“My heart is bleeding, seeing Lumad farmers being deprived of rice.” — Davao Area Bishop Ciriaco Francisco on protests that turned deadly.
United Methodists support Filipino farmers
QUEZON CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — A Filipino bishop said United Methodists have engaged in risk-taking mission work in sheltering farmers and Lumads after a protest demanding rice turned deadly. Gladys Mangiduyos reports on the denomination’s work to help the farmers.
Pastor faces complaint for same-sex wedding
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UMNS) — The Rev. Val Rosenquist, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Charlotte, now faces a formal complaint after she co-officiated a same-gender wedding with retired Bishop Melvin Talbert on April 23. UMNS has also updated the story to include quotes with Talbert.
Read story
Bishops launch #WeAreMore campaign
COLUMBIA, Mo. (UMNS) — The bishops of the South Central Jurisdiction have joined together to produce a campaign focused on stories that connect people and proclaim that #WeAreMore when united through Jesus Christ. “Sharing stories of how God uses ordinary people and works through ordinary congregations each and every day reminds us not to forget the kingdom work needed in the days following General Conference,” said Missouri Area Bishop Robert Schnase.
Read press release
See We Are More website
From a stable to a church
LADY’S ISLAND, S.C. (UMNS) — One of the newer United Methodist churches in the South Carolina Conference now has its very own space for worship — a converted horse barn on 10 acres of land that once housed wayward boys. Jessica Brodie has the story for the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate.
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Guide to GC2016 available in 3 languages
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The General Conference Guide provides a handy reference to The United Methodist Church’s top assembly, with an overview of the legislative process, highlights to expect and key topics that will be addressed. It is available for free download in English, French and Portuguese.
Download guide
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Tuesday, May 10
Webinar “Church Marketing 101” ─ 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. Richard L. Reising, an authority on church marketing and branding with Dallas-based Artistry Marketing, talks about how marketing can be strategic and biblical in this webinar from Practical Resources for Churches, an ecumenical group. Details
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