“I still believe The United Methodist Church has a lot to offer, and I still believe folks need Jesus.” — Bishop Sharma Lewis, who leads the Virginia Conference.
Bishop Lewis: Being first means lifting others up
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Bishop Sharma Lewis initially aspired to a career in medicine but ended up as a trailblazer in United Methodist ministry, most recently becoming the first African-American female bishop in the Southeastern Jurisdiction. The bishop, whose vocation changed from healing bodies to healing souls, now has the opportunity to help heal a strained denomination. Heather Hahn offers the first in a series of profiles on the first-elected bishop in each U.S. jurisdiction.
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Next: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
World Methodists bestow peace award
HOUSTON (UMNS) —The once-every-five-years World Methodist Conference wrapped up this weekend in Houston, having drawn United Methodists and other Wesleyan Christians from around the globe for worship, teaching and fellowship. The final day included presentation of the World Methodist Peace Award to the Rev. Jo Anne Lyon, founder of World Hope International and former general superintendent of The Wesleyan Church. Sam Hodges reports.
Filipinos ask president to stop killings
QUEZON CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — United Methodists in the Philippines are among the religious groups expressing alarm over the rising death toll in the “war on drugs” instituted by that nation’s president. Gladys Mangiduyos reports.
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Church responds to bombing in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (UMNS) — United Methodists are considering how they can help victims of a deadly bombing at a night market, a bombing that was condemned by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. Gladys Mangiduyos has the story.
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Needed start to racial bridge building
KANSAS CITY — An editorial in The Kansas City Star commended two United Methodist pastors, the Rev. Adam Hamilton and the Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III, for making an “impressive start” on improving race relations by bringing their congregations together for a nonthreatening dialogue between black and white Kansas City area residents.
Bishop Brown serves as interim at Glide
SAN FRANCISCO — Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, who leads the California-Nevada Conference, has assigned recently retired Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr. as the interim senior pastor of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church. Brown follows recently elected Bishop Karen Oliveto, who now leads the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone conferences. Larry Hygh reports.
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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. 8
Facebook LIVE Broadcast “How Can We Become a Movement Again?” — 11:30 a.m. CDT. The Rev. Junius B. Dotson, top executive of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, casts a vision for church discipleship in a Facebook LIVE broadcast. Details
Webinar “Basic Youth Leader Resources and Information” — 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. This course will take a look at books, websites, training opportunities and other sources of information for experienced youth ministers as well as those new to the ministry. The information available covers topics such as starting a youth ministry, relating to parents, planning programs and youth worship. Debbie Kolacki, a United Methodist Christian educator and certified lay servant, will lead. Details
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