"What we're trying to do is what these families can't do right now, lift our eyes off the ground and look at the horizon and see what they'll need, and be ready to help." — Mark R. Mitchell, lay leader of Floresville (Texas) United Methodist Church, on the local United Methodist effort to help survivors of the church massacre.
NEWS AND FEATURES
A United Methodist balm for Sutherland Springs
DALLAS (UMNS) — Mark R. Mitchell, lay leader of Floresville (Texas) United Methodist Church, has organized lawyers and accountants who are ready to work pro bono for survivors of the Nov. 5 massacre at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. That's one example of how United Methodists close to the tragedy are trying to be of practical help. Sam Hodges reports.
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African bishops: Support Way Forward work
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — In a pastoral letter, African bishops call on United Methodists in their areas to support the ongoing work of the Commission on a Way Forward with prayer and fasting. Heather Hahn reports on the letter issued during the Council of Bishops meeting.
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Crossing borders without leaving a country
KAPOSVÁR, Hungary (UMNS) — The Rev. Bence Vigh, 31, is a young pastor in The United Methodist Church in Hungary. The charge conference he is serving also includes the Roma church Kürtöspuszta. His work with youth gives him a unique view into how the digitalization of the world shapes the lives of people in Hungary who have technology and the sharp differences for those who do not. Urs Schweizer has the story.
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Global Ministries
#GivingTuesday: Connect your passion with God's mission
ATLANTA — Now is the time to start thinking about where you want your UMC #GivingTuesday gift to go on Nov. 28. There are more than 600 church-related Advance projects and more than 300 United Methodist missionaries to choose from. One of the great things about The Advance is that it allows you to invest your resources where your passion answers specific needs in the world, said Thomas Kemper, top executive with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
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Give on Nov. 28
Global Geneva
Mike DuBose: A photojournalist's journey
GENEVA — “As a photographer, I have always tried to give an honest look at the world around me, and I enjoyed taking our readers to new places or giving them a fresh view of the familiar,” said Mike DuBose, UMNS photographer. DuBose and his work are featured on the website of Global Geneva Magazine, focusing on journalism, ideas and world affairs.
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COMMENTARIES
Pastor offers tips to protect churches from gun violence
CASPER, Wyo. — The deadly mass shooting during Sunday morning service at a Sutherland Springs, Texas, church is a reminder that while no one can ever be prepared for such an incident, churches can take steps to protect themselves. The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter talked with the Rev. Derrek Belase, a former police officer, about some practical tips for churches. Simon-Peter is director of Creating a Culture of Renewal.
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Alabama-West Florida Conference
Veterans Day reflection and prayer
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Bishop David Graves encourages United Methodists to reach out and thank those who are serving in the military, especially on Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Graves, who serves Alabama-West Florida, said he meets many veterans like the Rev. John Brooks, Montgomery-Prattville District superintendent, who was severely wounded in Vietnam. “John was told that he would never walk again and never use his left arm after losing his right arm. Today, Rev. John Brooks is a walking miracle.”
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EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Sunday, Nov. 12
Mourning's Dawn: Healing and Living with Grief
Monday, Nov. 13
revitup! For a Lifetime in Ministry — an event for young clergy ages 25-39
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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