“Sept. 21 is not an ordinary day to Filipino people as it became a mark of declaration of martial law, a decree that spells human rights violations, tyranny and fascism.” — Norma P. Dollaga, a United Methodist deaconess in the Philippines.
Filipinos protest on martial law anniversary
MANILA, Philippines (UMNS) — United Methodists joined thousands of protesters calling for an end to what they believe are extra-judicial killings linked to the war on drugs by President Rodrigo Duterte. It was the 45th anniversary of martial law declared by the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Gladys Mangiduyos reports.
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Indiana Conference cabinet speaks against hate
INDIANAPOLIS — The Extended Cabinet of the Indiana Conference has written to the conference saying, “Reflecting upon recent actions and unrest across our nation, we the Extended Cabinet of the Indiana Conference, collectively, speak out against the Ku Klux Klan, all white supremacist groups, and all others that have adopted their philosophies.”
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After mudslide: Need for environmental education
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — One month into the response for people affected by the twin disasters of flooding and the mudslide, the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone views environmental care and education as the long-term plan for churches. The council distributed relief supplies recently at a new relocation camp in Juba, western Freetown. Phileas Jusu has the story.
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Work starts on new United Methodist Hymnal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Discipleship Ministries said work on a revision of The United Methodist Hymnal will begin this fall. The hymnal is designed to be a print-digital contextually adaptable resource for primary use in the United States. A 15-member committee has been chosen to guide the revision.
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Agency names 'Rule 2' grant recipients
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Named for John Wesley’s rule for Christian living, the Rule 2 Grant supports collegiate ministry groups, churches and other United Methodist entities to serve college or university students. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, which administers the program, has announced the 2017 recipients.
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Bridge dedicated to 'bridge-building' pastor
WINTER PARK, Fla. — A bridge in Orange County, Florida, will soon bear the name of a United Methodist pastor who denounced the Ku Klux Klan and marched for sanitation workers. Both Republican and Democratic leaders in the Florida praised the late Rev. Kenneth C. Crossman as a bridge builder.
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Do United Methodists swear oaths?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (InfoServ) — During baptism, parents respond to questions about raising their child in the church with "I do." Is this considered an oath? InfoServ, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, tackles that question in the latest installment of Ask the UMC.
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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.
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Advent Resource Webinar — 11 a.m. CDT. Managing an outreach campaign is now simpler than ever. This event will carry viewers on a tour of our new Advent resources and discuss how to reach your church and your community with creative, welcoming messages. Register here
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