"We resolve that all central conferences be treated as equal members of our global connection and left to decide of their own volition their future association and destiny." — Liberian Conference resolution, approved Feb. 14.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Liberians want changes in separation plan
GANTA, Liberia (UM News) — Liberian United Methodists approved a resolution saying they won't support a separation plan for The United Methodist Church without major amendments. They also expressed unhappiness at not having had input into the plan, known as the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation. E Julu Swen and Sam Hodges report.
Think tank to look at GC2020 possibilities
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — General Conference organizers have named a think tank to explore different ways for processing legislation at this year's gathering of The United Methodist Church's top lawmaking body. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Ask The UMC
What is Lent and why does it last 40 days?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 26 this year) and ends on Holy Saturday (April 11). The 40 days represent the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry. United Methodist Communications' Ask The UMC has more on the Lenten season.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
Dakotas Conference
Energy and care keep pastor with two jobs going
VELVA, N.D. — The Rev. Geoff Hilton has two full-time jobs, one of them as pastor at Velva United Methodist Church. He credits "a lot of people that care and a lot of energy" for his ability to balance his ministry with his other job as controller of a grain company. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
Read story
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
Loss always comes with separation, divorce
CANDLER, N.C. (UM News) — Any separation or divorce brings loss, writes a North Carolina pastor. But the Rev. Michael Kurtz also prays that separating parties in The United Methodist Church can find renewal and peace in division.
Read commentary
RESOURCES
Discipleship Ministries
Spiritual gifts assessment tool online
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Christians can discover their spiritual gifts and how to use them with a new online tool and other resources available from Discipleship Ministries. The resources include the Spiritual Gifts Inventory tool, which aims to help people learn how to use their gifts from God in disciple-making.
Read press release
Take Spiritual Gifts Inventory
RECENT HEADLINES
Zimbabwe area plants church for prisoners, officers
Commentary: Seeking future liberation from past oppression
EVENTS
Monday, March 9-Sunday, March 29
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.