“All the migrant work enriches us profoundly and is a real turnaround experience for our church in Bremen, also for me personally.” — The Rev. Susanne Nießner-Brose, pastor of the Erlöserkirche Evangelisch-methodistische (United Methodist Church of the Redeemer).
Photo by Mike DuBose
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bremen church embraces refugees, migrants
BREMEN, Germany (UMNS) — A United Methodist church in Bremen, Germany, that welcomed refugees and migrants has found blessing and new life through the work. Vicki Brown and Mike DuBose report with story and photos.
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Bishops consider 3 models for church future
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — United Methodist bishops are exploring three possible models for the church’s future. Heather Hahn reports.
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Building bridges with Methodist Church in India
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Bishops from the Methodist Church in India traveled to the U.S. this month to learn more about The Upper Room’s programs and resources. They also took part in a five-day Academy for Spiritual Formation in partnership with the Wisconsin Conference. The visit was a learning experience for both churches, said the Rev. Im Jung, who helped organize the initiative. Julie Dwyer has the story.
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Norway Church lights Liberian children’s village
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Thanks to The United Methodist Church in Norway, the Bishop Judith Craig Children’s Village in Liberia now has solar-powered electricity. “The United Methodist Church of Norway has lifted our village from the backwardness we once experienced without electricity,” said the Rev. Robert N. Sieh, director of the church-supported home for orphans. Julu Swen has the story.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Bishop: Fend off gambling expansion
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — Bishop Peggy A. Johnson urges Pennsylvanians to take advantage of a state law that allows municipalities to opt out of planned “mini-casinos” by Dec. 31. The church teaches that Christians should abstain from gambling. “I strongly urge members, clergy and conference agencies to act during this limited response period,” writes Johnson, who leads the Eastern Pennsylvania and Peninsula-Delaware conferences.
Read bishop's letter
PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Carter next Council of Bishops head
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Florida Area Bishop Kenneth H. Carter was officially elected as the next president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church. Carter will take over from Dakotas-Minnesota Area Bishop Bruce R. Ough, effective at the end of the council’s May 2018 meeting.
Read press release
Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Lewis named endorsement director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Mitchell Lewis has been named the director of endorsement and endorsing agent in the Division of Ordained Ministry’s United Methodist Endorsing Agency.
Read press release
COMMENTARIES
Migration — a personal reflection
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (UMNS) — In advance of Global Migration Sunday Dec. 3, Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño of the California-Nevada Conference shares her experiences with migrants. “I truly believe that as we walk with migrant sisters and brothers, our faith will be strengthened as we see God at work in their lives,” she writes.
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Read more about Global Migration Sunday
Church mass shooting affects whole county
LA VERNIA, Texas — The Rev. Stephen A. Curry is pastor of La Vernia United Methodist Church, a few miles from where the Nov. 5 mass shooting occurred at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. He’s written an essay for The New York Times under the headline “Living, Loving and Dying in Church.” Curry gives context about the centrality of church life in Texas’ Wilson County.
Read essay
RECENT HEADLINES
Commentary: My struggle with Centrism #UMC
Commentary: In support of United Methodist centrism
European denominations agree to closer ties
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.
Monday, Nov. 13
Online study — The Prequel to Advent: Step One on the Road to a Meaningful Christmas
Tuesday, Nov. 21
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