“We have been using our financial reserves to help people in need around our churches." — Bishop Hector Ortiz, Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, on the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez
Puerto Rican bishop: 'This is a catastrophe'
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (UMNS) — The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico has activated an emergency strategy to try to respond to community needs following Hurricane Maria. Bishop Hector Ortiz said he agrees with everyone else that the situation is “a catastrophe.” Gustavo Vasquez and Linda Bloom have the story.
Read story
Bishops urge new legislation for 'Dreamers'
WASHINGTON — United Methodist bishops are urging the U.S. Congress to pass a Clean Dream Act that would allow undocumented young people the opportunity to work, receive an education and serve in the U.S. military. Young immigrants covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program — also known as Dreamers — had an Oct. 5 deadline to renew their permits one last time.
Read press release http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/united-methodist-bishops-call-for-a-clean-dream-act
Read full statement
United Methodist Men take on domestic violence
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Commission on United Methodist Men is partnering with AMEND Together, an initiative of the YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee dedicated to ending violence against women and girls. The collaboration features an eight-week group series that will help United Methodist men learn to recognize, respond to and prevent violence against women. Julie Dwyer has the story.
Read story
New group aims for LGBTQ full inclusion
DENVER (UMNS) — A new association of retired United Methodist clergy has come together to seek full inclusion of LGBTQ Christians. The group is gearing up for its first public gathering just as two other relatively new groups in the church’s homosexuality debate are preparing for their own big meetings. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Exploring a Christian approach to borders
PALERMO, Italy (WCC) — A “humanitarian corridors” cooperative model between the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy, Community of Sant’Egidio, Waldensian and Methodist Churches and the Italian government was highlighted as a sign of hope during an international conference Sept. 30-Oct. 2 on migration and Christian witness.
Read WCC story
Migrants find help from Italian Methodists
Pastor honored for Harvey relief
HOUSTON — The Rev. Hannah Terry, associate pastor of Westbury United Methodist Church, is featured as one of the “Heroes of Harvey” by Houstonia magazine. When flooding from Hurricane Harvey gripped Houston, Terry helped lead Westbury to a range of relief efforts, including opening a free child care day camp.
Read story
Agency partners with church-software company
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration has announced that Church Windows, which sells church-management software, is a new corporate sponsor.
Read press release
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.
Monday, Oct. 9-Friday, Oct. 27
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs — This online workshop explores the history, heritage, beliefs, mission and culture of The United Methodist Church for anyone — newcomer or longtime member — who wants to know what’s distinctive about being a United Methodist Christian. This class is one of the core Lay Servant Ministries classes, but everyone is welcome. This class has been approved by Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries and is the “heritage” class required for Lay Speaker certification. This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU. Price: $70. Details
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.