“If we can get help from our overseas partners, the swamp rice-seed multiplication will be an ideal way for The United Methodist Church in Liberia to contribute to the fight against food insecurity.” — The Rev. James Labala of Gbarnga Mission Station.
Photo by Julu Swen, UMNS
Growing rice to fight food insecurity in Liberia
GBARNGA, Liberia (UMNS) — In a quest to help Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. take the church “back to the soil,” the Gbarnga Mission Station is growing swamp rice that will enable the station to supply most area farmers with seed rice. Julu Swen reports.
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Seeking feedback on full-communion proposal
WASHINGTON — The Episcopal Church-United Methodist Dialogue Committee has adopted a draft proposal for full communion titled “A Gift to the World: Co-Laborers for the Healing of Brokenness.” The committee is seeking feedback from laity, clergy and bishops in both denominations before an official resolution goes to their respective legislative bodies.
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Read draft proposal
Bishop: Peacemaking as white nationalists march
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The same groups that marched for white supremacy in Charlottesville, Virginia, plan to gather in the Nashville suburbs of Murfreesboro and Shelbyville Oct. 28. Nashville Area Bishop Bill McAlilly offers an overview of how United Methodists are responding. He also calls on “all of us to renew our personal and collective commitment to stand against racism and the violence born from it.”
Read bishop’s letter
'America’s Got Talent' winner prepares for what’s next
OKLAHOMA CITY — Ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer credits God for blessing her with the talent that won her $1 million on the television show “America’s Got Talent.” The 13-year-old and her family, members of United Methodist Church of the Servant, are still adjusting to the results of the win. Chris Schutz reports for the Oklahoma Conference.
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Commentary: Living toward the unity that already is
DURHAM, N.C. (UMNS) — As talk centers on growing divisions in The United Methodist Church, retired Bishop Kenneth L. Carder writes that unity can be achieved if everyone adopts Jesus’ commandment to his disciples to “love one another as I have loved you.” Carder’s commentary is part of “Many Voices, One Faith,” a forum for sharing theological perspectives on topics of interest in the church.
Read commentary
United Methodist Forum: Many Voices, One Faith
'Women Transforming the World' conference in Mozambique
MAPUTO, Mozambique — Women from 21 African nations gathered for networking and leadership development at the United Methodist Women-sponsored “Women Transforming the World” conference in Maputo.
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Looking ahead
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.
Thursday, Oct. 26-Thursday, Nov. 9
Pastoring in Partisan Times Webinar Series with Leah Gunning-Francis — 12:30 p.m. CDT Thursdays. What does it mean to pastor purple in red and blue churches? The Missouri Conference presents "Pastoring in Partisan Times," a four-week webinar series centered on the challenge of pastoring increasingly partisan times. This began Oct. 19 and continues weekly through Nov. 9. This lunchtime learning opportunity will feature Mike McCurry, Leah Gunning-Francis, the Rev. Adam Hamilton and the Rev. David Gushee. Details
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