“You are investing in the little boys and girls that you taught in Sunday school. You are investing in the boys and girls you helped through confirmation.” — Jacob Cogman on supporting United Methodist Student Day and the Black College Fund.
Twins follow mom into ministry
WASHINGTON (UMC.org) — The Rev. Johnsie Cogman leads 200-year-old Mt. Zion, the oldest African-American United Methodist church in Washington. The educator turned pastor has been a strong role model for her 23-year-old sons, who plan to follow in their mother’s footsteps in The United Methodist Church.
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Religious freedom order likely to have little effect
WASHINGTON (RNS) — President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated executive order on religious liberty has disappointed social conservatives who expected more. And the order itself seems unlikely to have much real impact on current laws and regulations. David Gibson reports for Religion News Service.
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Order draws mixed reviews
Bishop Haller: Reflection on future of the church
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Bishop Laurie Haller reflects on the convergence of the TED Talk by Pope Francis and last week’s United Methodist Judicial Council ruling. She writes in her blog about civil disobedience and the future of The United Methodist Church. “The feet of countless United Methodists across the globe are tired at times, but our souls are rested and filled with hope, compassion, and joy in believing and serving.”
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Africa University gets an IT boost
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — IT staff members from the General Council on Finance and Administration are spending the next few weeks on the campus of United Methodist Africa University. They are installing internet switches and commercial-grade Wi-Fi at the pan-African university, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
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Churches give 'faith lift' to flooded home
SELLERS, S.C. — United Methodists from the Greenwood District who helped with the South Carolina Conference’s hurricane relief blitz couldn’t get Allen James off their mind. During the blitz, volunteers made some repairs to his home, which James called a “faith lift.” In March, volunteers with wiring, plumbing, carpentry and painting skills returned to build a complete bathroom for James. Jessica Brodie of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate reports.
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Ask the UMC: Can God really love me?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodists who struggle to feel accepted and loved by the Savior should remember that John Wesley struggled with similar feelings. In the latest installment of Ask the UMC, InfoServ, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, explores God’s love and acceptance and says the church should be a safe place to work on imperfections.
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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.
Tuesday, May 9
The Generosity Ingredient: Making it Personal — 9:30-10:30 a.m., Central. This webinar will look at how pastors can live in a way that respects family obligations while modeling generosity to their congregations. Led by the Rev. Ken Sloane, Discipleship Ministries’ director of stewardship and connectional ministries, this is the last of a series of four webinars. Recordings are available for all online. Details
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