“I loved church, I loved the Scriptures, I loved Bible stories and I saw myself in them.” — Bishop Karen Oliveto, who leads the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone conferences.
Bishop Oliveto: God has been in control
SAN FRANCISCO (UMNS) — Born in Babylon, New York, on Good Friday in 1958, elected and consecrated United Methodist bishop in 2016, Bishop Karen Oliveto sees her life just rolling out the way God intends. Oliveto, the denomination’s first openly gay bishop, now leads the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone conferences. Kathy L. Gilbert offers the third in a series of profiles on the first-elected bishop in each U.S. jurisdiction.
Next: Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.
15 years later: United Methodists reflect on 9/11
NEW YORK (UMC.org ) — When terrorists attacked New York City and other locations in the U.S., United Methodists responded with prayer, outreach and interfaith efforts. In a series, church leaders and members recount how their lives and ministry were changed after that dark day.
New president plans to move Liberia university
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — During his induction ceremony, Johnson Gwaikolo said he would seek to relocate the congested United Methodist University from central Monrovia to a site 15 miles away. Julu Swen reports on the president’s plans for the move.
Flint focus shifts to long-term recovery
FLINT, Mich. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church is shifting its focus in the water quality crisis here from emergency relief to long-term recovery. Kay DeMoss of the Michigan Area talks with Greg Timmons about ongoing efforts.
Read story
Judge lets some pipeline work continue
WASHINGTON (ABC) — A federal judge has ruled that construction on sacred tribal burial sites in the path of the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline can continue. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order that halts construction only between Route 1806 and Lake Oahe.
Watch ABC coverage
Read UMNS coverage
Lewis Center opens conference registration
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The Lewis Center for Church Leadership at United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary will host the conference and live stream “Discovering God’s Future for Your Church.” The event aims to provide a step-by-step process to help congregations discern God’s vision for their future. The early-bird registration deadline is Oct. 4.
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.
Monday, Sept. 12 to Friday, Sept. 23
Online course "Faith Communities’ Response to Domestic Violence” from BeADisciple.com — The focus of this workshop will be on a Christian response to domestic violence. The course will explore the types and consequences of intimate partner violence, giving attention to gender issues, impact on health and life, and the urgency of responding whenever such violence is suspected. Relevant Biblical references will shape the discussion of ways for the church to educate members, support victims and hold abusers accountable. $90. Details
Monday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 25
Online course "Jesus’ Abba: An Introduction to the Process-Relational Perspective on God" from BeADisciple.com — Based on the United Methodist theologian and philosopher John B. Cobb Jr.’s book on the nature of God, this course provides a lay person’s introduction to process-relational theology, a theological school of thought that has broad appeal within the Wesleyan tradition. 1 CEU will be awarded. $30. Details
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