"I am heartbroken when I think about what it would be like to not be in ministry with my colleagues who challenge me." — The Rev. Melissa Drake, one of the leaders of the new group Uniting Methodists Movement.
Group to church: Let's stay together
LEAWOOD, Kan. (UMNS) — The new group Uniting Methodists Movement is getting under way with the message that different views of same-gender marriage and gay ordination need not be church-dividing. Two of the group’s leaders are members of the Commission on a Way Forward. Heather Hahn reports.
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Kenyan church promotes peaceful voting
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — United Methodist leaders are making plans for the church to be a “bridge for crossing tribal divisions and uniting Kenya under the body of Christ” as the country prepares for a second presidential vote. Kenya’s Supreme Court on Sept. 1 nullified the results of the Aug. 8 presidential election. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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Connecting across regional lines
NEW YORK (UMNS) — At a rare joint session, the New York Conference and Northern Illinois Conference bishops and their cabinets shared joys, frustrations and best practices as they discussed what they have in common and what they could learn from each other. It worked so well that they suggest other United Methodist conferences do the same. Linda Bloom reports.
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Big gift for Harvey relief
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas has donated $100,000 to the Rio Texas Conference’s disaster response fund, which is providing relief from Hurricane Harvey. The nonprofit also has deployed health care staff, supplies and other resources to relief efforts.
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Florida disaster team always ready to go
SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. — Sun City Center United Methodist Church’s disaster response team, under the direction of Earl Gall, 72, is ready and willing to respond to Hurricane Irma when needed. Ed Scott reports for the Florida Conference.
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See Florida Conference's post-Irma photos
UMCOR responds to Irma — watch video
Experiments in understanding
KELLER LAKE, Mich. — Three graduate students moved into Windsor Manor at Clark Retirement Community just over a year ago. They are part of a 19-month experiment to improve care for seniors. The Rev. Karin Orr has the story for the Michigan Conference.
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Centenary, Perkins strengthen ties
SHREVEPORT, La. — Centenary College graduates interested in pursuing ministry will have a “preferred pathway” to Perkins School of Theology, including early decision for admission and early consideration for financial aid. Leaders of Centenary and Perkins, both United Methodist schools, recently signed a partnership agreement with Louisiana Conference Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey attending the ceremony.
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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.
Monday, Sept. 25-Saturday, Oct. 7
Online workshop on creating an abundance mentality — The Rev. Beth Galbreath has heard a lot of folks worry about churches struggling to stay alive. She’s also heard bishops preach to church leaders about switching their focus to “abundance.” Folks respond, “Yeah, right, and how do we do that?” This course from BeaDisciple.com aims to provide an answer to that question. 1 CEU will be awarded. $55. Details
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