"A lot of our prayers were answered tonight. It’s a great first step, and a great night for America." — The Rev. Owen Ross, pastor of Christ’s Foundry United Methodist Church, a Hispanic congregation in Dallas.
United Methodists praise president’s immigration order
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — President Barack Obama’s immigration plan offers “a word of mercy and a measure of justice,” said United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcaño, co-chair of the denomination’s interagency task force on immigration reform. Kathy L. Gilbert and Sam Hodges have the story.
A history of welcoming the immigrant
MADISON, N. J. (UMNS) — Immigrant women, often traveling alone or with children in tow, arrived on American shores to join their husbands or other relatives who had come to the U.S. ahead of them in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They found help from United Methodist women. The Rev. Alfred T. Day III, top executive for United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, writes about how the current debate over immigration brings the work with long-ago immigrant women into focus.
Filipino church members walk for accountability
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — Some 500 church members and students from The United Methodist Church in the Philippines, led by Manila Area Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan, gathered Nov. 17 to express their indignation about graft and corruption. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
Liberia Partners in mission together
DETROIT (UMNS) — Eighty participants from 14 conferences, including two bishops and three missionaries, gathered to focus on the needs of Liberia beyond Ebola. The Liberia Partners Summit heard from missionaries who have returned to West Africa and stressed that the emphasis now needs to move beyond crisis to focusing on schools, health safety, and other prevention and development issues. Kay DeMoss has the story for the Detroit Conference.
Rethink Church offers resources for ministry with prisoners
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Currently, there are more than 2.3 million people incarcerated in the U.S. prison system. United Methodists are called to be peacemakers and healers. Rethink Church shares information on how to be in relationship with prisoners and returned citizens.
Easy ways to share gratitude this Thanksgiving
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Whether starting a tradition or involving kids more, here are some fresh ideas to give the holiday added meaning for your family. Joe Iovino of United Methodist Communications has 10 ideas.
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, Nov. 27
Thanksgiving — Whether you are heading to church or over the river and through the woods, the United Methodist Board of Discipleship has resources to focus on our gratitude to God and not just a big meal.
Sunday, Nov. 30
United Methodist Student Day — This special offering supports scholarships for United Methodist young people. To order free envelopes and posters. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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