Church's guitar program yields ‘amazing’ results
DALLAS (UMNS) — At Christ’s Foundry United Methodist Church, a low-income Hispanic congregation, any child who learns to play “Amazing Grace” on a loaner guitar gets to keep that guitar. Christ Foundry's foundation-funded music academy has boosted not only music skills but also faith among the youth, pastors say.
Complaint ends against elder accused of being ‘practicing’ lesbian
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The Rev. Sara Thompson Tweedy, a New York Annual (regional) Conference elder, no longer faces a complaint accusing her of being a "self-avowed practicing" lesbian. The New York Conference confirmed Tweedy’s announcement that the case has been dismissed.
Korean church celebrates culture with adoptive families
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (UMNS) — A Korean United Methodist church hosts an annual event designed to help families with adopted children from Korea celebrate the Korean culture. Church members demonstrate Korean games and painting techniques, and offer a chance to try on traditional Korean clothing and sample favorite foods.
High court ruling favors prayer at council meetings
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The U.S. Supreme Court said May 4 that prayers that open town council meetings do not violate the Constitution even if they routinely stress Christianity. The court said in 5-4 decision that the content of the prayers is not significant as long as officials make a good-faith effort at inclusion, The Associated Press reports.
History of Hymns: ‘Camina Pueblo de Dios’
DALLAS (UMNS) — This hymn, translated as “Walk On, O People of God,” shows the influence of liberation theology, writes C. Michael Hawn of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. Hispanic theological perspective often sees faith as a journey toward improved lives. In the refrain, the people are empowered to respond to a “nueva ley” (new law) and to participate in a “nueva alianza” (new alliance) and a “nueva creación” (new creation).
Bishop Brown takes office as bishops’ president
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (UMNS) — San Francisco Area Bishop Warner Brown has begun his term as president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, succeeding Bishop Rosemarie Wenner of Germany. A formal celebration and the traditional “passing of the gavel” will take place at the council meeting in November. Oklahoma Area Bishop Robert E. Hayes Jr. has served three terms as the council's secretary and has been succeeded by Louisiana Area Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey.
Despite tragic loss, church continues to grow
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The largest church in the Holston Annual (regional) Conference and the second largest church in the Southeastern Jurisdiction unexpectedly lost its 62-year-old senior pastor to heart disease on May 2, 2013. One year later, Cokesbury United Methodist is experiencing an attendance growth surge while expanding with a recovery ministry network and new community center for addicted mothers and their children. Annette Spence, editor of the Holston Conference’s The Call, has the story.
Ukraine churches continue in stressful time
UZHOROD, Western Ukraine (UMNS) — Members of the Ukraine and Moldova Annual (regional) Conference celebrated their 125th anniversary and continued efforts to plant new churches, strengthen existing congregations, serve the poor and work for peace and justice, Bishop Eduard Khegay of The United Methodist Church in Eurasia reports. “Christian churches in Ukraine pray together every day like never before” said one pastor. The assembly transferred Crimea churches to the South Russia Annual Conference.
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