empower and bolster young leaders.
Read about the United Methodist Black College Fund
Liberians take action again Ebola virus
GANTA CITY, Liberia (UMNS) — Health workers from the Methodist Hospital are visiting schools, churches, business centers and other workplaces to raise awareness after a March 24 announcement that the Ebola virus is suspected to be the cause of five deaths in the country. There is no cure for Ebola, which frequently is fatal.
Read the West African Writers report
Getting ready for VBS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — In the United States, it is time to start planning this summer’s vacation Bible school. Below are some program options.
- Workshop of Wonders: Imagine and Build with God, offered by the United Methodist Publishing House’s Cokesbury division.
- Praise Break: Celebrating the Works of God, offered by the United Methodist Publishing House’s Abingdon Press
- Abundance Orchard and a mission supplement, offered by the Society of St. Andrew, a United Methodist partner that promotes hunger ministries.
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.
Deadline to register for online course “United Methodism 101,” Monday, March 31 — Course offered April 2 to May 14, an overview of the denomination’s history, structure, beliefs, ministries and challenges from United Methodist Communications. $9.99. Details.
Free webinar “Multiplying Disciples: Part 2,” Monday, March 31 — 6:30 p.m. CT, spiritual leaders learn together to build an intentional congregational plan for making disciples. To register.
Deadline to apply for Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy, Tuesday, April 1 — The chaplain’s office at United Methodist-related Adrian College will help host a leadership academy June 25 to 28 for Hispanic United Methodist youth and young adults in eighth through 12th grades. Click here for a pdf of the registration form.
Free webinar “Monitoring Reports: Increasing Participation through Gentle Mutual Accountability,” Tuesday, April 1 — 7:30 p.m. CT, part of a series of leadership webinars offered by the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women. To see schedule and register.
Deadline to register for the 2014 United Methodist Women Assembly, Tuesday, April 1 — April 25 to 27, Louisville, Ky. Details.
Welcome Table at Wesley Theological Seminary, Thursday, April 3 — 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET events for prospective students include a campus tour, networking opportunities and the chance to attend a class. Details.
Free webinar “Developing Your Ministry Plan 3: Discovering Your Discipleship Process,” Thursday, April 3 — 6:30 p.m. CT, this session focuses on three key areas of congregational life: values, small groups, and social outreach. To register.
Free webinar “Reaching out to children of unchurched parents,” Thursday, April 3 — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET, offered by Practical Church Resources. Details.
The Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries conference, Thursday through Sunday, April 3-6 —Asheville, N.C., Continuing education for administrative assistants and any office workers in United Methodist churches. Details.
Free webinar “New Children’s Ministers,” Tuesday, April 8 — 10 a.m. CT, how successfully to recruit people to serve as well as provide tangible online, print and verbal tools for identifying and encouraging adults both to connect with children's ministry programs and continue serving. To register.
Free webinar “Teaching the Way of Jesus,” Tuesday, April 8 — 6:30 p.m. CT, What does it mean for us to educate “followers of Jesus” for faithful living in the world? A look at six key directions to focus our ministries in Christian education. To register.
Free webinar “Pastors Read: ‘American Saint: Francis Asbury and the Methodists,’” Wednesday, April 9 — 10 a.m. CT, discussion of John Wigger’s book, which gives an overview of how the Methodist movement started in the United States. Wigger will be part of the discussion. To register.
“Means of Grace” Webinar – Holy Communion, Fasting and Feeding the Hungry, Thursday, April 10, 7 p.m. CDT,sponsored by The Upper Room and Interpreter Magazine, registration deadline 12 noon CDT, Tuesday, April 8. Register.
Live Well Event: A Different Kind of Women’s Fair, Saturday, April 12 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Wichita, Kan. United Methodist Church at the Well is also a sponsor. Tickets cost $5 for individuals, $8 for pairs. Details.
Palm/ Passion Sunday, April 13 — The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers worship resources.
Holy Week, Monday-Saturday, April 14-19 — The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers worship resources.
Deadline to register for Church Communication: 10 Things, Tuesday, April 15 — Clinic sponsored by the Memphis Conference Communications Action Team, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT, Thursday, April 24, First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tenn. $25 per person, $20 each for groups of three or more. Details.
Free webinar “Media: What’s Trending in Elementary School,” Tuesday, April 15 — Noon CT, a discussion of how to extend community to children through healthy media use. To register.
Easter Sunday, April 20 — The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers worship resources.
Beyond These Walls Mission Conference, May 1-3, at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, Powder Springs, Ga. Focus is on churches interested in mission work. Early registration discount is available until April 1. Learn more or email [email protected]
A Gathering of the Aldersgate Covenant, Friday-Saturday, May 16-17 — A 20-hour prayer for revival with guest speakers from across the United States at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kan. Details.
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