"Martin, on that day, you began to melt a nation's heart. You made clearer a moral imperative that was not just your own but, as you said, was "deeply rooted in the American dream." It was a dream of hope. It was a call to action. It was a recognition that racial segregation and discrimination as a way of life was antithetical to American democracy." - Bishop Woodie W. White, reflecting on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. After 50 years, MLK dream nearer to realityATLANTA (UMNS) - "Martin, this past year has been on the one hand a time of accomplishment, as we watch the nation moving closer to a full realization of 'The Dream,' " writes Bishop Woodie W. White in his annual letter to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on King's birthday. "On the other hand, we have also heard ugly, mean-spirited, racist rhetoric that harkens back to days that many had believed were long since gone. Racial prejudice dies hard."
Read full letter King opposed war, not those who servedASBURY PARK, N.J. (UMNS) - "To be against war and its destruction of human life does not require insensitivity to and disagreement with those who wore and wear the uniforms of our nation and their families," writes the Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell reflecting on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s antiwar activities and his care for veterans. "The intentional acts of concern and care for those who have defended or may defend our nation in war are essential for any of us who claim to be antiwar."
Read full commentary Honoring veterans tribute to King's legacyNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. would be happy with the way The United Methodist Church is celebrating his legacy by honoring veterans, said retired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, a friend of the civil rights giant.
Read full story Webinar: Teach us to prayNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Join the conversation Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. CT, as the Rev. Tom Albin and other guests talk more about prayer, the power of prayer and developing an active prayer life. Melanie Gordon, director of children's ministries at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, will lead a segment on teaching children to pray. This free webinar is co-sponsored by The Upper Room and Interpreter magazine.
For more information Looking aheadHere are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share with others, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line. Jan. 22 - Free webinar "Trustees Plan a Year of Ministry," 6:30 p.m. CST, from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. To register. Jan. 24 - Voight Lectures Series luncheon and preaching event featuring Missouri Area Bishop Robert Schnase, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST, McKendree University, Lebanon, Ill. Schnase will speak on his book "Remember the Future: Praying for the Church and Change." Cost is $10. Details. Jan. 28-31 - New Church Leadership Institute, Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center, Fayetteville, Ark. Sponsored in part by Path1. Details.To register.
Jan. 29 - Free webinar "Church Council Leads Discipleship," 6:30 p.m. CST, for church leadership teams, from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. To register.
Jan. 30 - Inaugural Robert Kragalott Lecture on Genocide, Mass Atrocity and Human Rights at 7:30 p.m. EST, Ohio Wesleyan University's Hamilton-Williams Campus Center, 40 Rowland Ave., Delaware, Ohio. The lecturer is Timothy Snyder, the Housum Professor of History at Yale University. Details. Jan. 31 - Free webinar "Nominations Committee Develops Leaders," 6:30 p.m. CST, from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. Learn how to identify, train and support leaders within your congregation. To register.
Feb. 1 - Early bird deadline for the 2013 Large Church Initiative Conference of The United Methodist Church, April 22-24, Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Tampa, Fla. Sponsored by United Methodist Board of Discipleship for large-church clergy, staff and lay leaders. Early registration offers discounts of nearly 15 percent. Details.
Feb. 1 - Priority application deadline for Belle H. Bennett House, an intentional community for empowering young women hosted by the United Methodist Women's Scarritt Bennett Center, Nashville, Tenn. Women, ages 18-30, live for 10 months in a spiritual community while serving a justice ministry and the Scarritt Bennett Center. Four positions available. Details. Feb. 4-6 - Ministers Week at Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology, Dallas. Details. Feb. 11 - Early-bird deadline for the Fostering a Culture of Generosity Conference, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, March 9, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington. Lewis Center for Church Leadership is sponsoring. Details. Feb. 13 - Ash Wednesday, the start of the season of Lent. Feb. 14-17 -The United Methodist young adult event Relevance X 2013: Making New Disciples and LEAD 2013 in Las Vegas. Relevance Ministries, in partnership with United Methodist-related Claremont School of Theology, hosts the event for young clergy, leaders of young-adult ministries and young adults. To learn more and register. March 8-10; March 15-17; April 5-7; April 12-14; April 19-21; Nov. 8-10 - Confirmation Retreat Weekends at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Details. |
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