"People are getting infected every day. Babies are being born HIV positive." — The Rev. Donald Messer, reminding people that AIDS is still a crisis.
Rolling up a sleeve for HIV/AIDS awareness
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — Filipino United Methodist clergy and laity rolled up their sleeves and were tested for HIV/AIDS infection to promote awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the disease that infects as many as 37 million worldwide. World AIDS Day is Dec. 1. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
Church leaders respond to Tennessee wildfires
ALCOA, Tenn. (UMNS) — Holston Conference leaders are asking United Methodists to be prepared but patient while waiting for information about how best to help victims of a wildfire that reportedly destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses since Monday night in Gatlinburg and other parts of Sevier County, Tennessee. Annette Spence of Holston Conference’s The Call reports.
Commentary: Wesley on holding right opinions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Was John Wesley a “fan” of orthodoxy? He certainly was. However, it is important to understand what he saw as orthodoxy’s role in Christian formation, writes the Rev. Steven W. Manskar. He is the director of Wesleyan Leadership at Discipleship Ministries.
Pastor changed by experience at Standing Rock
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Rev. David Swinton, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, returned from a trip to the protest site near the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota a changed man. He told Dana Larsen of the Storm Lake Pilot Tribune that the protest is about more than a pipeline.
Read New York Times story on ongoing protests
Water is a human right: mission agency
ATLANTA (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is hosting an awareness event about access to water and the impact of a new pipeline on an indigenous people, the Standing Rock Sioux, at 11 a.m. EST Dec. 10 at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta.
Women of Color scholars gather
SAN ANTONIO (UMNS) — The current class of Women of Color scholars recently gathered at La Trinidad United Methodist Church for a two-day event focused on academic updates, inspiration and open and honest conversation. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is the host of the scholarship program, which has 10 recipients.
Collaboration considers global shared services
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The General Council on Finance and Administration plans to work with Belmont University’s business college to see if shared services can be made available to United Methodists worldwide. The denomination’s finance agency offers 40 shared services, such as travel and meeting planning, with the aim of reducing administrative costs. At present, these services are available to U.S. ministries, but the hope is to take them global.
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
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
Monday, Dec. 5
Deadline to register for Creating a Culture of Renewal for churches in Western North Carolina, Thursday, Jan. 5 to June 2017 — The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, a United Methodist church consultant, leads this series of events aimed at helping churches reach their God-given potential. Details
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.