"I believe that God's Holy Spirit gives each Christ-follower what we need to fulfill our calling." - Birmingham (Ala.) Area Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett.
Women making history: Bishop Wallace-Padgett
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) - Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, who leads the North Alabama Annual (regional) Conference, has been shaped by her hometown community in Kentucky, her family and home church. She's also taken inspiration from women who have made a difference in the world. She is the fourth in a series talking with women in the church during Women's History Month.
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Women making history
The Lenten journey
BREMERHAVEN, Germany (UMNS) - In the sanctuary of the United Methodist church in Bremerhaven is a "portable" cross. One Sunday each month, the congregation takes the cross to a place somewhere in the city. Germany Area Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, president of the Council of Bishops, points to that church as an example of the Lenten challenge to take up the cross and break out of our comfort zones for Christ.
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Summer youth mission opportunity
BIG ISLAND, Va. (UMNS) - Harvest of Hope has mission event openings this summer for middle school and high school youth groups. Harvest of Hope is the ecumenical study, worship and gleaning program of the Society of St. Andrew, a United Methodist partner. Events provide participants the opportunity to learn about hunger and to experience first-hand a common-sense solution to the problem: gleaning.
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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 with others, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
March 19 - Free webinar on "Praying the Scriptures," 7 p.m. CT, sponsored by Interpreter magazine and The Upper Room. Details
March 19, April 17 - Poet and undertaker Thomas Lynch will address "The Good Funeral and the Empty Tomb" at 5 p.m. ET March 19 in Candler School of Theology's room 252. He will present "The Feast of Language" at 7 p.m. ET April 17 at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta. The lectures are free, but registration is required. Details
March 19 - Benefit for Day1 radio ministry, 6:30 p.m. ET, Cherokee Town and Country Club, Atlanta. United Methodists Lillian and Buddy Darden among those honored. Details
March 21 - Free webinar "Consumerism and the Christian," 6:30 p.m. CT, from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. To register
March 23 - Spring Youth Forum for high school youth ages 15 and older, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology. Theme is "Walking in Faith Together." Details
March 24 - Palm/Passion Sunday. United Methodist Board of Discipleship has worship ideas.
March 25-30 - Holy Week. United Methodist Board of Discipleship has worship resources.
March 27 - Deadline to register for online course: Moodle 100 - Basic Training, April 3- May 15, sponsored by United Methodist Communications. Cost is $89. Details
March 31 - Easter. United Methodist Board of Discipleship has worship resources.
April 1 - Deadline for seminary students to apply for two internships at Oak Forest United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. Interns, who will receive a small stipend, will live and work in Barnabas House, the church's counseling and social work center. Send a letter outlining your interest in the internship, a copy of your rsum and three letters of recommendation to: Summer Internship, Oak Forest United Methodist Church, 2415 Fair Park Blvd, Little Rock, Ark., 72204. Learn more
April 1 - Deadline for nominations of the Foundation for Evangelism's Culture of Call Church award, which recognizes a United Methodist congregation that encourages young people to respond to God's call to full-time Christian service. Nomination forms.
April 2 - Deadline to register for free webinar on the intersection of maternal health and domestic violence, 3 p.m. ET, April 3, sponsored by United Methodist Women and Healthy Families, Healthy Planet. Details
April 3 - Deadline to RSVP for "Rethinking the Mission: Developing a District Strategy" workshop, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. ET, April 11, Hinton Rural Life Center, Hayesville, N.C. Details
April 3-7 - "Caring for God's Creation" retreat, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, N.C. Details
April 5-8 - Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace and Justice, supported by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. Details
April 5 - Deadline to sign up for South Central Small Church Leadership Institute, April 14-18, Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center, Fayetteville, Ark. $199. Details
April 5-7; April 12-14; April 19-21; Nov. 8-10 - Confirmation Retreat Weekends at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Details
April 11 - Free webinar "The Pastor's Moving - the SPRC Role," 6:30 p.m. CT, tips for saying goodbye and welcoming pastors for members of staff-parish relations committees from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. To register
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