“I have to remind myself not to be anxious for what’s ahead and focus on today. It can seem very overwhelming if you think too far ahead. It’s just one day, one step at a time right now.” — The Rev. Samantha Aupperlee of Beaches United Methodist Church in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on recovery efforts after Hurricane Ian.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Hurricane recovery begins in Florida
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists responded to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian with typical compassion for the survivors and determination to respond effectively. At least 88 deaths and 1,600 rescues have been documented in Florida since the storm hammered the state last week. Jim Patterson reports.
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Celebrating unity on World Communion Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Hillcrest United Methodist Church joined with four congregations and a nonprofit organization to celebrate World Communion Sunday with a Festival of Nations. The various groups represent many cultures from four continents and speak more than five languages. All of them utilize the Hillcrest United Methodist Church facility each week. Laura Buchanan reports, with photos by Mike DuBose.
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United Women in Faith
Scholarship helps Rwandan student pursue dream
NEW YORK — Divinity student Venantie Ntakirutiimana was close to dropping out of Africa University in Zimbabwe when she landed a United Women in Faith scholarship. Because she got that help, she is planning to return to her native Rwanda after graduation in 2023. There are few woman pastors in that nation because of a lack of access to education.
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Global Ministries
29 EarthKeepers commissioned
ATLANTA — Twenty-nine EarthKeepers were commissioned Sept. 27 during a virtual ceremony. The graduates will go home and implement the environmental projects they developed during training. “They look at communities and the resources they have at hand to make a difference in the climate crisis,” said the Rev. Jenny Phillips with Global Ministries’ Environmental Sustainability program. Christie R. House has the story.
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Creation care gets traction as priority
PRESS RELEASES
Baltimore-Washington Conference, Native American International Caucus
Caucus calls for end to Columbus Day
FULTON, Md. — The United Methodist Church’s Native American International Caucus released a statement applauding the recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day as a federal holiday for the first time starting in 2021. At the same time, the official United Methodist caucus called for an end to the federally recognized celebration of Columbus Day. In the podcast “The Unfinished Church,” the Rev. Fred Shaw also talks about the damaging legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery of which Columbus was a part.
Read statement
Listen to “The Unfinished Church” podcast
Northeastern Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction calls special session Oct. 15
FULTON, Md. — The Northeastern Jurisdiction bishops have called a special session of the jurisdictional conference to be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Oct. 15. Delegates will vote on the number of bishops to elect during the coming Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference Nov. 2-4 in Baltimore. The jurisdiction’s bishops are recommending no elections this November.
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Higher Education and Ministry
Willson Lecture is Oct. 4
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Free lectures “relating religious questions to social life and experience” are set for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. U.S. Central time Oct. 4. This year’s speakers for the Willson Lecture are the Rev. Peter Mageto and Jamisse Uilson Taimo. Registration for the in-person event at Scarritt Bennett Center is closed, but the lectures can be viewed online via Zoom. Mageto is the fifth vice chancellor of Africa University, and Taimo is a board member of Africa University and a member of the Mozambique Council of State.
Read press release
Watch event on Zoom
RESOURCES
Upper New York Conference
Revisiting the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — Each month throughout 2022, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, assistant director of vital congregations for spiritual life for the Upper New York Conference, has offered opportunities to engage in spiritual practices with video discussion and instruction. The latest video revisits the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina using Psalm 139:1-5.
Watch video
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EVENTS
Thursday, Oct. 6
United Women in Faith webinar: Faith Talks on Protecting Children
Monday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 30
Closing Conversations: An End-of-Life Care Guide