"The church is made of laity and could not function without our volunteer hours, evangelism and missions, service on various committees, singing in choirs, financial contributions, and so much more." — Letter protesting under-representation of laity in the Commission on a Way Forward.
Laity want more representation on commission
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — More than 500 laity from across the denomination signed a letter protesting the under-representation of laity in the composition of the Commission on a Way Forward. The letter went to Bishop Bruce Ough, president of the Council of Bishops, and the council’s executive committee on Oct. 16, Laity Sunday. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
Judicial Council takes up gay ordination issue
NEW YORK (UMNS) — A controversial decision by United Methodists in New York last June to commission and ordain openly gay clergy candidates is one of the 11 docket items on the agenda when the United Methodist Judicial Council meets Oct. 25-28 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lisle, Ill., in the Chicago area. Oral hearings are scheduled on two other docket items. Linda Bloom reports.
Car accident claims lives of Claflin students
COLUMBIA, S.C. (UMNS) — Four students at United Methodist-related Claflin University died in an Oct. 14 car accident on Interstate 77 in Columbia. A fifth student remains hospitalized.
Dotson installed as Discipleship Ministries head
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Junius B. Dotson was installed as the top executive of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries at the agency’s organizational board meeting. The board also elected Upper New York Area Bishop Mark Webb as president.
Movie affirms teachings on human trafficking
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — One man's desire to "do the right thing" turns into a struggle to save others and lift his own life out of despair and resentment in "Priceless," a new film starring Joel Smallbone, lead singer of the Grammy Award-awarding band for KING & COUNTRY. The film affirms United Methodist teachings on human trafficking. Christopher Fenoglio has the story.
Oklahoma churches join for multiethnic ministry
HEAVENER, Okla. (UMNS) — Two United Methodist congregations in Heavener — one English-speaking and one majority Hispanic — have built a bridge between one another and formed a new church. The new congregation’s leaders are convinced that children are the key to a successful merger. Chris Schutz reports for the Oklahoma Conference.
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, Oct. 22 to Monday, Oct. 24
"The All People Conference: Welcoming the Stranger" — This event for leaders who wish to foster racially and economically diverse congregations will be at Church for All People/Community Development for All People, a United Methodist ministry at 946 Parsons Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Speakers include Bishops Minerva Carcaño and Gregory V. Palmer. $245. Details
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