“I have established relationships with the people and they ask me to come to their houses when they are experiencing bad moments.” — The Rev. José Roberto Peña, chaplain at Honduras cigar factory.
Chaplain brings word of God to cigar factory workers
DANLÍ, Honduras (UMNS) — Every Friday, for about 10 minutes, the sound being blasted to the employees of Tabacos de Oriente is the word of God instead of Gun N’ Roses or some other rockin’ soundtrack. That word comes from the Rev. José Roberto Peña, pastor of Danlí Central United Methodist Church, who serves as chaplain of the cigar factory. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story and photos. Jan Snider has video.
Read story
Watch video interview with chaplain
Houston churches go flat out with flood relief
HOUSTON (UMNS) — From mucking out homes to passing out supplies to looking after children whose schools are closed, United Methodist churches here are still busy providing relief from the floods that came with Hurricane Harvey. Texas Conference Bishop Scott Jones is cheering them on, but also encouraging them to pace themselves. Sam Hodges has the story and Kathleen Barry has photos.
Read story
United Methodist orphanage a beacon of hope
JALINGO, Nigeria (UMNS) — More than 189 orphans, from babies to young people, live at the United Methodist Orphanage in Jalingo. Founded in 1999, the home has cared for, educated and given love to Nigerian children with no earthly parents. The orphanage recently celebrated the accomplishments of its residents at a high school graduation ceremony. Ande I. Emmanuel reports.
Read story
The unexpected at 'Blessing of the Backpacks'
PADUCAH, Ky. — Lone Oak United Methodist Church hosted a “Blessing of the Backpacks” this month. The Rev. Jason W. Jones writes about what happened when three young people not affiliated with the church showed up.
Read Memphis Conference story
Agency offers post-Charlottesville toolkit
WASHINGTON — In the wake of Charlottesville and other protests around the U.S., the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race is providing church leaders with resources to promote awareness and foster relationships across lines of difference. The toolkit is a curation of resources that may be beneficial for a small group, or congregation on the themes of white supremacy, hate and violence.
See toolkit
Commentary: Talking about politics in church
WASHINGTON — The church should be a sanctuary for conversations about subjects that too often polarize Americans, write the Rev. Kristopher Norris and Mike McCurry. The two are co-directors of the National Capital Semester for Seminarians at United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary.
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, Sept. 18-Monday, Oct. 9
New Sunday school teacher online training — This course looks at teaching children from preschool through sixth grade. Participants will be able to access the course at their convenience. A minimum of four to five hours per week is necessary to benefit from the course content. BeADisciple.com and Practical Resources for Churches are sponsors. $45. 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.