"From its inception, the Church Center for the U.N. was envisioned as more than a site for the Methodist Church's international work. It was to provide access to the U.N. to other faith communities and nongovernmental organizations working for human rights, development and peace." - Sung-ok Lee, a United Methodist Women executive.
Across from U.N., a place for the people
UNITED NATIONS (UMNS) - Diplomats may have priority at the United Nations, but directly across the street is a building where grassroots voices are heard. For 50 years, the United Methodist-owned Church Center for the United Nations has welcomed those voices, prayed with them and provided hospitality and meeting space.
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Mourning migrant deaths near Italy
NEW YORK - "The deaths of more than 130 migrants from Eritrea and Somalia in a boat accident within sight of land off the Italian island of Lampedusa is a tragedy that brings us to our knees in prayer and then lifts us to our feet in holy indignation," says Thomas Kemper, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Kemper calls on people of faith to address issues of injustice and to advocate for migration policy reform.
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Read statement from World Council of Churches
Bishop urges men to cross borders
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Mississippi Area Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. is urging United Methodist Men to cross borders. "Border crossings occur when people get outside of their normal routine, their educational disciplines, their ethnic group and their comfort zone where they live on autopilot," said Swanson in an e-letter to United Methodist Men.
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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.
College Day at Wesley Theological Seminary, Monday, Oct. 7 - 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, college students can tour Wesley's main campus at 4500 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. Registration required. To register.
Deadline for tickets to AIDS Prayer Breakfast, 4:30 p.m. MT Monday, Oct. 7 - 8:30-10 a.m. MT Friday, Oct. 12, Bishop Fritz and Etta Mae Mutti will speak on "Dancing in a Wheelchair: How We Faced Losing Two Sons to AIDS" at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo. Tickets cost $10. Details.
Early-bird registration for Reach New Disciples Conference, Monday, Oct. 7 - 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, Nov. 2, Wesley Theological Seminary's Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Washington. Details.
Free webinar "Long Range Planning as a Movement of Hope," Tuesday, Oct. 8 - 6:30 p.m. CT, Planning committees develop a strategic "big picture" that focuses beyond the walls of the church. To register.
Deadline to register for "Turning Connectional Living into Connectional Giving" free online course, Wednesday, Oct. 9 -Oct. 16-Nov. 27, course explores giving that supports the shared ministry and mission of The United Methodist Church. Details.
Deadline to register for "Moodle Facilitation: Best Practices" online course, Wednesday, Oct. 9 -Oct. 16-Dec. 11, United Methodist Communications online course builds knowledge and skills to perform interactive online course facilitation and instruction, $119.99 Details.
Free webinar "Top 10 Tips from Seasoned Children's Ministers," Wednesday, Oct. 9 - 10 a.m. CT, interactive video conference will offer the most useful tools for children's ministers, presented by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. To register.
Free webinar "District Superintendents: Reaching Diverse, Younger and Non-churched People in your District," Thursday, Oct. 10 - 1 p.m. CT, How a district superintendent can help her or his churches join in this movement of Christ. To register.
Explore United, Tuesday, Oct. 15 - 9 a.m. ET, United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, will have an open house for prospective students. Details.
Window on Wesley, Tuesday, Oct. 15 and Wednesday, Oct. 16 - 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET, opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Wesley Theological Seminary student. Details.
Wesleyan Leadership Conference, Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 17-19 - Fourth annual conference, with a focus on evangelism, at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship in Nashville. Open to all lay and clergy leaders. To register.
Creative Worship Workshop, Saturday, Oct. 19 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Life Enrichment Center, Fruitland Park, Fla., for preachers, artists, musicians and worship planners, sponsored by the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, Florida Chapter, and Mary Scifres Ministries. Details.
Deadline to register for Women, Theology and Ministry Annual Women's Forum: "Living Out Love," Tuesday, Oct. 22 - 11 a.m.4 p.m. ET, Friday, Nov. 1, featuring the Rev. Becca Stevens, Cox Hall, Emory University, $15. Details.
Webinar "Breaking Through the Stained Glass Ceiling: Women Pastoring Large Churches," Thursday, Oct. 24 - 7:00 p.m. EDT, editors of a new book that offers a glimpse into the daily lives and spiritual journeys of clergywomen who lead large churches will discuss the Lead Women Pastors Project of The United Methodist Church, $9.99. Details.
Convocation on the Black Church, Friday-Saturday, Oct. 25-26 - Presented by the Mississippi Annual (regional) Conference at Anderson United Methodist Church in Jackson and Hinds Community College in Pearl. Details.
Welcome Table at Wesley Theological Seminary, Monday, Oct. 28 and Thursday, Nov. 21 - 4 to 7:30 p.m. ET, prospective students can join a meal and attend a class at the seminary. Details.
"JustPeace101," Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 31-Nov. 2 - Event offers instruction in the theory, theology, principles and practices of conflict transformation. Led by JustPeace, The United Methodist Church's Center for Conflict Transformation, in Nashville, Tenn. Details.
In Mission Together, Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 7-9 - The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries will hold 50/50 Partnership Roundtable for United Methodists in the U.S., Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The gathering is at Cheviot United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Details.
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