Friday, November 8, 2024

UM News Weekly Digest

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Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops

Bishops called to be an ‘Ephesians church’

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (UM News) — On U.S. Election Day, United Methodist bishops heard from a fellow bishop and a Catholic theologian, who both urged looking to Scripture for guidance in overcoming racism and tribalism. The Catholic theologian, Emmanuel Katongole, warned of what happens when the “the blood of tribalism is deeper than the waters of baptism.” Heather Hahn reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Church meals score points with athletes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Student athletes say a partnership between their school and a neighborhood United Methodist church is helping young people grow in faith. For eight years, members of Dalewood United Methodist Church have been feeding the stomachs and souls of the football and basketball teams at nearby Stratford High School. Lilla Marigza has the story.
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East Ohio Conference
Election Day tradition continues
PENINSULA, Ohio — Serving a meal on Election Day is a tradition going back more than a century for Peninsula United Methodist Church. The practice has grown into a fundraiser for the church, open to anyone who would like to avoid the worry of cooking a meal on such a busy day. The event creates an opportunity for the church to provide a service for the community and to build bonds among the congregation. More than 300 takeout meals were sold this year. Brett Hetherington reports.
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California-Pacific Conference 
Praying for wildfire-affected areas
CAMARILLO, Calif. — The California-Pacific Conference requests prayers for the containment of the Mountain Fire and the safety of the communities of Camarillo, Moorpark, El Buen Pastor and Bardsdale United Methodist churches. The conference will share other updates as it can, including any specific needs. 
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Pastor recognized for spiritual leadership
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — The Greater Norristown Area Ministry, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, hosted a celebration that honored the work of spiritual leaders in the community. Among those recognized was the Rev. Lisa DePaz of Haws Avenue United Methodist Church, which provides space for immigration justice ministries and a shelter for the unhoused on extreme weather days. The Rev. Sarah Borgstrom Lee has the story.
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WLOS-ABC
Rallying to help Lake Junaluska after Helene
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Debris cleanup after Hurricane Helene is ongoing more than one month since the storm hit. At Lake Junaluska, 40 volunteers have already removed close to 7,000 pounds of trash and debris, including propane tanks, old tires and clothing. The lake area is home to the popular United Methodist retreat center. Rex Hodge reports. 
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Council of Bishops
Bishops issue statement on US election
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — The United Methodist Council of Bishops, an international body meeting this week at Epworth by the Sea Conference Center, has released a statement following the U.S. elections on Nov. 5. “Amid the change and uncertainty that have resulted from the recent U.S. elections, and the ways in which these matters will impact the whole world,” the bishops said, “we remember that we are held by the enduring power of God’s love and the call to be agents of that love in the world.”
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Candler School of Theology
Ward named Candler’s bishop-in-residence
ATLANTA — Retired United Methodist Bishop Hope Morgan Ward will serve as the next bishop-in-residence at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. She begins her new role at the United Methodist seminary Jan. 5. Ward is also one of two ecumenical officers for the Council of Bishops. 
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UM News includes in the Digest commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Michigan Conference
‘Death does not have the final word’
LANSING, Mich. — In the wake of Helene and Milton, stories have emerged of everyday people giving their time and resources to clear roads, form emergency response centers and provide vital necessities amid the devastation. Michigan Conference Environmental Justice Task Force co-conveners Audra Hudson Stone and Jacob Stone ask United Methodists to listen to the cries they hear following natural disasters like the recent hurricanes and do their part to practice resurrection.
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Photo courtesy of United Methodist Communications
Debunking disinformation about regionalization
 
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (UM News) — United Methodists from across Africa gathered for training on communications and regionalization. Many at the gathering have been contending with disinformation about the church. Heather Hahn reports.
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Photo courtesy of United Methodist Communications
Training shows communications’ importance
 
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (UM News) — African United Methodists who attended training sessions on communication and regionalization spoke of how it would help them tell the good news of the denomination. Heather Hahn has the story.
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Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News
Bishops urged to perceive God’s ‘new thing’
 
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (UM News) — On the eve of a tense U.S. presidential election, Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone acknowledged that United Methodist bishops must lead in chaotic times. But she reminded her fellow bishops that God’s deliverance is a theme that runs through Scripture. She also sees God’s will for liberation and love at work during this new day for the church. Heather Hahn reports.
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Photo courtesy of North Georgia Conference
Stories of helping neighbors after Helene
 
ATLANTA — In the month since Hurricane Helene hit Georgia and other parts of the Southeast, United Methodists from across the North Georgia Conference have mobilized to support neighbors. Trained emergency response teams and volunteers are clearing debris, providing a listening ear and preparing United Methodist Committee on Relief kits. The conference’s Sybil Davidson shares heartwarming stories of outreach.
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