NOTE: This is a digest of news features provided by United Methodist Communications for June 2 - 6. 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.
Promoting health in Sierra Leone
Lifesaving nets reaching families in Sierra Leone
BO, Sierra Leone (UMNS) – Families by the hundreds here took advantage of their first recent chance to get insecticide-treated nets that provide protection against mosquito bites and the killer disease malaria. A distribution effort by Sierra Leone and United Methodists is employing health workers and others who teach how to use the nets safely and effectively. UMNS's Kathy L. Gilbert reports from the scene.
Read story and post a comment
Sierra Leone Video Diary: Celebration Thursday
BO, Sierra Leone (UMNS) – Watch a net distribution parade to kick off maternal and child health awareness week and to celebrate the arrival of 350,000 lifesaving mosquito bed nets in Sierra Leone. The celebration is part of The United Methodist Church effort to stop preventable malaria deaths in Africa.
Watch video
Health care workers on front lines of Ebola outbreak
BO, Sierra Leone (UMNS) – United Methodist leaders, health care workers and the Sierra Leone government are working to inform Sierra Leone about the danger of a deadly Ebola outbreak. Here is how health officials, including those at a United Methodist hospital, are trying to stop the contagion.
Read story and post a comment
Watch video
News around the connection
Call for prayer following shootings
DES MOINES, Wash. (UMNS) – Responding to a deadly shooting at Seattle Pacific University on Thursday, June 5, that left one person dead and three injured, Greater Northwest Area Bishop Grant Hagiya issued a call for prayer by the people of The United Methodist Church. He called again for prayer and action following the second school shooting in less than a week within his episcopal area – this time in Troutdale, Ore. He asked United Methodists to work toward making communities and schools safe places to grow and learn.
Read Bishop Hagiya's first statement
Read Hagiya's second statement
Lessons from Joseph, Jesus' 'old man'
ARLINGTON, Texas (UMNS) – "Like others in our salvation story, God turned Joseph's life over," says the Rev. Jarrod Johnston of First United Methodist Church in Arlington. Joseph's example offers lessons for fathers and other Christian disciples today. Happy Father's Day from UMNS.
Read story and post a comment
Spotlight on stories of biblical women
CHICAGO (UMNS) – What will this summer's Vacation Bible School participants learn about women when men are six times more likely to be mentioned in Bible stories? A "Women by the Numbers" feature from the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women highlights brief stories of biblical women, named and unnamed.
Read story
Criticism for 'local option' idea on homosexuality
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – A group of United Methodist clergy, theologians and laity is pushing back against the idea of letting churches and annual conferences choose to depart from current church law regarding homosexuality. The group says in an open letter that the "local option" idea, pushed by the Revs. Adam Hamilton and Mike Slaughter and others under the title "A Way Forward," would "only extend, localize and exacerbate the acrimonious debate."
Read letter
Read interview with Hamilton about "A Way Forward"
$1.36 million in grants to support young clergy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – With a grant from the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference will gather young Native Americans to focus on important issues in their culture and church. The grant is one of 29 totaling $1.36 million given to recruit and support young clergy in the denomination. More information is available at www.explorecalling.org.
List of first-round recipients
More water, less hunger
NEW YORK (UMNS) – When UMCOR provides relief to a community affected by famine or disease, water is part of the equation, Julia Frisbie reports. In Zimbabwe's Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe District, for example, access to clean water helps the community stay healthy and be more productive.
Read story
News around conferences
Find out what happened at annual conference sessions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – Starting this month and throughout the annual conference season, United Methodist News Service will be compiling reports on annual conference sessions around the globe.
See the reports
Helping 'the folks from the woods'
LITTLE RIVER, S.C. (UMNS) – A few feet from Little River United Methodist Church live "the folks from the woods" – mostly men, a few women and some families, who pitch tents and cook over open fires. Jessica Connor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate shares how the church is reaching out to this homeless community.
Read story
Remembering former Delaware Conference
OAKS, Pa. (UMNS) – The 150th anniversary of the former, all-black Delaware Annual Conference is noted in a recent resolution from the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual (regional) Conference. That pioneering Delaware Conference emerged in 1864 from efforts to afford oppressed and often ostracized African-American members of the Methodist Episcopal Church the right to dignity, full participation and self-determination. It stretched across five states, from Virginia up to New York. Now United Methodists are raising money for a documentary on the Delaware Conference, which dissolved in 1964 when members integrated geographically based conferences. John W. Coleman of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference has the story.
Read story
No, it's not the Oscars ... it's the Wesleys
SHREVEPORT, La. (UMNS) – Was that Billy Crystal? No, it was Louisiana's own Rev. Matt Rawle serving as host to the first ever "Wesley Awards," held Tuesday night during the Louisiana Annual Conference. Winners, recognized for implementing creative ministries that embody the conference's visions, got John Wesley bobbleheads. Betty Backstrom has the story.
Read story
Young clergy meet with the Rev. Adam Hamilton
LEAWOOD, Kan. (UMNS) – "The key to the future of the church is leadership. The people aren't going to the promised land without Moses. Remind them that Jesus is calling the church to take the hard road," the Rev. Adam Hamilton told a gathering of young clergy from the Missouri Annual (regional) Conference. He is the senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and a popular Christian writer. Fred Koenig of the Missouri Conference shares Hamilton's advice and the pastor's own struggles in his ministry.
Read story
-------
Excitement high over Zimbabwe's Ebenezer Convention
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) – United Methodist churches and districts in Zimbabwe have been riding a wave of excitement in anticipation of the Aug. 15-17 Ebenezer Convention in Harare's National Sports Stadium. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo has the details.
Read story
Read Q&A with Bishop Nhiwatiwa
Resources for churches
United Methodists invited to discuss church's worldwide nature
CHICAGO (UMNS) – In an effort to foster ongoing dialogue about topics of interest to the broader church, The Connectional Table, which coordinates the denomination's ministry and resources, and the Commission on General Conference are inviting members to join them in conversation about the worldwide nature of the church. Downloadable resources for discussion and an online survey about the worldwide issues affecting the denomination are available at a new website at www.umc.org/worldwide-nature.
Read news release
See resources
Hunger-relief group offers VBS program
BIG ISLAND, Va. (UMNS) – The Society of St. Andrew, the national hunger-relief ministry, is offering a new vacation Bible school program. "Abundance Orchard" has an Old Testament focus but includes stories and photos of the Society of St. Andrew at work. The free package contains enough materials for five, three-hour sessions.
To learn more
Father's Day devotional resources available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – Looking for ways to celebrate Dad's big day? The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers prayers and devotions to mark Father's Day.
See resources
Diverse speakers headline AIDS conference
DENVER (UMNS) – Four United Methodist bishops, an international medical AIDS specialist, two seminary professors from Zimbabwe and Kenya, local United Methodist pastors, a Muslim woman and people living with HIV will be among the keynote speakers at the upcoming equipping United Methodist conference for HIV and AIDS ministries. The event is scheduled for Sept. 11-13 in Denver. Sponsored by the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee, the conference theme will be "Countdown to Zero: Just Save One." Registration deadline is Aug. 15.
Read story
History of Hymns: 'Filled with the Spirit's Power'
DALLAS (UMNS) – This hymn – No. 537 in the United Methodist Hymnal – reflects a vision for the church that is inclusive, vibrant and ecumenical, writes C. Michael Hawn in his weekly column for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. The hymn's author, John R. Peacey, was an Anglican who had hopes of union between the Anglican and Methodist movements.
Read story
United Methodists in the news
TV station asks retiring Tampa pastor 10 questions
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) – The Rev. Jim Harnish, senior pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church, is retiring after more than 40 years in pastoral ministry and 21 years at Hyde Park. ABC Action News, as it does for local newsmakers and national celebrities, asked Harnish 10 question ranging from his favorite smartphone app to what he considers his greatest success.
Read Q&A
Church offers bilingual prayer booth at farmer's market
AURORA, Ill. (UMNS) – Fourth Street United Methodist Church in Aurora plans to hold a free prayer booth four times this summer at its local farmer's market. Prayers can be shared in Spanish and English. The Beacon-News has the story.
Read story
Pastor interviewed about sentencing reform
MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. (UMNS) – RT TV (an English-language Russian station) interviewed the Rev. Jeffry Wells of Community United Methodist Church in Massapequa Park about the "Smart Sentencing" legislation before the U.S. Congress. Wells was among more than 1,100 religious leaders who signed a letter supporting the bipartisan bill to reduce mandatory-minimum sentences for federal drug offenses.
Watch interview
To see the letter
Church celebrates Smallville with 'super' sermon series
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (UMNS) – It's a bird. It's a plane. No, it's inspiration for a super sermon series. During the month when his Kansas town had its "Smallville Festival," the Rev. Jeff Slater of First United Methodist Church in the Great Plains Annual (regional) Conference decided to offer his own Smallville sermon series to teach "heroic lessons." "I suddenly remembered the Kents were Methodist," Slater said. As Clark Kent himself might say, read all about it from the Hutchinson News.
Read story
Tennessee church hands out 26 scholarships
PARIS, Tenn. (UMNS) – First United Methodist Church in Paris handed out 26 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and college students this spring. The Paris Post-Intelligencer has the story, including names of recipients. The church is in the Memphis Annual (regional) Conference.
Read story
University and seminary news
Hiroshima event challenges peacemakers
HIROSHIMA, Japan (UMNS) – History lessons trumped "book learning" for some 250 Methodist scholars and students from around the world as they gathered in this historic city.
Read story and post a comment
2014 Africa University grads express thanks
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) – More than 450 students received undergraduate and graduate degrees at Africa University during a June 7 ceremony. Gloria Alitubeera, a Ugandan who earned a degree in business, spoke for many. "To those who granted me the scholarship that enabled me to study and get this degree, I dedicate it to you."
Read story and post a comment
Campus ministers ponder how to curb sexual assault
PARRISH, Fla. (UMNS) – As federal officials pass legislation and launch investigations regarding what some term a "silent epidemic" of sexual assaults on college campuses, studies show first-year women face the highest risk. Eleven Florida campus ministers, with help from the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women, are discussing prevention and response. Susan Green of the Florida Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
Read story
United Methodists host 'Theology and Disability' event
DALLAS (UMNS) – The fifth Summer Institute on Theology and Disability, and the first to be hosted by United Methodists, will occur here June 16-20. Highland Park United Methodist Church and neighboring Perkins School of Theology, part of Southern Methodist University, are sponsors, as is the Bethesda Institute. Events will be at the church. Speakers include theologian Stanley Hauerwas of United Methodist-related Duke Divinity School and Perkins' associate professor Jaime Clark-Soles.
Learn more
Summer Institute on Theology and Disability
Fifth Annual Summer Institute on Theology and Disability
June 16 - 20, 2014
Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC)
3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas
Caring Theologically and Thinking Pastorally: Disability as a Critical Question and Questioner
REGISTER TODAY!
Important Deadlines:
May 23 for Hyatt hotel deal
June 2 to register for SITD
June 2 for Doubletree hotel deal
June 13 to register for June 19-20 SITD event/FIND symposium (FREE registration).
The intersections between disability and theology call for thought-full and care-full negotiation. Research and writing in theology and disability needs to come from, and address all of, the theological disciplines. It must be grounded in the real lives of people with disabilities and their families
Caring theologically and thinking pastorally includes:
Exploring the disciplines of theology and practices of faith communities through the lens and experience of disability. Exploring the issues raised by disability, we contend, brings us to the heart of theological reflection and understanding.
Recognizing that faithful response calls for the gifts and perspectives of all the traditional theological disciplines. Does theology limit or help living fully and faithfully in the worlds of disability and congregations?
Receiving the rich gifts that come from the diverse people and religious traditions on this journey.
Each day, speakers and leaders will unpack the theme. In addition to the plenary speakers listed here, each afternoon there will be at least three one-time workshops offered, likely one two-hour workshop and two one-hour workshops.
A limited enrollment, four-day seminar is an option for Ph.D. students and a limited number of auditors. Interested participants should contact Professor Hans Reinders by May 1.
The Association of Theological Schools, the Association of University Centers on Disability, and the Collaborative on Disability, Religion, and Inclusive Spiritual Supports endorse the Summer Institute on Theology and Disability.
Printable Registration Form
http://bethesdainstitute.org/document.doc?id=1023
Leaders, Workshops and Courses
Each day, plenary speakers and workshop leaders will unpack the theme. In addition, each afternoon there will be at least three one-time workshops offered, likely one two-hour workshop and two one-hour workshops. Three four-day courses will be offered, including the Ph.D. Seminar.
Schedule
Weaving Inclusion Into Our Faith Communities (Friday, June 20)
June 20, is concurrently the closing event for the Summer Institute on Theology and Disability and the Faith Inclusion Network of Dallas (FIND) 2014 Symposium
FIND is generously extending FREE registration to all Symposium participants. Everyone planning to attend June 20—including full-session SITD participants—must also register at http://bit.ly/2014FIND.
Sponsors
Questions? Call 920-206-4483 or email Summer.Institute@mailblc.org.
Graduate work helps Liberian pastor serve community
WASHINGTON (UMNS) – As part of his preparation for the doctor of ministry degree that he recently earned from United Methodist-related Wesley Theological Seminary, the Rev. James Labala studied particular cultural practices of ethnic groups in northern Liberia in relation to Christian practices. That will help the United Methodist pastor serve his Liberian community.
Read story
News of interest
Reflections from a Christian in Bangladesh
DHAKA, Bangladesh (UMNS) – In an interview, Jayonta Adhikari, a Baptist, Bangladeshi member of the World Council of Churches Central Committee and director of the Christian Commission for Development, speaks about human rights, peace and the sociopolitical realities for Christians in his country.
Read interview
Methodist museum archivist honored
CHICAGO (UMNS) – Judi Fergus, the director of the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum, Library and Archives in St. Simons Island, Ga., is the 2014 recipient of the Sister M. Claude Lane, O.P., Memorial Award given by the Society of American Archivists in conjunction with the Society of Southwest Archivists. The award, which honors an archivist who has made a significant contribution to the field of religious archives, will be presented in Washington in August.
Visit museum website
Society of American Archivists
Blogs and commentaries
Commentary: Relief needs persist after typhoon
MANILA, Philippines (UMNS) – More than six months after Typhoon Haiyan killed 6,268 people, hundreds of thousands of survivors in the Central Philippines still need proper relief and rehabilitation. April Grace G. Mercado outlines the challenges in her commentary.
Read commentary and post a comment
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 online course United Methodism 101, Monday, June 16 – Course offered June 18 - July 30. Course from United Methodist Communications gives overview of church history, structure, beliefs, ministries and challenges. $9.99. Details.
Window on Wesley Theological Seminary, Tuesday, June 17 – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET. Opportunity for prospective students to get to know the Wesley community and to experience a day in the life of a Wesley seminarian. Details.
Juneteenth, Thursday, June 19 – The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers worship resources for what is the oldest-known African-American celebration. The day celebrates when word of emancipation reached slaves in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 – two months after the Civil War ended. Details.
"Fierce With Age: Aging as a Spiritual Path," retreat, Monday through Wednesday, June 23 - 25 – Carol Osborn, bestselling author of "Fierce with Age: Chasing God and Squirrels in Brooklyn," will lead retreat at Scarritt-Bennett in Nashville, Tenn. Costs range from $152 to $272 depending on whether guests stay overnight. Details
Prepare: A Training for New Leaders, Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24 and Summer Institute, Tuesday to Friday, June 24-27 – Both events at Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta aim to address that need by training, equipping and building a network for new, seasoned or prospective United Methodist collegiate ministers.. Combined cost of events is $100. Details
Deadline to apply for CORR Action Fund grants, Monday, June 30 – The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race will award grants of $20,000 to $80,000 to "innovative, bold, high-impact initiatives" that will increase intercultural competency or support vital conversations about race, cultural diversity and systemic equity. Details
Deadline to register for five online courses from United Methodist Communications, Tuesday, July 8 – United Methodist Communications will offer the following courses July 9 - Aug. 20. "Communicating Faith in the 21st Century," "Connectional Giving," "Moodle 200 – Advanced Training," "Web Ministry 100: What is Web Ministry?" and "Welcoming Ministry 100." Costs vary. Connectional Giving is free. Details
Free webinar "Finding Treasure: The Story of our Newest Stewardship Resource," Thursday, July 10 – 6:30 p.m. CT. Jacob Armstrong, pastor and church planter, will share how he helped his congregation discover "where our treasure goes, our hearts will follow." Details
Deadline to register for Boards of Ordained Ministry Mid-Quadrennial Training, Friday, July 11 – Event for board officers and cabinet representatives will be Tuesday, Aug. 12, and ends by noon on Friday, Aug. 15, in Denver. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is sponsoring. Details
Free webinar "What's the Job of Conference and District Lay Leaders?" Wednesday, July 16 – 6:30 p.m. CT. Jodi Cataldo of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship will facilitate a conversation on these ministries. Details
Free webinar "Creating a Culture of Innovation Part 1: Can My Leaders Innovate?" Thursday, July 17 – 6:30 p.m. CT. This 90-minute session led by Craig Kennet Miller of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship will introduce tools for implementing new ministry strategies in local churches. Details
Aldersgate 2014 Conference, Thursday to Sunday, July 17-20 – The national conference of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries will be at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Ill. The theme is freedom. Details
Deadline to register for School of Congregational Development 2014, Tuesday, July 15 – Gathering Thursday-Sunday, Aug.14-17, sponsored by the United Methodist boards of Discipleship and Global Ministries at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews, N.C. $425. Details
Introduction to United Methodist Board of Church and Society seminar program, Wednesday-Friday, July 23-25 – Youth group and young adult leaders are invited to attend a three-day "In Focus" familiarization event about United Methodist Seminars on National and International Affairs. The program will introduce the seminars and will explain how to organize and lead a group for these tailored study experiences in the U.S. capital. Details
Festival of Wisdom and Grace, Monday to Thursday, July 28-31 – Columbia (S.C.) Area Bishop Jonathan Holston will be the conference preacher at this time of worship and learning at Lake Junaluska (N.C) Conference and Retreat Center. The theme is "Living Ordinary Time with EEEE's – Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Engagement and Empowerment." Details
United Methodist conference "Walking with Palestinian Christians," 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 on PDF
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
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment