“God didn’t bring me this beautiful parsonage to live in it alone.” – The Rev. Julie K. Fleurinor on her decision to fill her parsonage with foster children.
Chicago pastor, foster mom lives into her call
CHICAGO (UMNS) – As she toured the four-bedroom parsonage of her first church appointment, the Rev. Julie K. Fleurinor felt God’s call in a new way. “God didn’t bring me this beautiful parsonage to live in it alone,” she said. Three years later, she is foster mother to four children ranging in age from 1 to 14. Susan Keaton has the story.
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Rediscovering the European ‘Bible Women’
RUSE, Bulgaria (UMNS) – The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History joined with various Methodist historians to examine the role of women in establishing Methodism on the European continent. The conference highlighted research about the “Bible Women” of Italy and Bulgaria, who were the Methodist first wave into the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
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Translations of women’s ministry resource available
CHICAGO (UMNS) – Spanish, French and Portuguese translations of “Women Called to Ministry” is now available online from the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women. The resource is a six-session study that explores why women are included in the full life of the church.
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Clark Atlanta professor panelist at National Archives symposium
ATLANTA (UMNS) – Aubrey Underwood, an assistant professor in the Department of African American Studies, Africana Women’s Studies and History at Clark Atlanta University, will serve as a panelist at a Sept. 19 symposium at the National Archives at Atlanta. Her presentation is “We’ve Been Dumped on by the Pentagon: The American South and the Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Waste.”
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History of Hymns: ‘Lord of the Dance’
DALLAS (UMNS) – The lively 1960s hymn, “Lord of the Dance,” which recounts Christ’s life as a series of dances, was the Christian answer to Peter Seeger and Bob Dylan folk hits, says C. Michael Hawn in his column for Discipleship Ministries. The song – set to the same tune as the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts” – remains a favorite of youth groups but has not been without controversy.
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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.
Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 17-19
Lake Junaluska Women's Retreat with Lauren Winner – The Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center of Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, will host a retreat for women that will include worship, music, discussion and free-time options such as massage, yoga and spiritual counseling. Lauren Winner, professor at Duke Divinity School and renowned author of "Girl Meets God" and "Still: Notes on a Mid-faith Crisis," will lead the retreat along with singer-songwriter Martha Bassett. $140 to $337. Details
Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 5-7
Young clergy event "revitup! ... For a Lifetime of Ministry" – The United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits will hold this event for young clergy ages 25-39 at Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, Illinois. The event features classes on United Methodist benefits, managing cash and reducing debt, finding money for ministry initiatives and other topics. The Rev. Mike Slaughter of Ginghamsburg Church will provide the keynote, and Chuck Bell Music Ministries will provide music. Details
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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