“ Let us put behind us our debates and disagreements and move forward to lead the church to the best expression of The United Methodist Church that would become instrument of hope, peace and justice in this broken world.” — Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella
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| Photo by Gladys P. Mangiduyos, UM News |
Philippines reelects 3 bishops
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — Bishops Rodel M. Acdal, Ruby-Nell M. Estrella and Israel M. Painit have been reelected as bishops in The United Methodist Church’s Philippines Central Conference during the conference’s Nov. 18-22 meeting. Bishops in the Philippines serve initial four-year terms before they face reelection or retirement. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
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Church responds as typhoons batter Philippines
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — Filipino United Methodists are rising up to help the survivors of a series of strong storms that ravaged the Philippines over the span of several weeks. Tropical Storm Trami (called Kristine in the Philippines), along with two previous typhoons, left more than 160 people dead and over 9 million people dealing with extreme flooding. Three more typhoons followed on their heels, making this the most active November on record for the Pacific typhoon season. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
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Dakotas Conference
Pray-grounds multiplying
MITCHELL, S.D. — Parents wanting to keep an eye on their children during worship are being accommodated in some Dakotas Conference churches by installing “Pray-grounds.” Those are play areas in the sanctuary with toys, crayons, children’s Bibles and other diversions and worship materials for children. At least seven churches have pursued the concept. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
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Walker’s Funeral Home
World Methodist Council leader mourned
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The former president and chairperson of the World Methodist Council died Nov. 14, and funeral services are planned Dec. 7 at University United Methodist Church. Frances M. Alguire led the World Methodist Council from 1996 to 2001. She was the first woman and lay person to lead the council, which serves as the face of Wesleyan-Methodist theology around the world and encompasses 80 member churches on six continents.
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New England Conference
Pillowcase Project brings comfort to cancer patients
WEST BOYLSTON, Mass. — About two years ago, three members of Oakdale United Methodist Church established the Pillowcase Project. Pillowcases are donated to the UMASS Pediatric Oncology Unit because a bright cheery pillowcase can be a comforting gift in such a sterile, scary environment. The pillowcase goes home with the child and can be used again if they return for repeat therapy. New England Conference staff have the story.
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Scarritt Bennett Center
Harm to indigenous people recognized
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The board of the Scarritt Bennett Center acknowledged harm done to Native Americans who occupied its land before what is now the U.S. was colonized. In a statement issued Nov. 20, the board stated “we acknowledge that this property was sacred and of primary importance to indigenous people before us — before their forced removal, forced assimilation and even extinction from the invasion of European people.” The Scarritt Bennett Center was formally a college and today is a retreat center working toward women's empowerment, racial justice, spiritual enrichment and transformative education.
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| UM News includes in the Digest various 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. |
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Michigan Conference
Resist climate change
LANSING, Mich. — The story of the resurrection should inspire the faithful to resist and try to reverse climate change that is increasingly bringing destruction to the planet. “We remember that death does not have the final word,” write Audra Hudson Stone and Jacob Stone, co-conveners of the Michigan Conference Environmental Justice Task Force. “Repentance and transformation are possible.”
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Ask The UMC
What is the ecumenical prayer cycle?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Developed by the World Council of Churches, the ecumenical prayer cycle provides a way for congregations, small groups or individuals to pray for every nation on earth during the course of a calendar year. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, shows how to pray in concert with millions of Christians around the world.
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Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News |
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Hurricane Helene recovery in N.C.
BURNSVILLE, N.C. (UM News) — United Methodists are among those helping in the mountains of Western North Carolina after the remnants of Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding and spawned tornadoes in valley communities in late September. Specially trained United Methodist Early Response Teams have been working in the affected areas since Oct. 8. Mike DuBose offers a photo essay of that work.
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Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News |
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Our changing climate
CALUMPIT, Philippines (UM News) — The year 2024 will almost certainly be the hottest year on record. United Methodist News is documenting the denomination’s response to climate change through a series of dispatches from sites most impacted by global warming. UM News photographer Mike DuBose offers a photo essay from a recent visit to the Philippines.
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Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News |
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Filipino United Methodists help fishing communities
TANZA, Philippines (UM News) — Families who depend heavily on the sea for their daily sustenance and livelihood are feeling the effects of climate change and natural and man-made disasters. United Methodists are among those stepping in to offer relief and speaking out on the need for creation care. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports on relief efforts there, with photos by Mike DuBose.
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Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops |
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Bishops zero in on challenges ahead
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — As The United Methodist Church starts a new season after this year’s General Conference, bishops discussed ministry needs ahead. Those include faith formation, financial concerns and care for immigrants after the recent U.S. presidential election. Heather Hahn reports.
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