James Lawson: Reflections on Life, Nonviolence, Civil Rights, MLK

United Methodist pastor and activist, James M. Lawson has been called the "architect of the nonviolence movement" in America.  Lawson was a close ally to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and trained the young people whose peaceful witness at lunch counters in the South sought to end racial discrimination in businesses and public places. At age 88, he looked back at the pivotal moments that shaped his life and ministry.

Learn more about Rev. James Lawson

by United Methodist Communications

The Commission on a Way Forward Meets for the First Time

Group takes on church unity from multiple fronts 

by Heather Hahn

photo: Diane Degnan

   

     The United Methodist group charged with bridging divisions around homosexuality spent its first meeting mainly getting to know and trust each other but also took first steps toward possible outcomes.

     The Commission on a Way Forward,   which includes 32 United Methodists from nine countries, formed six working groups that will examine the question of how to do church together from multiple directions. These groups will do "homework" between meetings ─ speaking to experts, doing research and engaging in conversation.

The Rev. Julie Hager Love, commission member and the Kentucky Conference's director of connectional ministries, said the commission brings together people who deeply love The United Methodist Church.

     "Together we worshipped, prayed, shared and dialogued," she said. "There was a willingness and commitment to work together in deeper understanding of each other and the church. While I returned home exhausted and drained I am hopeful and joyfully look forward to continuing in the work we have begun together."

     Matt Berryman, fellow commission member, said he was also hopeful.

     "There is universal agreement, pretty much, that we are not there to talk about whether LGBTQ people will be included but how," said Berryman, the executive director of Reconciling Ministries Network. His organization advocates for LGBTQ individuals to be included in all aspects of church life.

     A bishop said the topic is difficult, but he drew encouragement from the spirit of the meeting.

  

Council of Bishop's President, Bishop Bruce Ough
Issues a Statement on the Immigration Order.

Minneapolis: Bishop Bruce R. Ough, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, issued a statement regarding President Trump's executive order on immigration at a press conference sponsored by the Minnesota Council of Churches. The event, held at Hennepin United Methodist Church, gathered faith leaders to discuss the topic of immigration. Bishop Ough participated in today's event in his role as resident bishop of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area of The United Methodist Church. The statement maintains The United Methodist Church's unity in standing with other faith traditions to denounce the order, as well as calling all to remember Jesus' words from Matthew 10:40: "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me."

Read the Full Statement 

Click here for the Registration Form

     In the decades since the Cuban revolution, church members have fertilized their traditional Methodist roots with a homegrown spirit, transforming worship with music and enthusiastic prayer and calling upon each believer to be an evangelist for Christ.

     Eighty percent of the municipalities in Cuba now have a Methodist church and preaching locations cover nearly the entire country, serving about 43,000 members and a community of 65,000. Encouraged by Bishop Ricardo Pereira, young people flock to the church and the 10-year-old seminary and district and local extension programs promote education and leadership.

     Writer Linda Bloom and photographer Mike DuBose traveled to Cuba in November 2016 on behalf of United Methodist News Service to learn more about the Methodist Church in Cuba.

Click here for the first article in the series

Bishop & Leslie Bledsoe will be leading a Cruise to Cuba October 1-8, 2017.

Please be aware that there have bee several schedule changes from the first brochure. 
For example, participants will be flying from Houston, directly to Havana.
New brochures will be available soon. 

by Rev. Kathy Noble

     Each week they come - hundreds of thousands of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 years, streaming into United Methodist churches for after-school or early evening meetings.

     Some of the children and youth are   Boy Scouts  and   Girl Scouts. Others are   Campfire  or   4-H       Club members. All are part of the scouting ministry umbrella of The United Methodist Church. For about half of the participants, scouting is their only church involvement.

     Scouting is an often-overlooked door for United Methodists to go into their community and for the community to take the first step into the church. Scouting Ministries Sunday is an opportunity to recognize those involved in the ministry and invite others to join.

     The United Methodist Church designates the second Sunday in February as   Scouting Sunday(formerly Boy Scout Sunday), with an alternate date on the second Sunday in March (formerly Girl Scouting Sunday). Most churches that sponsor or host both Boy and Girl scouts will choose one day to celebrate the ministry and the adults and youth involved. Many prefer the earlier date because it does not (usually) conflict with Lent. The celebration can occur at any time during the year.

Questions?  Contact Randall Partin at (505)255-8786 or randall@nmconfum.com.

Click here for the details 

The Emmy Award Winning Short Film on the Life of Francis Asbury

Upcoming Events Click here for the Conference Calendar