NEWS AND FEATURES
Bulgaria-Romania United Methodists vote to leave
VARNA, Bulgaria (UM News) — The Bulgaria-Romania Provisional Annual Conference has voted to leave The United Methodist Church for the Global Methodist Church when that new, theologically conservative denomination begins operations May 1. United Methodist Bishop Patrick Streiff said the disaffiliation vote — as conducted by conference members — was “without legal basis in the Book of Discipline.” Sam Hodges reports.
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Louisiana Conference
Couple worships from 2,000 miles away
ALEXANDRIA, La. — Greg and Lorre Roe live in Grants Pass, Oregon. Two years ago, on Palm Sunday, they searched Facebook for their hometown church, Newman United Methodist. Instead, they found Newman United Methodist Church in Alexandria, Louisiana. Since then, they’ve been deeply connected to the church and its pastor, the Rev. Tiffanie Postell. This Palm Sunday, they met in person for the first time after the Roes traveled over 2,000 miles to visit. The Rev. Todd Rossnagel has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
How did Maundy Thursday get its name?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The origin of the phrase “Maundy Thursday” goes all the way back to the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. In this short video available for download from The United Methodist Church, learn the history behind the phrase, the significance of the day and what it means as we live as Christ followers.
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Channel 5-NBCDFW
Dallas mayor honors church
DALLAS — Hamilton Park United Methodist Church endured major damage during last year’s deep freeze in Texas. But amid rebuilding, the church stepped up to provide hot meals, COVID tests and vaccines. On Palm Sunday, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson honored the congregation’s service. Yona Gavino reports.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
Oregon-Idaho Conference
Valuable lessons from the past on initiating changes
PORTLAND, Ore. — In a post-pandemic, vastly changed world, churches are trying to figure out their new normal. Stewardship consultant Cesie Delve Scheuermann says that it’s OK to learn lessons from the past and cites insights from a 1995 article on leading through transformation.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Men
A modern approach to men's ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As part of its mission to modernize approaches to men’s ministry, the Commission on United Methodist Men has introduced UNITED Men’s Ministry, a resource that focuses more on process than a specific program. The innovative online resource provides a package that includes leader coaching, online learning, support, topical studies and connection.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Pastor puts on musical about Simon of Cyrene
Full communion plans with Episcopalians on hold
EVENTS
Sunday, May 22
Heritage Sunday