"It's just amazing the way people have responded. They want to help, and they're going out of their way to help. There's a great sense of connectedness and a great desire to be of service in God's honor." - The Rev. Gary Haddock, who leads disaster response for the Rocky Mountain Annual (regional) Conference.
Should churches offer Holy Communion online?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Can a virtual community truly celebrate communion? United Methodist bishops, scholars, agency executives and pastors will tackle the theological implications of that question when they meet Sept. 30-Oct. 1 to discuss the possibility of churches offering the Lord's Supper online.
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Help by bucketsful in Colorado floods
NORTHERN COLORADO (UMNS) - The United Methodist Church is preparing for a long-term effort in disaster relief in Colorado, including sending in emergency response teams to help with debris removal. Already, individuals and churches are on the case.
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Virginia designer creates 2016 conference logo
GLEN ALLEN, Va. (UMNS) - The logo chosen for the 2016 World Methodist Conference is the work of Cathryn Wooton, a graphic designer in the Virginia Annual (regional) Conference's communications office. Her design was selected from more than 50 entries and unveiled at the World Methodist Council's meeting at Wesley's Chapel in London.
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South Dakota church among fastest-growing in survey
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (UMNS) - Embrace Church (United Methodist) is listed as the 40th fastest-growing church in America in an Outreach Magazine survey. Embrace is a 6-year-old church that has grown to more than 1,300 in weekly attendance.
About Embrace
About the survey
UMCOR's 20-year ministry to the Republic of Georgia
NEW YORK (UMNS) - Twenty years ago, the United Methodist Committee on Relief started its work in Georgia after the collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in many challenges for the troubled Caucasus region.
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Tiemeyer takes new role at NCC
CHICAGO (UMNS) - The Rev. Ann Tiemeyer, a Lutheran pastor and long-time program director for women's ministries at the National Council of Churches, has a new role with the ecumenical organization.
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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.
"Navigating the Affordable Care Act," Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 1-2 - Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary has collaborated with a number of Chicago-based organizations to host a healthcare education conference for religious and community leaders on its Evanston, Ill., campus. Details.
Free webinar "Developing your Ministry Plan 2: Discovering your Congregation's Niche," Thursday, Oct. 3 - 6:30 p.m. CT, Understanding the missional context of your congregation and your community is key for creating ministry that connects to newcomers. To register.
Hands4Detroit, Saturday, Oct. 5 - 8:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. ET, Effort to drive out hunger sponsored by area United Methodist churches and United Methodist Communications' Rethink Church. Volunteers welcome. Details.
World Communion Sunday, Oct. 6 - Worship resources from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, and stewardship resources from United Methodist Communications for giving to scholarships.
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 "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.
Northeastern Jurisdiction Native American Ministries Committee meeting, Thursday-Friday, Oct. 10-12, - Drew University, Madison, N.J., discussions of ministry and concerns of Native peoples, time for fellowship. Details. To learn more or register, email Sharon Schmit at [email protected].
Explore United, Tuesday, Oct. 15 - 9 a.m. ET, United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, will have an open house for prospective students. Details.
Workshop on Advocacy, Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 12-14 - Training for anyone asked to be an advocate for a pastor or lay person from preventive options to facing the Judicial Council, with the Revs. Larry Pickens and Scott Campbell as two of the speakers. To register and learn the cost and location, contact the Rev. Jerry Eckert of Associates in Advocacy at [email protected]. Registration limited.
Exploration 2013, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 15-17 - Event for young adults, ages 18-26, considering ordained ministry, Marriott Denver Tech Center, sponsored by United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Speakers include Louisiana Area Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey and the Rev. Jorge Acevedo, senior pastor of the multi-campus Grace Church in southwest Florida. Details.
Sojourning Women, Bold Voices Then + Now, Postponed - Conference to honor 25th anniversary of Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn., originally scheduled for October is now set for April 4-5, 2014. Details.
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