NOTE: This is a digest of news features provided by United Methodist Communications for July 21-25. It includes summaries of United Methodist News Service stories and additional briefs from around the United Methodist connection. Full versions of the stories with photographs and related features can be found at umc.org/news.
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Top Stories
United Methodist church vitality increases in U.S.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Between 2010 and 2012, the denomination more than doubled its percentage of "highly vital" congregations in the U.S. from 14.8 percent to 33.9 percent. Here's what makes churches vibrant and why some United Methodist churches are growing.
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Schaefer case appealed to Judicial Council
MYERSTOWN, Penn. (UMNS) - The Rev. Christopher L. Fisher, who was counsel for the church in the trial of the Rev. Frank Schaefer, has turned in an appeal to last month's decision to reinstate Schaefer's ordination credentials. The case will be heard during the October meeting of the denomination's highest court, Judicial Council.
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See October Judicial Council docket
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Reevaluating John Wesley's time in Georgia
DALLAS (UMNS) - Geordan Hammond's "John Wesley in America: Restoring Primitive Christianity" is the first book devoted to the period in which Methodism's founder served as a young pastor in the colony of Georgia. Hammond challenges the long-held view that Wesley's ministry there was a failure.
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John Wesley’s time in the colony of Georgia wasn’t quite the failure that some scholars of early Methodism believe.
That’s the viewpoint Geordan Hammond presents in “John Wesley in America: Restoring Primitive Christianity,” published this month in the United States by Oxford University Press.
Hammond, 36, grew up in Kansas, studied in California and moved to England in 2003 to do his doctorate at the University of Manchester. As a young Wesleyan studies scholar, he was attracted by the school’s John Rylands Library, specifically its Methodist Archives.
He has stayed on in England, in part because his wife entered medical school there. He’s currently director of the Manchester Wesley Research Centre and senior lecturer in church history at Nazarene Theological College.
For this interview about his book on Methodism’s founder, Hammond answered questions from United Methodist News Service by email.
Yours is the first book-length study of John Wesley’s time in the colony of Georgia. Why this subject?
I developed an interest in both history and theology in my undergraduate and MA studies at Point Loma Nazarene University and Fuller Theological Seminary. Cross-cultural experiences have played an important role in the strengthening of my Christian faith. Studying John Wesley’s experience in Georgia provided a fascinating case study to combine my interests in history, theology and missionary work.
Your subtitle is “Restoring Primitive Christianity.” What do you mean by that, and why did restoring primitive Christianity mean so much to Wesley?
“Primitive Christianity” was a term commonly used in Wesley’s day to refer to early Christianity. “Restoring Primitive Christianity” is the subtitle because I argue that Wesley’s passion for restoring the doctrine, discipline and practice of the early church in the primitive Georgia wilderness was his primary reason for going to Georgia and for his ministerial practice in the colony. Wesley was one of a number of Anglicans who believed that the early church provided a model for the revival of the church.
What has been the prevailing scholarly view of Wesley’s time in Georgia?
In terms of overall judgement of Wesley’s ministry, the dominant view (at least until recent decades) has been that it was a failure. Some biographers have called it a “preface to victory” to highlight that it was chiefly important for leading Wesley to his evangelical conversion soon after returning to England from the colony.
Why, after researching and thinking about the question, do you think that’s wrong?
I think there is evidence for both “success” and “failure” in Wesley’s writings and those of his contemporaries. The majority of reflections in Wesley’s first published Journal, particularly relating to the period between the end of his Georgia mission and evangelical conversion a few months later, suggest “failure.” However, most of his comments later in life were more positive on his ministry in Georgia. My conclusion is that studying Wesley’s experience in Georgia in context calls for a nuanced view on his “success” or “failure.”
How did Wesley try to put primitive Christianity into action in Georgia?
Wesley tried comprehensively to put primitive Christianity into action in Georgia. This can perhaps be most clearly observed in his doctrine and practice of the sacraments of baptism and communion. I also discuss his application of primitive Christianity relating to subjects such as ascetical devotional discipline, conduct in leading public worship, hymns, episcopacy, prayer book revision, confession, penance, deaconesses, religious societies and mission to the Indians.
Wesley encountered controversy over his ministry in Savannah and elsewhere in Georgia. Please briefly explain the Sophia Williamson episode and your conclusions about it.
Sophia Hopkey was a young woman whom John Wesley fell in love with. They became close friends as Wesley tutored her in Christian doctrine and practice — what he called “practical divinity.” Wesley admired her simplicity and devotion, which he believed mirrored that of the primitive Christians. He contemplated proposing marriage to her but hesitated for two reasons: First, he had come to Georgia to be a missionary to the Indians and felt that this needed to remain his main priority; second, he was attracted to the practice of clerical celibacy in the early church.
Sophia tired of waiting and quickly married another man. Wesley was devastated and believed it led to a rapid decline in her Christian devotion. As a result he warned her not to present herself for Holy Communion. When she ignored this warning Wesley refused to administer communion to her. This caused a major dispute in an already socially fragile colony and was a key reason for Wesley’s departure from Georgia. I suggest in the book that the Sophia Williamson episode has often been overemphasized. Wesley had similar intimate friendships with other women in Georgia, and the Williamson episode was only one of several reasons why some colonists opposed his ministry.
Some see Wesley’s “strangely warmed” experience at Aldersgate, occurring some months after he’d returned from Georgia, as his real beginning as an evangelical minister. Given your understanding of his time in Georgia, what do you think?
My purpose in trying to further our knowledge of Wesley’s time in Georgia is not to thereby diminish the undoubted importance of his Aldersgate experience. Wesley clearly went to Georgia with evangelistic aims, and I discuss the substantial continuity in his theology and ministry post-Georgia in the conclusion to the book; however, his “strangely warmed” experience was crucial to him becoming a leader of the emerging Evangelical Revival. Wesley believed that his evangelical conversion at Aldersgate enabled him truly to become an evangelical minister.
As Wesley’s life went on, did he change how he saw his time in Georgia, and what did it finally mean to him?
In writing a history of the Methodist movement, he claimed that it was where the second rise of Methodism took place. Most spectacularly, he asserted that his ministry in Georgia played a role in the American Great Awakening. Unfortunately, he left no extended reflection on what his time in Georgia ultimately meant to him.
Do you find it interesting and important that Wesley never returned to America?
Yes, it is interesting. He contemplated going back to Georgia for a few months after he returned to England and considered travelling to America in the 1770s to provide leadership to the emerging Methodist movement. It is significant that he never returned to America in that if he had returned American Methodism may have developed differently than it did.
Is “John Wesley” a name broadly known in England now, or has his fame receded with the decline of churchgoing there?
I don’t think it could be said that his name is broadly known, but the same would be true for other major figures in 18th century England. Decline in churchgoing has probably led to fewer people knowing about Wesley. On the other hand, Wesley is probably now appreciated more by Anglicans and Christians generally (especially by leaders and theologians) than he often has been in the past. Interest in Wesley in academic circles has increased in recent years and resulted in significant publications on Wesley by major academic publishers.
Hodges, a United Methodist News Service writer, lives in Dallas. Contact him at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org
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Living the legacy of Freedom Summer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Many suffered during Freedom Summer of 1964 but the outcomes included the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. United Methodists share how that summer changed the direction of their lives.
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Path to Civil Rights Act took sacrifice, faith
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - United Methodist Edith Lee-Payne, who as a young girl heard the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speak at the March on Washington in 1963, wants people to remember the struggle and sacrifice that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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Young people approve unity statement
MANILA, Philippines (UMNS) - Amid talk of schism resulting from debates over human sexuality, United Methodist young people from around the globe have urged church leaders to "seek solutions that promote our global unity." The Global Young People's Convocation and Legislative Assembly, attended by more than 300, adopted the unity statement.
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United Methodist Young People Urge Denomination to Promote Unity
MANILA, Philippines July 20, 2014/GBOD – United Methodist young people from around the world have urged leaders of the denomination to “seek solutions that promote our global unity” and not be divided by issues such as homosexuality.
The Global Young People's Convocation & Legislative Assembly, attended by more than 300 young people and observers, adopted the unity statement the night before ending its quadrennial gathering with a worship service Sunday, July 20, at Central United Methodist Church in Manila.
Here is the entire statement:
Statement of Unity from the United Methodist Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly held in Manila, Philippines:
“There has been increasing talk of schism of the United Methodist Church in recent months. Many say that the issue of homosexuality is so contentious that it will inevitably split our Church. We, as the young people of The United Methodist Church, would like to say that we do not desire a divided Church.
“The Church that we have taken our places in is called to a ministry that includes so much more than this one issue. There are genuine, passionate perspectives on all sides of the issue and though we disagree, we have committed ourselves to loving, faithful discussion on this subject. Part of the beauty of our Church is that there has always been room at the table for a wide range of theological diversity within our connectional church family. As Wesley said, ‘May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?’
“We urge everyone to seek solutions that promote our global unity as the United Methodist Church of Jesus Christ, rather than focus only on the issues that divide us, so that we may faithfully live out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
By The Global Young People's Convocation & Legislative Assembly
Manila, Philippines
The gathering, hosted by the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), was disrupted by Typhoon Rammasun as delegates and observers arrived at a meeting site in Tagaytay, Philippines on July 16. No one was injured, but the entire convocation was moved to a nearby location called Island Cove close to Manila.GBOD’s mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.gbod.org, the Press Center at www.gbod.org/about/press-center or call the Communications Office at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 1726.
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3 ideas for using cell phones in worship
MOBILE, Ala. (UMNS) - What if we took advantage of that incredible little tool most people have at their fingertips? Learn from the Rev. Jeremy Steele, writing for United Methodist Communications, how cell phones can help people stay engaged and interact with worship services.
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Commentary: Why Honduran children come to U.S.
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (UMNS) - The Rev. Juan Guerrero, superintendent of the United Methodist mission in Honduras, discusses the root causes of why unaccompanied children from his country are attempting the dangerous journey to the U.S. border.
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Photo courtesy of the Rev. Juan Guerrero, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries
The Rev. Juan Guerrero baptizes a child in Honduras.
Commentary: Why Honduran children are coming to U.S. by the Rev. Juan Guerrero TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (UMNS)These days, there is extensive reporting on children crossing the border and entering the United States undocumented. It is said that U.S. immigration services have intercepted in the past year more than 50,000 undocumented children.
A few days ago, I was in Texas visiting Methodist communities on the border, both Anglo and Hispanic. I also visited a shelter where I had a chance to talk, see and learn different points of view.
In the United States, some see this humanitarian disaster as a policing and security problem, and argue for more border controls, more laws that allow police to quickly deport these children. Others want a more humane and compassionate response.
HOW THE CHURCH IS HELPING
- Church seeks to meet needs in border crisis
- United Methodists tending to immigrant minors
- Bishops urge compassion, prayer for border crisis
- A pastoral letter from Texas bishops (on PDF)
- To donate through the United Methodist Committee on Relief
Since a large number of children crossing the border are from Honduras, you ask me, as United Methodist superintendent of Honduras: How can the United Methodist Mission in Honduras bring understanding and solution to this humanitarian crisis?
It is hard to imagine that these children leave home to undertake such a dangerous, long and expensive trip.
The first thing I can answer is obvious, that the kids go because their parents live in the U.S., and they leave Honduras because there are no opportunities, no dignity. They leave because here there is hunger, violence and poverty. But maybe it's good to reflect a little on the causes of poverty in Honduras.
Wealth and exploitation
The first foreigner to set foot on Honduran soil was Christopher Columbus and was amazed at the wealth and fertility,but after five centuries this wealth has never been for the service of the Honduran people.
In the 19th century in Honduras, the term "banana republic" was born because the Americans in the late 18th century installed banana plantations in the style of the slave plantations in the southern U.S. And until today the owners of the best lands are American banana and small Honduran elites living in the U.S. and exploiting the land renter mentality, in order to get resources, without reinvesting in the country.
In the 19th century, the U.S. Embassy in Honduras was next to the largest gold mine in the Americas, in San Juancito. People wonder why the embassy was away from the capital city and next to a gold mine. Simple: because there were American corporations that exploited these mines. Honduras is poor because the wealth of this country was taken and not reinvested here.
Today, neither the banana nor gold is the main generator of foreign exchange, nor coffee, nor the cultivation of African palm. Today, the largest source of dollars entering the country is by way of remittances from undocumented immigrants living in the United States. In economic terms, the poor who migrate are today the greatest wealth of Honduras, because the U.S. needs cheap labor to harvest crops and construct buildings. The dollars that undocumented migrants send to their families are dollars that move the Honduran economy. It is a paradox.
Why are the children coming?
Back to children crossing the border. They do so because their parents live in the U.S., and they live in the U.S. because there is too much poverty in Honduras. These parents may not return for their children because they only have enough money to pay the coyotes and illegally cross the border.
The other reason why the kids go is because Mexican coyotes made illegal border crossing a business.
There are networks, and coyotes have their emissaries throughout Central America. In the past two years, these coyote networks have circulated information suggesting that children only have to cross the border and the U.S. authorities are responsible for bringing to them where their parents are.
Actually this information is correct. Honduran migrants know that once they cross the U.S. border, they are treated with more compassion than in the Mexican part. It is common in the Mexican portion for migrants to be kidnapped and women to be raped and killed.
In our United Methodist churches in Honduras, we know of several terrible cases. In days gone by, a fellow United Methodist in Ciudad España had to sell his house to pay a network of smugglers who kidnapped one of his children. When the boy was released, he described how another boy was killed in his presence while his parents were on the phone, to intimidate them and force them to sell their properties in Honduras to pay the ransom.
It is common for young women to take contraceptives during the trip to the border, to prevent pregnancy when raped.
Despite everything that involves undertaking a long journey (almost a month) so dangerous and so expensive ($ 6,000 in some cases), many Honduran parents in the U.S. prefer to give their children to these networks of coyotes, hoping to reunify the family.
The separation of families is also a humanitarian crisis, although little is mentioned. We are called to help children and adolescents in the transition to adulthood. There is a generation growing up in Honduras with the trauma of growing up without a father and a mother.
The other reason that children undertake this dangerous journey is the violence that exists in Honduras. It is a localized violence in urban areas and in the most marginalized and poor neighborhoods. The gangs capture the children from 10 to 12 years, and once the children are part of the gangs, they can never leave. There are codes of value, where if you get out of the gang, it is considered a betrayal that is paid with life.
Children are killed in the street
The United Methodist Mission in Honduras has communities in high risk areas that have personally had experiences where you can see the fear with which these communities live in. One Sunday a year ago in San Pedro, in Faith Methodist Church, two boys were killed in the street outside the building when the service began. The children in the choir cried inconsolably. As they left the church, they discovered they had family members who had just died.
On another occasion I visited a very marginal neighborhood, La Primavera, in San Pedro, for a day of door-to-door evangelism, but I found that many houses were empty and are barred to visitors because that week saw a massacre. The gang members went to some houses and forcibly removed young kids to kill them in the street.
Recently, also in another of our churches, Fuerzas Unidas, in a very marginal area of Tegucigalpa, a group of heavily armed gang members entered the church during the Sunday service. They were shooting and looking for someone who supposedly had hidden in the temple. Finally, there were only minor injuries and some that fainted from fear and anxiety. Now, our church in Fuerzas Unidas has decided to hold their services with the temple doors closed to prevent these cases.
Last year in Fuerzas Unidas, a stray bullet shattered the spine of a boy who sings in the choir. The boy, named Alonso, is 17 and and is now invalid.
Violence in Honduras is very focused. But for parents who live in the U.S. and whose children live in a marginalized urban eighborhood, this violence and the phenomenon of gangs is a constant source of concern. It is true, as the media report, that 70 percent of Honduran migrant children, who have been arrested in the last year in the U.S., come from violence-hit areas (as the president of Honduras said last week).
According to the United Nations, Honduras has the highest homicide rate in the world. This violence is the phenomenon of gangs, which are highly organized. Gangs weave networks through several cities and countries, and are fueled by drug trafficking.
Most of the cocaine consumed in the U.S. passes through Honduras. Mexican drug cartels collect the drug in Honduras, mainly from Colombia. Honduran gangs provide "security" for the drug cartels. Children are recruited by gangs in high-risk urban neighborhoods, who find in the gangs a family of "blood" covenant. Children living with hunger and without opportunities suddenly feel strong and powerful when they belong to a gang.
In conclusion, I think the drama of children crossing the border every day in the United States, has to do primarily with the poverty and injustice that Honduras has endured for centuries. Children travel seeking the reunification of their families, travel because networks of coyotes are all over the Central American triangle trading in this human dram.
And these children also travel because the drugs consumed in the United States leave a trail of pain and death throughout the Central American triangle.
After the previous diagnosis, may we ask: What can we do?
The best way to respond
The United Methodist Mission in Honduras is under the supervision of the United Methodist Council of Bishops and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, I'm just a missionary appointed and sent by them. The Mission in Honduras is growing. In three and a half years that I've been in Honduras, I can say that the membership has doubled. There is much joy. We have 19 congregations across Honduras and an attendance each week of more than 2,000 people.
About 500 volunteers from the U.S. visit our mission each year. Through these volunteers in mission and their work of our communities, we have not only built temples and parsonages but also now offer programs such as community kitchens for more than 200 children, scholarships for more than 1,000 children, water purification systems, rural projects of planting corn and many medical and dental clinics.
We have never had any security problems with groups visiting us, and we were able to serve the poor with all our strength.
This year, 2014, we started the first United Methodist school in Honduras. We started with 230 children, many of whom have parents living in the United States. But we have also had to close day cares for poor children in high-risk communities because of lack of resources.
We also have closed soup kitchens because of lack of resources. We had to close clinics in our churches because of lack of resources. We always want to do more.
I think the best way to respond to this humanitarian crisis, is to try to see what happens on both sides of the border and be as generous as we can.
It is good to remember that our Lord Jesus Christ became incarnate in the world as a migrant, and because Herod sought to kill him, he had to flee to Egypt.
Also the first Christian community had to meet in private because of fear. We are all God's people and called to express solidarity and feel this human drama with heart. God hears us all but decided to side with the poor.
In Christ Jesus.
*Guerrero, Ph. D., is superintendent of the United Methodist Mission in Honduras. To learn more about him and contact him.
This commentary was submitted by retired Bishop Elías G. Galván, the assigned bishop to the Honduras mission.
Pastoral letter from Texas bishops
A Pastoral Letter from Your Bishops to the People of The United Methodist Church in Texas
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Today a humanitarian crisis is unfolding on our southern border with the arrival of tens of thousands of unaccompanied children. Many of you have communicated with us about your heartfelt desire to provide compassionate care for the unaccompanied children who are suffering in our midst. As bishops we have been conferencing with each other about how the people of The United Methodist Church might respond in a manner that is most faithful to the gospel.
We have also been in conversation with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), community leaders, and government officials. Our colleague, Bishop Jim Dorff, and other leaders in the Rio Texas Conference have just returned from three days on the border assessing the situation and representing the gospel and the church and encouraging people in a Christ-like response.
Let us be guided by the Biblical witness of faith:
- Jesus said, “Let the little children to come to me for to such belong the kingdom of heaven.” (Luke 18:15-16)
- Jesus instructed us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe those in need, visit the sick and those imprisoned. Then he said, “When you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
- We are to extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:12)
We do not understand all that these children have experienced in their home countries or in their arduous journey to our borders. We do know that their plight breaks the heart of God. Children are some of the most vulnerable members of the global community. Many come seeking to survive. They all need our compassion and care. At a time of concern about a struggling economy and national security, it is easy to give in to fear and to let that fear, rather than God’s heart, shape our hearts and our response. “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” (II Tim. 1:7). As followers of Christ, we have the power and wisdom of God to care for these unaccompanied children. As the Bishops of the United Methodist Conferences of Texas, we call on the people of The
United Methodist Church to:
- Pray regularly for the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being and healing of these children and families, wisdom for our government officials, and peace for the countries from which these children have come;
- Work with faith and community leadership to provide housing, life necessities, pastoral/spiritual care, and as stable an environment as possible for these children and families while their long-term status is being resolved;
- Be attentive to seeing Christ in the faces of these children;
- Be alert for specific opportunities to offer ministries of compassion and care, which we will share as needs emerge.
In the words of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, “Do all the good you can by all the means you can in all the ways you can in all the places you can at all the times you can to
all the people you can as long as ever you can.”
In the name and spirit of Christ, we join with you in Christian love for these children. God bless you.
Earl Bledsoe
Bishop of the New Mexico and Northwest Texas Conferences
Jim Dorff
Bishop of the Rio Grande and Southwest Texas Conferences
Janice Huie
Bishop of the Texas Conference
Mike Lowry
Bishop of the Central Texas Conference
Mike McKee
Bishop of the North Texas Conference
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United Methodist children's home preparing for migrants
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (UMNS) - Federal officials have asked the United Methodist Home for Children in this central Pennsylvania community to prepare to take in children from Central America. "In staying true to the Home's history and mission, we are committed to providing a safe and caring environment for any children who, through no fault of their own, are in desperate need of help while explorations are being made for their future," said the home's head, David Reed, in an email to Pennlive.com.
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Mechanicsburg children's home asked to prepare to take in immigrant children by Anna Orso | aorso@pennlive.com
A local home for children has been asked by the federal government to prepare itself to take in unaccompanied immigrant children from Central America who continue to cross over into the United States.
The United Methodist Home for Children in Mechanicsburg has not taken in any children from Central America yet, and it continues to assist children sent to it from the local county courts systems, the group's Board of Trustees Chairwoman Karen Best said Monday. But the agency has been contacted to prepare itself to provide shelter and care for unaccompanied minors, she said.
The home has been approved to receive an Urgent and Compelling Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide temporary shelter services to unaccompanied children beginning in August, according to the home's President and CEO David Reed.
"We understand the issue of immigration has raised many questions nationally," Reed wrote in an email. "However, in staying true to the Home's history and mission, we are committed to providing a safe and caring environment for any children who, through no fault of their own, are in desperate need of help while explorations are being made for their future."
The group is one of many agencies across the country asked by the Department of Health and Human Services to take in kids until they connect with relatives, plea asylum cases or enter into foster care.
Border Patrol estimates, as reported by the Associated Press, show that more than 57,000 unaccompanied children have been apprehended since October. Most are from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, and claim they are escaping from gang violence.
President Obama has proposed to spend $3.7 billion to address the issue, however, many Republicans believe the Obama Administration isn't telling the public the full story. Local U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11th, has said he fears that minors will be relocated to agencies across the nation without being properly processed.
There's been a fierce pushback in some areas against the arrival of unaccompanied minors. Protestors in Murrietta, Calif. made national news after they stood in front of buses of children entering their town out of frustration with the influx of immigrants.
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Iowa United Methodists to protest deportations
DES MOINES, Iowa (UMNS) - The Trinity Las Americas United Methodist Church in Des Moines is planning to send a group to the White House soon to demand an end to deportations of Central American children and families, and they're prepared to get arrested for civil disobedience. "It's troubling for a person, like myself, who is a parent or grandparent, and persons who have children to imagine (that) children would put themselves through an arduous journey to travel up to 45 days for the simple chance of freedom," said Bishop Julius Trimble. KCCI, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, has the story.
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Read New York Times story
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UMTV: Justice for Our Neighbors aids 'Lost Boy'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - United Methodist-related Justice For our Neighbors is an advocacy and support group that provides legal help for immigrants and refugees. Church volunteers and staff attorneys work one-on-one with clients to navigate the complicated U.S. legal system. Here is how the program is helping a survivor of the Sudanese Civil War.
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Lina McCord Program scholar finds purpose in ministry
HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. (UMNS) - Kevin Kosh Jr. credits his education at United Methodist-related Rust College with cultivating his faith and preparing him to lead others in ministry. As a Lina H. McCord Program scholar and ambassador, Kosh continues to travel throughout the denomination to tell his story and to demonstrate the importance of historically black colleges and universities.
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Trial and error in Nairobi
NAIROBI, Kenya (UMNS) - Living in Nairobi, Maeghan Orton has learned that no matter how impressive the app or device, if it isn't seen as useful by the community it's intended to help then community members won't use it. She manages Medic Mobile's East Africa program, and will be a panelist at the Game Changers Summit, hosted by United Methodist Communications, Sept. 3-5, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.
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World Methodist Evangelism names new director
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (UMNS) - World Methodist Evangelism, part of the World Methodist Council, has announced that the Rev. Kimberly Reisman of West Lafayette, Indiana, will be its new world director beginning Sept. 1. She will follow the Rev. Eddie Fox, who is retiring after 25 years.
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Rev. Dr. Kimberly Reisman Named World Director, World Methodist Evangelism BY CARYCL
Rev. Dr. Kim ReismanWorld Methodist Evangelism announces the selection of the Rev Dr. Kimberly Reisman of West Lafayette, Indiana, as the new World Director beginning September 1, 2014. She will follow the Rev Dr. Eddie Fox, who is retiring after having served as World Director of World Methodist Evangelism for the past 25 years.Doctor Reisman has Bachelor of Arts Degrees (BD) from Emory University in psychology and English literature, a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Yale University, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with an emphasis in the theology of evangelism from Durham University in the United Kingdom. She has ministerial credentials as an ordained elder in the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church where she has been serving as Director of Next Step Evangelism Ministries and Conference Evangelist.
Bishop Mike Watson, President of World Methodist Evangelism and Chair of the World Methodist Council’s Evangelism Committee, said that “as a member of the World Methodist Council Steering Committee, Dr. Reisman leads in social justice and has been a regular partner with World Methodist Evangelism and the World Methodist Evangelism Institute teaching and preaching in their evangelism seminars worldwide. She has provided faith sharing training for congregations both nationally and internationally. As a published author, she has written several books seeking to awaken strengthen and enliven the faith commitment of individuals as well as empower communities of faith to become visible witnesses to the love of Christ for the world.”
Rev. Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council added “Since my introduction to Dr. Reisman, she has been a source of boundless energy and spirit within the World Methodist Council. As chair of the Social Justice Committee her opinions and thought are among the first that I seek on many issues. I look forward to forging a partnership that honors the work of our predecessors and forges a bold new trail.”
“I’m excited about the opportunity to work more fully with World Methodist Evangelism. I feel both honored and humbled – honored to be involved with such a strong and vital part of God’s Kingdom work, and humbled by the responsibility of following such a dynamic and gifted leader as Eddie Fox. Eddie will leave a tremendous legacy of ministry. He’s been an important mentor to me and I plan to build on his solid foundation, praying that God will continue to bless World Evangelism as richly in the future as God has in the past,” added Reisman.
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News around conferences
Susannah's House helps recovering moms
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Melissa was addicted to drugs when she gave birth to her children. She still feels the shame of being rejected by others in recovery groups, who felt that a mother should be able to walk away from addiction. Cokesbury United Methodist Church has started a ministry that helps mothers like Melissa and their children. Annette Spence, editor of The Call in the Holston Annual (regional) Conference, has the story.
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Georgia church does not color inside the lines
ATLANTA (UMNS) - Since Eastside Church's first Sunday, artists have used the United Methodist church's worship services to create a visual piece inspired by the sermon. The church's art ministry also has spread beyond the walls of the church. Ansley Brackin, communications specialist in the North Georgia Annual (regional) Conference, has the story.
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Building relationships one swing set at a time
WASHINGTON, Ill. (UMNS) - Hope Swings in Washington - organized by three United Methodist congregations - is holding a seven-week mission blitz in central Illinois, where youth groups from across the United States are building 100 swing sets. But the bigger goal is building relationships. Paul Black of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual (regional) Conference shares the story.
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UMW event urges awareness of disabilities
LAKELAND, Fla. (UMNS) - In many cases, churchgoers and ministry leaders alike can help people with disabilities fully enjoy worship, attendees were told during a "Mission u" event at Florida Southern College. Susan Green of the Florida Annual (regional) Conference shares ideas from the event sponsored by United Methodist Women in Florida.
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UMW event urges awareness of disabilities by Susan Green
LAKELAND – In many cases, churchgoers and ministry leaders alike can help people with disabilities fully enjoy worship with some simple thoughtfulness, workshop attendees were told Friday during a “Mission u” event at Florida Southern College.
For example, asking a person who can’t walk or see whether help is needed before touching or pushing is a common courtesy and respects the person’s space. Churches can also use technological advances, along with time-tested methods like American Sign Language, to make church services accessible to those don’t hear or see well, said Mary Harris, who leads a ministry for the deaf at Conway UMC, Orlando.
Including people with disabilities was a major focus of this year’s Mission u, a four-day event featuring education and fellowship that began Thursday, July 10. The event is offered annually by Florida’s United Methodist Women. This year's theme was "Learning Together for the Transformation of the World."
Mary Harris talks to an audience about ministry for people with disabilities
Mary Harris, who leads a ministry for the deaf at Conway UMC, Orlando, demonstrates sign language communication at a Mission u workshop. Below, workshop participants listen and practice commonly used signs. Photos by Susan Green.
Mission u workshop participants practice sign language skillsMinistry leaders who work with people with autism and developmental disabilities also had parts in the program.
In addition to disability awareness, classes focused on the Roma of Europe, commonly known as gypsies, and spiritual growth, with the topic “How Is It with Your Soul?”
In Harris’ session, about 30 attendees learned that even within a particular disability category, there can be considerable differences that lead to different needs and approaches.
Among people who don’t hear well, Harris said, there are those who have been deaf from birth and others who suffer hearing loss over time.
People with a lifelong hearing loss are more likely to know sign language, while others may feel daunted at trying to learn those hand signals and gestures late in life.
Patience and sensitivity – slowing down with sign language or not hurrying someone in a wheelchair – can go a long way in helping people with disabilities feel independent and involved in church activities, listeners were told. They were also reminded that not all disabilities are visible or readily apparent.
Using appropriate technology also can help make church activities more accessible. For people with profound hearing loss, for example, recent advances have opened up a world of communication, Harris said.
“Now they are Skyping each other,” she said. “Their technology … has taken a lot of isolating barriers away [to allow] them to share together.”
People who don’t know sign language should feel free to convey simple ideas, including a welcoming attitude, through body language and facial expression, Harris said.
“Really and truly, a lot of sign language is very visual,” she said.
Church leaders also were encouraged to complete an accessibility assessment to determine where improvements can be made in welcoming people with all levels of ability. The United Methodist Church has developed an audit checklist and encourages congregations to invite people with disabilities to be involved in the assessment. To access audit forms and information, click here.
http://www.gcfa.org/sites/default/files/u3/local%20church%20audit%20guide%202011_0.pdf
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For a United Methodist perspective on accessibility, including a resolution adopted at the 2004 General Conference, click here.
http://www.umdisabilityministries.org/download/audit1.pdf
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-- Susan Green is the managing editor of Florida Conference Connection.
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Church featured in new Reba McEntire video
ROSE, N.Y. (UMNS) - Recently, Reba McEntire asked her fans to join her in a video about praying for peace. The congregation of Rose United Methodist Church responded. Beth DiCocco of the Upper New York Annual (regional) Conference shares how the congregation ended up in McEntire's video.
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Watch "Pray for Peace" video
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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 newsdesk@umcom.org and put Digest in the subject line.
Deadline to register for United Methodist conference "Walking with Palestinian Christians," Wednesday, July 30 - Gathering Thursday-Friday, Aug. 7-8 sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and host Ginghamsburg Church, 6759 S. County Road 25A, Tipp City, Ohio. Details.
Deadline for early-bird registration for "Make Worship More Creative" workshops in the Upper New York Conference, Friday, Aug. 1 - Day-long workshops featuring worship coach Jason Moore will be Monday, Sept. 8 through Thursday, Sept. 11 at different churches around the conference. Cost is $25 per person, and $65 per church. Details.
A Weekend of Music: The Lake Junaluska Singers & David Troy Francis, special guest star Broadway performer Mark Morales, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 1-2 - The Lake Junaluska Singers will be in concert Aug. 1, and David Troy Francis will perform Rachmanioff, Gershwin and American hymns at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina. Details.
Webinar "Plan Your Year Round Stewardship Campaign," Tuesday, Aug. 5 - 7-8 p.m. ET. Course teaches how a congregation can develop a holistic process that will help people grow in faith and give generously, led by the Rev. Paul B. Nickerson, owner of Nickerson Coaching. $10. Details.
Free webinar "Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It," Thursday, Aug. 7 - 2 p.m. CT. The Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, will talk about the life of John Wesley and the characteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Details
Free webinar "Planning for Advent," Thursday, Aug. 7 - 7:30 p.m. CT. This webinar will provide an overview of key themes of the Season of Advent and the Scriptures of the season. Details.
Annual meeting of MARCHA (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans), Thursday, Aug. 7 to Sunday, Aug. 10 - Gathering will be at Hacienda Hotel LAX in Los Angeles. The Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, lecturer at New York Theological Seminary and expert on faith-rooted advocacy, will be the main speaker. Bishops Minerva Carcaño and Warner Brown will preach. Details.
Free webinar "S.O.S. for Teachers Schedule, Organization, Safety," Thursday, Aug. 7 - 7-8 p.m. ET, Help for a successful Christian education season, led by Jane Kintzi, a consultant at the Parish Resource Center. Details.
Early bird deadline for "Revitup! ... For a Lifetime in Ministry" event for young clergy, Friday, Aug. 8- Event Monday-Wednesday, Sept. 15-17, in Atlanta for young clergy, ages 25-39, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits. The focus is on financial and leadership skills. $119 before Aug. 8. Details.
Lion & Lamb Christian Festival, Friday-Sunday, Aug. 8-10 - A number of United Methodist entities, including the Indiana Annual (regional) Conference, are sponsors of this gathering at Fort Wayne, Indiana. $25 before Aug. 8. Details.
Shreveport, Louisiana Skeeter Run, Saturday, Aug. 9 - The first of six 5K and one-mile run/walks in the Louisiana Annual (regional) Conference to support Imagine No Malaria, the denomination's initiative to eradicate preventable deaths from the disease. The other five runs will take place across the state on Saturday, Oct. 11. $20 registration. Details.
Free J. Mark McVey concert, Saturday, Aug. 9 - 7 p.m. ET. Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina will present "Finding Your Voice: Lessons for the Soul from a Life on Broadway," a special performance by tenor McVey, who has starred in "Les Miserables." Details.
Free Lake Junaluska Signature Series event featuring Fred Bahnson, Sunday, Aug. 10 - 7 p.m. ET, Fred Bahnso is writer, permaculture gardener, and pioneer in church-supported agriculture.Details.
Deadline to apply for Ethnic Local Church Grants, Sunday, Aug. 10 - The grants, distributed by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, aim to strengthen ethnic minority local churches through education, advocacy or leadership development as they engage in social justice. Details.
United Theological Seminary's Preaching Retreat, Tuesday-Thursday, Aug. 12-14 - "The Promise of New Testament Apocalyptic" will be the theme of the retreat at the seminary's campus at 4501 Denlinger Road, Dayton, Ohio. The event aims to help pastors and students gain competence in preaching apocalyptic texts in the New Testament. Details.
Deadline to apply to join regional Healthy Families, Healthy Planet advocacy training, Friday, Aug. 15 - The free United Methodist training in advocating for women and girls will be Saturday, Sept. 6 with an optional session on Monday, Sept. 8, in Peoria, Illinois. Applications are required. Details and application.
Deadline to register for Just Save One conference to equip HIV and AIDS Ministries, Friday, Aug. 15 - The gathering will be Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 11-13 at the Renaissance Hotel in Denver and sponsored by the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. Details.
Game Changers Summit, Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 3-5 - United Methodist Communications invites local churches to attend a conference at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will focus on how congregations can use technology to strengthen international development. Details.
Early bird deadline for the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Leadership Institute, Wednesday Sept. 3 - Gathering is Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 24-26. The keynote speaker is Len Sweet, United Methodist scholar and best-selling author. Details.
NOMADS annual meeting, Sunday- Friday, Sept. 7-12 - NOMADS, which stands for Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service, provide volunteer labor for United Methodist organizations. Most travel by RV, They will meet in Branson, Missouri. Details.
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