“Gone are the times when we trusted the friends of our children. The world has changed.” — Chief Inspector Anna Mataruse of Highlands Police Station in Zimbabwe, about underage alcohol and drug abuse in that country.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Ramping up the fight against drug abuse
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is helping raise awareness about the harms of drug and substance abuse and the importance of rehabilitation. Local churches are focused on community awareness and outreach programs such as clean-up campaigns, workshops, social activities for youth and prayer retreats. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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North Georgia Conference
Conference to appeal court decisions in disaffiliation case
ATLANTA — The Columbia County Court has granted motions for injunctions ordering the North Georgia Conference to allow two United Methodist churches to proceed with the disaffiliation process. The conference had ordered a pause on disaffiliations due to concerns about misinformation. That action resulted in more than 180 churches suing the conference to leave. The court orders allow Mann-Mize United Methodist Church and Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church to hold a vote on disaffiliation. The conference said it will appeal the court’s decisions.
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UM News: 187 churches sue North Georgia Conference
Newark Post
Delaware church hosts Habitat build
NEWARK, Del. — The parking lot at Newark United Methodist Church was a flurry of activity as 150 volunteers helped assemble walls for Habitat for Humanity. Bruce Yost, a church member, said the effort is just one of the ways members hope to get more involved in the community. Josh Shannon has the story.
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Decatur First United Methodist Church
Indigo Girls join church birthday celebration
DECATUR, Ga. — The Indigo Girls performed a benefit concert to celebrate 200 years of ministry by Decatur First United Methodist Church. The April festivities included a speech by Mayor Patti Garrett, a sermon by Bishop Robin Dease and a luncheon. Indigo Girl Amy Ray grew up going to the church. Andie Ashe has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Women in Faith
Applications due July 11 for Hoover award
NEW YORK — Young women wishing to travel and study can apply for the Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award. The deadline to submit applications is July 11. Women ages 21 to 35 are eligible, and priority will be given to projects involving climate justice and addressing the criminalization of communities of color. Hoover, who died in 2013, was the first African American to lead the former Women's Division of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Creating a culture of calling to ministry
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — The Rev. Steven Morton laments that while many annual conferences are celebrating the retirement of dozens of pastors, ordinations are in the single digits. “Our local churches,” he writes, “simply are not raising up sufficient numbers of promising, spirit-filled candidates eager to lead us into the future of vitality and growth.”
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RESOURCES
Discipleship Ministries
10 policies church leaders should consider
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Do you know what your church expects of you? Or what you should expect from the church in return? One way to make everything clear is through written policies. Ken Sloane, director of stewardship and generosity at United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, outlines 10 policies churches should consider. The list includes items on building use, gifts and communication.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Conflicting actions sought on bishop’s suspension
New caucus supports African bishops, regionalization
EVENTS
Thursday, May 11
Annual Conference Monitoring Training – Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Wednesday, May 17
Financial help for clergy workshop – Wespath
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