“The place just hugged me.” — Jordan Glaser, who recently joined The Gathering United Methodist Church.
What draws people to church? Poll has insights
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Opportunities for spiritual growth and authentic community are top motivators for young adults to attend church, says a survey conducted by Barna Group on behalf of United Methodist Communications. Barna’s findings resonate, say some newly baptized United Methodists. Heather Hahn reports.
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Mission agency continues transition to Atlanta
NEW YORK (UMNS) — As the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries finishes renovation work on its new headquarters in Atlanta, its offices in New York will remain open until the end of October. The transition of staff is increasing as the summer progresses. Linda Bloom has the story.
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‘Old rocker’ leads church in new growth
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — When veteran bluesman and rocker Delbert McClinton performed here in early June, a certain United Methodist pastor showed up — as lead guitarist for the warmup band. “I’m just an old rocker like everyone else,” the Rev. Larry Trotter, senior minister at Concord United Methodist Church, explained later. Bill Dockery has the story for the Knoxville News Sentinel.
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The U.M. Army deployed to Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (UMNS) — The U.M. ARMY, a youth mission group based in College Station, Texas, began work in Florida in earnest this summer with about a dozen middle and high school students from Florida and Texas working on projects here. Julie Boyd Cole reports for the Florida Conference.
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Caring for the desperate when the desperate is you
LEXINGTON, Ky. (UMNS) — Sometimes Christians like a clean cross with no sign of a struggle at all. Patricia S. Taylor of Seedbed shares what kind of cross Christians need to encounter when times are dark.
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NCC podcast: Voices of faith community
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Every week, the Rev. Steven D. Martin, communications director for the National Council of Churches, interviews faith leaders and activists. Most recently, Charles Haynes of the Religious Freedom Center in Washington spoke about the meaning of religious liberty and why it's a hot-button issue in this year's political campaigns. Listeners can subscribe to the podcast in the iTunes Store and Stitcher Radio.
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Preparing for new U.S. employment regulations
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — New U.S. labor regulations set to go into effect Dec. 1 will affect which employees qualify for overtime pay. The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, is working with church leaders to make sure United Methodist entities are prepared.
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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, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday-Friday, July 21-22
Young Preachers Festival and Conference — Gathering will be at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, Kansas. United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is helping to organize the event for seminarians, declared candidates for ministry and young clergy to cultivate their preaching skills. $79. Details
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