“We hope that this will be a diverse group of leaders who will help shape Methodism's future and whatever comes out of those conversations will be our next steps and strategies moving forward.” — The Rev. Jasmine Smothers, on a scheduled May meeting of centrist and progressive United Methodists.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Centrists, progressives to discuss church's future
LEAWOOD, Kan. (UMNS) — Unhappy with the results of General Conference 2019, about 600 centrist and progressive United Methodists from across the United States will meet May 20-22 at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. The question being asked: What should become of The United Methodist Church? Sam Hodges reports.
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Creative spirit lifts Philippines' churches
MANILA, Philippines (UMNS) — A United Methodist team evaluated whether the Philippines should have more bishops. The group’s report highlighted church strengths and needs, including the struggle to pay church workers a living wage. Heather Hahn reports.
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Bishops discuss GC2019 outcomes with black caucus
ATLANTA (UMNS) — African American bishops and other members of The United Methodist Church’s black caucus recently joined in the many conversations happening in the wake of the denomination’s recent General Conference. John W. Coleman has the story and Mike DuBose has the photos.
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Global Ministries
Reflecting on 200 years of mission
ATLANTA — Through a website, video, conference and other activities, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is marking 200 years of mission this year. The recent bicentennial conference, writes Christie House, “embodied the heart of the Methodist mission movement, evident in Wesley’s concern for social and personal holiness and a deeply rooted desire that everyone have an opportunity to experience the healing love of Christ.”
Watch bicentennial video
A time for connection and reflection
No Daily Digest on April 18-19
The Daily Digest will not be published on Maundy Thursday, April 18, or Good Friday, April 19. The Weekly Digest will be published on Thursday. The staff at United Methodist News Service wishes everyone a blessed Holy Week.
PRESS RELEASES
Wespath Benefits and Investments
Wespath holds listening session May 3
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Wespath Benefits and Investments invites interested participants to address its board during a listening session the morning of May 3 in San Antonio. To place a person’s name and topic on the agenda and for specific presentation requirements, contact Renee Smith-Edmondson by April 24 at 1-800-269-2244, extension 4273 or at RSmith-Edmondson@wespath.org.
Read press release
Abingdon Press
New book looks at church vitality
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Olu Brown, pastor of Atlanta’s Impact Church, takes a critical and inspirational look at four aspects of 21st-century ministry and church vitality in “4D Impact: Smash Barriers Like a Smart Church.” Impact is one of the fastest growing United Methodist congregations in the U.S.
Read the press release
RECENT HEADLINES
UMCOR assists with 2018 hurricane recovery
BMCR explores ‘reset’ from past to future
EVENTS
Sunday, May 5
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