“We will be uniquely positioned to be able to model for the denomination how folks who don’t think alike can love alike. Part of that process involves genuine conversation, talking with each other, and not at each other.” — Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, who leads the Western Pennsylvania Conference.
New bishop recalls questions about segregated church
BALTIMORE (UMNS) — When Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi speaks from the pulpit as a newly elected bishop in The United Methodist Church, the voice of her great-grandmother — who sang in a racially segregated choir — echoes in a place deep in her heart. When she was younger, the new bishop questioned why her family stayed in a church that didn’t fully welcome them. Moore-Koikoi, elected bishop in July, now leads the Western Pennsylvania Conference. Melissa Lauber offers the second in a series of profiles on the first-elected bishop in each U.S. jurisdiction.
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Next: Bishop Karen Oliveto
Pastor avoids church trial in same-sex wedding
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UMNS) — A North Carolina pastor will avoid a church trial and keep her job after she co-officiated with retired Bishop Melvin Talbert at the April same-gender wedding of two church members. While her case is over, Talbert said he still faces questions of whether he violated the terms of an earlier resolution related to a same-sex union. Heather Hahn reports.
Bishops select staff in reorganization
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — New appointments for a centralized staff reorganization, including the Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships, were announced by the Council of Bishops’ Executive Committee. Bishop Marcus Matthews became the council’s executive secretary on Sept. 1.
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Church from Katrina-devastated community gives back
BATON ROUGE, La. (UMNS) — Thousands of residents from all across the country helped flood survivors in south Louisiana. Among those who pitched in were youth and adult members of Long Beach United Methodist Church in Mississippi. The church is from a community devastated from Hurricane Katrina.
Watch Louisiana Conference video
Church wins with hoops ministry
HIGHTSTOWN, N.J. (UMNS) — A summer basketball ministry at First United Methodist Church of Hightstown is in its 22nd year, and has grown to involve about 100 kids. Also known as Methodist Madness, the ministry provides shoes and scholarships for some participants. Josh Kinney reports for the Greater New Jersey Conference.
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10-year-old changes lives through backpacks
MYRTLE BEACH (UMNS) — Macie McMillan has been collecting backpacks and school supplies for needy kids since she was 5 years old. Now in her fifth year, she shows no signs of slowing down, and her story is inspiring a church and a community to do more for Jesus, reports Jessica Brodie of the South Carolina Advocate.
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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. 15
Willson Lecture featuring Dr. James E.K. Hildreth — 9:15 a.m. CDT. Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, the president and chief executive officer of United Methodist-related Meharry Medical College and an African-American pioneer in medicine, will speak at the Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education, Meharry Medical College, 1011 21st Ave. N., Nashville, Tennessee. United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry presents the Willson Lecture. Details
Deadline for Culture of the Call Award nominations — The Foundation for Evangelism invites nominations for its 2016 Culture of the Call Church Award, which recognizes local United Methodist churches that excel in nurturing young people who are called to Christian service. The award includes a plaque and $1,000 grant. Self-nominations are welcome. Details
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