“We focus on teaching children the basics of soccer, but what we really care about is their heart, their soul, their relationship with God.” — David Herrera, on church’s soccer ministry.
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodist Communications
Faith and futbol: Church scores big with kids
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, started a youth soccer program in 2017 to teach children how playing soccer helps build faith. “This area used to be full of trees, snakes and glass. But with the help of the moms, we cleaned this soccer field and turned it into a sanctuary,” said Pastor Juan Julio Paredes. United Methodist Communications shares how the program is making a difference in the community.
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North Texas Conference
The banners she made blessed many
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas — Ruth Gene Tucker, who died on June 24, created hundreds of Christian-themed banners that hang in her church, Christ United Methodist in Farmers Branch, and other places. She used pieces of her wedding gown in making a series of 13 banners for the church. Many of her banners were made to bless marriages or baptisms. Her pastor, the Rev. Scott Holcomb-McClain, reflects on Tucker’s life and ministry.
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Minnesota Conference
Launching a church during pandemic
COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. — The Rev. Jeremy Peters proved up to the challenge of planting a church during a pandemic. In partnership with two pastors at the main campus of The Grove United Methodist Church in Woodbury, Peters relaunched a new Grove campus that now has about 70 people attending worship each week. Christa Meland reports.
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Global Ministries
Extending the table on World Communion Sunday
ATLANTA — World Communion Sunday is coming Oct. 2, offering a way for United Methodists to help award scholarships for education that can lead to positive change in the world. Sarah Bless Sanchez-Maddela is studying for her doctorate in psychology so she can help people in the Philippines deal with depression, anxiety and trauma. Her status as a World Communion Scholar is allowing her to pursue her dream. Christie R. House has the story.
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Power98 FM
United Methodist addresses mass incarceration
CHARLOTTE. N.C. — Toska Medlock Lee, national co-coordinator for the Oct. 19-22 National Summit on Mass Incarceration, talks about the upcoming event on “The Francene Marie Show.” She also tells how her family has been affected by the problem. The summit, sponsored by Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century and Exodus Foundation.org, will be held at Charlotte's University City United Methodist Church.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Forward NC
Grassroots group releases open letter
DURHAM, N.C. — As the North Carolina Conference prepares to vote on church disaffiliations, a new grassroots group named United Methodist Forward NC is seeking to offer a message of hope for the denomination’s future. The group has released an “Open Letter About the Future of the North Carolina Conference” and encourages people to sign. The North Carolina Conference special session is scheduled Nov. 19 at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
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UM News: Grassroots groups talk up The United Methodist Church
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
A plan to re-church rural America
COLUMBIA, Mo. (UM News) — Acknowledging that something significant must happen to reverse United Methodist declines in the U.S., a retired pastor traces the historical trajectory of the denomination. The Rev. Mel West outlines a “plan to re-church rural America.”
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RESOURCES
Church and Society
Panel to discuss Christian nationalism trends
WASHINGTON — In the latest edition of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society’s “Justice Talks,” a panel of ecumenical Christian leaders will discuss the rise of Christian nationalism, its dangers and the importance of religious freedom for all. The conversation will air at 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Sept. 28.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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