"We want every square inch of our campus to be used for outreach so the community may know Jesus is near." — The Rev. David Horton, on the new soccer field at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Houston.
Seeing a soccer field as a mission field
HOUSTON (UMNS) — In an area of town where green space is hard to find, the new soccer field on the Gethsemane campus of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is a “kingdom asset,” says the church’s pastor, the Rev. David Horton. The Texas Conference has the story of how the church is facilitating community through soccer kicks.
Bulgaria ministry a ‘journey to another world’
AKSAKOVO, Bulgaria (UMNS) — An invitation to visit a prison, while initially uncomfortable, inspired one pastor to begin a now-thriving ministry to inmates that continues beyond prison walls.
The method of Methodism expands
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — John and Charles Wesley formed religious societies to support one another in the pursuit of “holiness of heart and life.” The 18th-century class meeting of the early Methodists has been reimagined into Covenant Discipleship Groups and class leaders for today. Joe Iovino has the second of a three-part series on the disciple-shaping groups.
Korean Ministry Plan holds annual meeting
CHICAGO (UMNS) — The United Methodist Korean Ministry Plan set goals for the next four years at its annual meeting in Chicago Sept. 7-9. The Plan’s president, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung; the Rev. Paul Chang, executive director, and the full council membership set the direction to strengthen local congregations with local and global programs, including training for new church starts and small group leadership.
Read the full report (in Korean)
Be newsworthy, not snooze-worthy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCOM) — Church announcements are important to communicate what’s happening in your congregation. Want to capture attention with announcements that are newsworthy and not snooze-worthy? Tricia Brown, writing for United Methodist Communications, offers four tips.
Correction
The featured quote in the Sept. 28, 2016, daily digest misspelled the name of the Rev. Jason Radmacher, who spoke about the longtime ministry of John Street Church in New York.
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, Oct. 6
Webinar “Using Advent and Christmas Symbols in Sunday School” — 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are rich in symbolism, and it’s never too early to introduce children to this part of their heritage. Debbie Kolacki, a certified Christian educator and United Methodist lay servant, will suggest specific Sunday school activities focusing on these symbols. Details
Friday, Oct. 7 to Sunday, Oct. 9
The Lake Junaluska Signature Series featuring the Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber — The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver, Colorado, bestselling author and ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will speak three times throughout the weekend at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina. The Roots Revival Band will provide music. $100. Details
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