"They really needed to see the neighborhood as their seven-day-a-week mission field." — The Rev. Jason Radmacher, on the longtime ministry of John Street Church in New York.
Still present: Methodism in New York
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The first big conflict at John Street Church in lower Manhattan — nearly 200 years ago — was whether to remain “downtown” or move to the “suburbs.” The decision to stay permanently defined the church’s core ministry. Linda Bloom offers a snapshot of the denomination’s presence in the city through the lens of its oldest congregation.
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‘Bittersweet’ departure from New York
Wisconsin flood assistance needed
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (UMNS) — Torrential rains in Wisconsin caused statewide flooding, and a number of counties are under a state of emergency. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung suggests ways United Methodists can help, including prayer, financial donations and cleaning buckets.
Read bishop’s request
Fighting hunger with the longest table
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (UMNS) — One in four people go to bed hungry in Steubenville and the surrounding community. To raise awareness of hunger, the United Methodist-related Urban Mission set a table down the middle of the street and fed 300 people. Rick Wolcott reports for the East Ohio Conference.
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World Communion Sunday: ‘Grace for the World’
NEW YORK (UMC.org) — United Methodists will join Christians around the world in celebrating World Communion Sunday on Oct. 2. The Rev. Stephen Bauman of Christ Church, a United Methodist congregation with more than 50 nationalities represented, talks about what the day means for his congregation.
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How World Communion Sunday helps students
Laity Sunday: Tips for involving members
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCOM) — United Methodists observe Laity Sunday on Oct. 16 as a day to include church members in the planning and execution of the worship service, but other days can be chosen as well. Darby Jones offers seven tips for including members in the service, and Discipleship Ministries has resources for observing Laity Sunday.
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.
Tuesday, Oct. 4
Early-bird discount deadline for “Discovering God’s Future for Your Church” conference and live stream from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT Saturday, Nov. 5 — Hosted by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary, the event will provide a step-by-step process to help congregations discern God’s vision for their future. Details
Webinar "Millennials & Generosity" — 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. This webinar explores how generational giving patterns affect stewardship ministry. It looks particularly at how millennials are already generous and how the church can come alongside them to support them in their journey to live grateful, generous lives. Grace Duddy Pomroy, a Lutheran stewardship ministry leader, will lead the webinar for ecumenical group Practical Resources for Churches. Details
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