"I have never been the victim. The Lord has blessed me my whole life." — Reubin Gourley, a member of Live Oak United Methodist Church in Watson, Louisiana, whose house flooded.
Church families rescuing, rebuilding after floods
BATON ROUGE, La. (UMNS) — Six trillion gallons of rainwater fell in just three days in southern Louisiana. The recovery, though, will take years. United Methodists from around the globe who see themselves as “family” will be there to help. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story. Joey Butler and Mike DuBose have the video and photos.
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Epworth: A different housing project
DALLAS (UMNS) — The Epworth Project, named for John Wesley’s birthplace, creates living spaces where residents commit to prayer, community and hospitality. Founded by the Rev. Elaine Heath, formerly of Perkins School of Theology and now dean of Duke Divinity School, the project has eight houses across Texas. The Dallas Morning News has a report.
Church history wall unites generations
TOPEKA, Kan. (UMC.org) — First United Methodist Church of Topeka was established before Kansas was a state. The church has installed a permanent history wall to help share its story with newcomers and experienced members alike. “We hope the history wall not just reminds us of who we were, but paints that picture for who we might be,” the lead pastor says.
Watch video
Paine College accreditation restored
AUGUSTA, Ga. (UMNS) — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction restoring Paine College’s accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Paine, one of 11 historically black colleges supported by The United Methodist Church through its Black College Fund, filed a lawsuit after the association denied its appeal of the accreditation loss. Last summer, SACSCOC removed Paine for failing to meet standards for financial resources and stability and control of sponsored research and external funds.
Read press release
Read Atlanta-Journal Constitution story
Church packs Disciple Fast Track group
AUGUSTA, Ga. (UMNS) — Quest United Methodist Church has more than 90 members currently participating in Disciple Fast Track. Fast Track is an adaptation of the original Disciple Bible Study that takes 24 weeks rather than 9 or 10 months. The North Georgia Conference published an interview with Shauna Kenney, wife of church pastor the Rev. John Kenney, to find out why the study program has been so popular.
Read interview
Ministry idea: Teaching dolls for young patients
WICKES, Ark. (UMNS) — During the past year, the people of Wickes United Methodist Church worked to make 88 teaching dolls to be used by patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The Arkansas Conference has the story on how this small, rural church is giving a boost to children’s health.
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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, Sept. 22
Webinar “Alternative Sunday School Series” — 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. In 2014, First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, created stand-alone time for Sunday school along with a program of learning, service and spiritual reflection. This webinar focuses on First Lutheran’s story. Details
Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25
Denver American Indian Festival — Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Thornton, Colorado, is hosting the festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MDT Sept. 24 and noon to 6 p.m. MDT Sept. 25. This free two-day cultural event is a celebration of and introduction to Native American culture via food, dance, storytelling, music and education. The church is at 3960 East 128th Ave. Details
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