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“It’s not because of my love for God; it’s because of God’s love for me. I never stopped being a beloved child of God.” — The Rev. Deen Thompson, after being reinstated as an ordained elder. |
| Bishop Delores J. Williamston of the Louisiana Conference places a stole on the shoulders of the Rev. Deen Thompson at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 1. The Rev. Ali Young (far left) of the Louisiana Conference and Thompson's husband, John, also attended. Photo by Susan Ruach, courtesy of the Louisiana Conference. |
Louisiana Conference
Elder’s reinstatement marks healing momentNASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Deen Thompson is an ordained elder again, decades after he was removed from ministry because of his sexuality. Thompson, a lay leader at Edgehill United Methodist Church, was draped with a stole Dec. 1 as acknowledgement of his returned ordination, which happened at the Louisiana Annual Conference earlier this year. “When the church seeks to make things right, it must do so with intention and care,” said Louisiana Conference Bishop Delores J. Williamston, who traveled to Nashville for the ceremony. Mark Lambert has the story. |
Storm destroys United Methodist school in BurundiBUJUMBURA, Burundi (UM News) — A United Methodist high school suffered extensive damage during recent torrential rains and heavy wind that blew the roofs off of two buildings. Thirteen students were injured in the storm. The technical school, named in memory of United Methodist Bishop J. Alfred Ndoricimpa, is the only secondary school in the Rubirizi region, home to around 21,000 people. Jérôme Ndayisenga reports. |
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Episcopal elections set to begin in West Africa
ACCRA, Ghana (UM News) — Voting is expected to begin Dec. 7 for two episcopal elections in the West Africa Central Conference. UM News will track the balloting and have coverage as bishops are elected to lead the Nigeria and Sierra Leone episcopal areas. The conference continues through Dec. 7.
See balloting
UM News: Preparing for bishop elections outside US
Greater New Jersey Conference
Joining love for veterans, passion for horses
NEPTUNE, N.J. — Wendy and Sierra Dorfman love veterans and their lives show it. On Veterans Day, Wendy welcomed worshippers at Grace Union United Methodist Church to a special service that honored veterans of all military service branches. Her daughter, Sierra, plans to open and manage an equine therapy center with a focus on helping veterans nurture relationships with horses to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder and other military-related mental health conditions. John W. Coleman reports.
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North Alabama Conference
Food ministry draws new leaders to church
COKER, Ala. — The small congregation of Coker United Methodist Church serves 140 families through the mobile food pantry it hosts the third Friday of each month. The ministry not only has relieved hunger but also drawn clients to join the church and become volunteers themselves. Rene’ Jones has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
‘The Recap’ focuses on ministries of support
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of “The Recap” highlights how students and faculty at Wesleyan University-Philippines are helping to aid those affected by climate change and disasters, and the ongoing recovery effort from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Produced by United Methodist Communications, the video series helps congregations gain a better understanding of what is going on in The United Methodist Church, find inspiration in stories of ministry and learn how the denomination is transforming the world.
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Mississippi Conference
Faith community starts on college campus
PERKINSTON, Miss. — About 80 people gathered to constitute the Church at the Barn, a new United Methodist faith community started by lay people on the campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Among those in attendance were around 50 United Methodists who transferred their membership after their former church home left the denomination. Four visitors also decided to join the church that day. Jasmine Haynes has the story.
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Religion News Service
Church lawns can make good dog parks
PINCKNEY, Mich. — Sometimes, a church going to the dogs can be a good thing. When Arise Church, a United Methodist congregation, was building a new facility 13 years ago, the congregation used part of the property for a dog park. The park includes a prayer walk path for dogs and their owners. Bob Smietana has the story about Arise and other congregations that have dog parks on their land.
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Learn more about Arise’s dog park |
| This UM News graphic for the second Sunday in Advent is available to download in four languages and share on social media. Image by Bernhard from Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News. |
| Newport News Shipbuilding
Little Rock Nine member set to christen submarine
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — United Methodist Carlotta Walls LaNier, one of the Little Rock Nine who as teens desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, is scheduled to help christen the U.S. submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) on Dec. 7. In 2018, the U.S. Navy named the six women of the Little Rock Nine as ship sponsors for the Arkansas. LaNier grew up attending White Memorial Methodist Church in a structure built by her great-grandfather. She is a longtime member of Park Hill United Methodist Church in Denver.
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Wespath Benefits and Investments
Fossil fuel-free funds launched
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Two funds have been launched by Wespath for investors who wish to avoid fossil fuel companies and funds associated with conflict-affected areas from their portfolios. The new funds are intended to provide faith-based and values-aligned nonprofit organizations — such as foundations, senior living communities and higher education institutions — with global equity and fixed income investment exposure in ways that align with their values.
Read press release |
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| | Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News |
Pro wrestlers need God, too
PRICEVILLE, Ala. (UM News) — The Rev. Steven Barber has found a unique place to pursue his calling as a United Methodist pastor. He ministers to professional wrestlers, who spend long stretches away from family and are often tempted to pass the time in non-constructive ways while cooped up in small-town motel rooms. Barber shows up at wrestling events bearing bottled waters and a willingness to listen. Jim Patterson has the story. |
| | Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News |
UMCOR helps Helene survivors
SPRUCE PINE, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Committee on Relief helps vulnerable people regardless of their race, religion or status. Following Hurricane Helene, some families in Western North Carolina were reluctant to accept help because of their undocumented status. United Methodist volunteers were able to build trust and connect storm victims with the assistance they needed. Lilla Marigza has the story. |
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| Courtesy St. John's United Methodist Church |
The liturgical history of Lessons and Carols
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Ask The UMC) — Increasingly over the past four decades, United Methodist congregations with choirs have included a service of Lessons and Carols among their Advent or Christmas celebrations. While the music may be what draws people, what actually drives the vigil form of worship historically is an extended period of listening to the Scriptures. The Rev. Taylor W Burton Edwards has more on Lessons and Carols. |
| Confronting hate: What do you wear?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — During a rally promoting unity, the Rev. Neelley Hicks, a United Methodist deacon, found herself in conversation with one member of a neo-Nazi group that showed up to protest the rally. The exchange between the two shows how fear, the need for belonging and distorted views about Christianity form a dangerous mix. This is the first of a three-part series on confronting hate. |
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