“We determined that the need for developing a proposal was not nearly as strong as the need to convince people of the need of the proposal.” — Judi Kenaston, talking about deliberations around having a decision-making body to deal with U.S. issues.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Building support for a U.S. structure
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — United Methodist leaders discussed what they see as a growing need for a decision-making body that deals exclusively with U.S. issues. However, they are holding off — for now — on proposing any changes to the church structure. Heather Hahn reports on the discussion among international church leaders.
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Churches help in Blackfeet snow emergency
BROWNING, Mont. (UMNS) — The Blackfeet United Methodist Parish, Yellowstone Conference and UMCOR are aiding the Blackfeet Nation, which has been buried under record snowstorms. The snow is over 200 inches and hurricane-force winds have forced the Blackfeet Nation to declare a state of emergency. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Oregon-Idaho Conference
Oregon man on the road for UMCOR
ALBANY, Ore. — Steve Matthews travels the deserts, mountains and coastline of the western United States to deliver supplies and relief kits to the United Methodist Committee on Relief Salt Lake City Depot. Matthews says he’s just a retired guy who happened to have a truck. Kristen Caldwell has the story.
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United Methodist Men
Bishop: Pay attention to men’s ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “The church is at a crossroad” and it needs to address the “gender gap.” That’s what Mississippi Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. told conference presidents of United Methodist Men and conference prayer advocates. Rich Peck reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Taking the #SeeAllThePeople Challenge
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Discipleship Ministries is challenging congregations to develop new intentional systems of discipleship to creatively engage and form relationships with people outside their churches. The #SeeAllThePeople Challenge will award $2,500 grants to two congregations.
Read press release
COMMENTARIES
What we would still face if United Methodism holds
DALLAS — The Rev. Stephen Rankin, chaplain of Southern Methodist University, explores what challenges we would face if The United Methodist Church, “by some dramatic move of God,” remains united. He said if the church stays together, it still would need a core of doctrinal unity and an effective means of accountability and discipline “for when we wander from our core beliefs and mission.”
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RECENT HEADLINES
Bishops see progress in unity effort, focus on 2 plans
Looking at where to put new African bishops
EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Sunday, March 11
UMCOR Sunday
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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