"We need to use numbers as sticky notes. They tell us where to look. What I look for are places that have seen an upturn." — The Rev. Steve Court, General Council on Finance and Administration board.
U.S. church sees numbers slide
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church in the United States has continued to see its membership and attendance slide in 2015, but that isn't the whole story. Heather Hahn reports on the data just released by the General Council on Finance and Administration.
Hispanic groups challenge church
DALLAS (UMNS) — Hispanic groups in The United Methodist Church have issued a flurry of statements since U. S. Election Day, calling on the denomination to strengthen support for immigrants, and insisting denomination leaders denounce discriminatory rhetoric and actions. Sam Hodges reports.
Visually impaired students thrive at African school
MUREWA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Murewa Central Primary School does not discriminate against children without sight and currently has 12 visually impaired pupils in different grades. “None of the students have ever failed the Grade 7 examinations,” said the head of the department for visually impaired students. Eveline Chikwanah, a communicator of the Zimbabwe East Conference, reports.
More than $70,000 raised for Haiti
CLEVELAND (UMNS) — The East Ohio and Northern Illinois Conferences raised more than $70,000 through the World Series Challenge to help Haiti recover from Hurricane Matthew.
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Bishop Oliveto receives award for inclusiveness
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (UMNS) — Bishop Karen Oliveto, Mountain Sky Area and first openly gay United Methodist bishop, will receive the 2016 Paul and Paula Murphy Award in Human Sexuality from the Center for Health and Hope at World AIDS Day observances in Denver. The award honors those who work in church and society for inclusiveness.
Amendment to non-discriminatory clause discussed
CHICAGO (UMNS) — An amendment that adds gender, age, marital status and ability to the non-discriminatory clause in the membership section of the denomination’s constitution was a major topic when conference Commissions on the Status and Role of Women gathered for networking and strategizing.
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Nascimento to lead global education, new initiatives
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Amos Nascimento has been promoted to associate general secretary for global education and new initiatives at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. In his new role, Nascimento will lead the global connectional strategy for education and ministry at the board.
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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.
Thursday, Dec. 1
World AIDS Day — The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund invites people to participate in the Just Save One initiative, which aims to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV through an international grant-making process. To donate
Webinar "Cradle Roll Ministry" — 7 to 8 p.m. EST. Research has shown that the everyday activities of infants and toddlers form the foundation for their later development, so it’s important for the church to minister to these youngest members of the congregation. This webinar talks about ministry that focuses on children from birth until age 3. Debbie Kolacki, a certified Christian educator and United Methodist lay servant, will lead. Details
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