“It was like seeds that she planted. I don’t have much from Grandma, but I do have this memory. Every time I see an index card, that’s what I think of.” — Gilbert Hanke on the index cards on which his grandmother, Mary Meyer, listed names and concerns of people for whom she was praying.
A promise to pray: Honoring our United Methodist vow
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Building a solid prayer life can be a struggle for some. While United Methodists vow to uphold their congregation through their prayers, many don’t know what that means. Julie Dwyer has the first in a five-part series looking at United Methodists’ membership vows.
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MARCHA issues solidarity statement with Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Hispanic-Latino caucus of The United Methodist Church issued a statement calling for solidarity with Puerto Ricans and the Methodist Church there in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria’s devastation. MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic/Latino Americans) called for congressional approval of a fund for the recovery and reconstruction of the island. The caucus asked United Methodists to pray and donate to help the recovery.
Read full statement
Puerto Rican bishop: 'This is a catastrophe'
Growing church connections in Mongolia
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Six church leaders recently traveled to Mongolia on a trip organized by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The trip was part of an effort to connect with the Southeast Asia and Mongolia Provisional Central Conference as well as Methodist-related Huree University.
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In the aftermath of Harvey
ROCKPORT, Texas — Recovery is slowly happening in this coastal Texas town, hard hit by Hurricane Harvey. The Rev. Laura Merrill, assistant to the bishop in the Rio Texas Conference, reports in a photo-illustrated essay on her visit to the community and to the First United Methodist Church there.
Read essay
Survey for United Methodist Student Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications is looking for personal stories that illustrate the benefits of United Methodist Student Day. United Methodists are invited to take a short survey about providing scholarships for qualified United Methodist applicants.
See survey
A better way to do stewardship testimonies
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Rev. Nate Berneking of the Missouri Conference says testimonies about giving and money are powerful when done well, but disastrous when done poorly. In a commentary for the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, he outlines how an interview approach to testimony can keep things focused and on track.
Read commentary
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. 16-Friday, Nov. 17
Online workshop: How to revitalize your prayer life — This online workshop will help participants have a deeper prayer life. Participants will examine their own prayer life and be challenged to see and experience prayer in some new ways. Emphasis is on putting into practice what is learned about prayer. This course from United Methodist BeADisciple.com is eligible for 1.0 CEU. Cost: $55. Details
Monday, Oct. 9-Saturday, Oct. 28
Online Workshop: Gracious Conversations — Holding firm to convictions while listening with courtesy and respect can be a challenge. Using various online resources and life experiences, participants in this online workshop from United Methodist BeADisciple.com will identify key words, practices and concepts that can help set a compass bearing for respectful, considerate conversations, especially with those who have significantly different views. Cost: $30. Details
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