"We believe that we are planting seeds today that when full-grown will bear fruit of a vital Wesleyan witness and dynamic, Spirit-filled Methodism around the globe." — The Rev. Jeff Greenway, a leader of the Wesleyan Covenant Association.
Evangelical group plans for ‘new day’ in church
CHICAGO (UMNS) — With more than 1,800 people in attendance, the new Wesleyan Covenant Association officially launched Oct. 7 and declared its intention to lead Methodism in a more evangelical direction. Organizers announced their hope is to do this work within The United Methodist Church, while leaving open the possibility of moving outside it. Heather Hahn reports.
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Hurricane Matthew spreads destruction
ATLANTA (UMNS) — The United Methodist Committee on Relief acted quickly in response to the destruction and death caused by Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean, notably in Haiti. When the hurricane hit South Carolina Oct. 8, it caused widespread flooding. Jessica Brodie has an update on the church response in South Carolina and Elliot Wright reports for UMCOR.
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Seminary students attend presidential debate
ST. LOUIS (UMNS) — A group of students from United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary attended the second presidential debate of 2016 between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump on Oct. 9. The students attended as part of the class “Religion and the American Presidency,” taught by Mike McCurry, distinguished professor of public theology at Wesley, and one of the co-chairs of the Commission on Presidential Debates. Erik Alsgaard reports for the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
Meharry president details AIDS research
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCOM) — African Americans make up nearly half of all people infected with HIV, and United Methodist-related Meharry Medical College is working to find out why. Dr. James E. K. Hildreth, Meharry president, details the work being done at Meharry’s Center for AIDS Health Disparities in a new video produced by United Methodist Communications and the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. Hildreth recently gave the 2016 Willson Lecture at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
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Watch Willson lecture
Insights from African missionaries
THE VILLAGES, Fla. (UMNS) — The Rev. Jonathan Baker and his wife, Donna, a nurse, are United Methodist missionaries who divide their time between Florida and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They’ve done a video explaining how daily life struggles in remote Africa influence how parents treat children there.
Forming leaders through Covenant Discipleship
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — John Wesley formed societies and classes to help the early Methodists live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Today, Covenant Discipleship Groups help form the leaders in discipleship our congregations need. Joe Iovino has the last in a three-part series on disciple-making yesterday and today.
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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.
Wednesday, Oct. 19 to Thursday, Oct. 20
Conference “Unfinished Worlds: Jürgen Moltmann at 90” — Emory University’s Candler School of Theology will host world-renowned theologian Jürgen Moltmann for a conference on issues of contemporary theology, the contemporary church and the contemporary world. The gathering will be at Cannon Chapel, 515 Kilgo Circle, Atlanta. Registration is $30. Details
Tuesday, Jan. 17 to Thursday, June 29, 2017
Creating a Culture of Renewal for churches in New England — The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, a United Methodist church consultant, leads this series of events aimed at helping churches reach their God-given potential. The opening retreat is 3 p.m. EST Tuesday, Jan. 17 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine. The closing retreat will be held from 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday, June 27 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 29 at Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine. In between, there will be monthly online group meetings at times to be announced. To register
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