"I continue to live in awe of the courage and dedication of the women throughout Methodist history who gave their all for the rights that we take for granted, especially the precious right to vote." — Dawn Wiggins Hare, United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
6 Methodist women who fought for the vote
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — John Wesley was a fan of voting, but in his day, it was strictly a land-owning, male affair. Getting to the point where all adult citizens had a voice in choosing their government took hard work, great risk and tremendous faith. Fortunately, many faithful members of Wesley’s movement, especially women, joined the struggle to expand the right to vote. Heather Hahn highlights six Wesleyan women who helped change history.
Read story
Theological focus on unity at Emory
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools will co-host a theological colloquy on “The Unity of the Church and Human Sexuality: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness.” The gathering, in support of the Council of Bishops, will take place March 10-12 at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta.
Read press release
Living Sermon: Pastor builds tiny house
DE PERE, Wis. (UMC.org) — For the Rev. Rebecca Rutter, a United Methodist pastor and mother of three, building her own 98-square-foot home gave her a chance to reflect on how one person can leave a smaller footprint on God’s earth. Rutter spent a year of “Sabbath days” teaching herself carpentry and electrical wiring to build her tiny dream house, which measures 7½ feet wide by 14½ feet long.
Churches mobilize to help homeless
ROCK HILL, S.C. (UMNS) — Pilgrim’s Inn offers transitional housing units to help homeless individuals and families on their path to self-sufficiency. When the Rev. Emily Sutton, pastor at Philadelphia and Bethel United Methodist churches, found out about the group’s need for furniture, she mobilized her entire district to help. Jessica Brodie, editor of the South Carolina Conference Advocate, reports.
Read story
Global AIDS Fund elects new officers
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Bishop Julius Trimble, Indiana Conference, is the new chairman of the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund committee for 2016-2020. The Rev. Youngsook Kang, Rocky Mountain Conference, is vice-chair, and Douglas B. Smith, an at-large member, was elected secretary. Linda Bales Todd will serve as a consultant to the committee.
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.
Saturday, Nov. 5
"Discovering God’s Future for Your Church" conference and live stream — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT. Hosted by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary, the event will provide a step-by-step process to help congregations discern God’s vision for their future. Details
Thursday, Nov. 10
Webinar "Alternative Sunday School Series: Vivid Worship" — 7 to 8 p.m. EST. Vivid Worship is intergenerational, interactive, interpersonal and a new way to approach God. Bonnie Deroski, director of child and family life at Grace Christian Church, a nondenominational church in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, will talk about integrating “Vivid Worship.” Practical Resources for Churches offers this webinar. 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.