United Methodist Connections http://UMCConnections.org A blog about The United Methodist Church Thu, 23 May 2013 19:28:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Oklahoma Tornado: $100,000 brings tears to all http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/23/oklahoma-tornado-100000-brings-tears-to-all/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/23/oklahoma-tornado-100000-brings-tears-to-all/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 19:11:15 +0000 Kathy Gilbert http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10581 When word went out that McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church was taking donations for disaster relief they never dreamed that in one day they would collect more than $100,000 without even a chance to pass the offering plate on Sunday.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/23/oklahoma-tornado-100000-brings-tears-to-all/feed/ 0 Georgia conference raising funds for Oklahoma tornado relief http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/22678405/article-Local-groups-aiding-tornado-victims#ixzz2U7tebUtr http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/22678405/article-Local-groups-aiding-tornado-victims#ixzz2U7tebUtr#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 16:07:54 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10564 Local charities are collecting donations from Marietta residents to aid in relief efforts after a tornado ripped a 17-mile path through the suburbs of Oklahoma City on Monday. Deb Ingham, from West United Methodist Church in west Cobb, said as soon as UMCOR gives the word, her church already has enough funds raised to begin filling a truck with supplies. “As soon as they know what they want, this will be a huge hub,” Ingham said.

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]]> http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/22678405/article-Local-groups-aiding-tornado-victims#ixzz2U7tebUtr/feed/ 0 Alabama reaching out to Oklahoma tornado survivors http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/23/alabama-reaching-out-to-oklahoma-tornado-survivors/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/23/alabama-reaching-out-to-oklahoma-tornado-survivors/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 14:36:35 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10561 First United Methodist Church is joining with the United Methodist Committee on Relief to reach out to the people of Moore, Okla. Alabama knows what it feels like to be hit by tornadoes and also what it means to have UMCOR come to their aid.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/23/alabama-reaching-out-to-oklahoma-tornado-survivors/feed/ 0 Oklahoma Tornado: UM Conferences respond http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-um-conferences-respond/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-um-conferences-respond/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 20:24:07 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10552 United Methodist Annual (regional) Conference disaster relief coordinators are meeting and planning to send money and deploy mission teams as soon as they get the word from the United Methodist Committee on Relief that the time is right for teams to go into areas affected by tornadoes.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-um-conferences-respond/feed/ 0 Bishop sends message: Pray, give, hope http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-bishop-sends-message-pray-give-hope/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-bishop-sends-message-pray-give-hope/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 19:18:13 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10540 Messages of encouragement and promises of prayers are coming to Moore, Okla., from around the world and the Rev. Tish Malloy, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Moore, said “it means so much to us.”

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-bishop-sends-message-pray-give-hope/feed/ 0 Oklahoma Tornado: Native American conference gears up to help http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-native-american-conference-gears-up-to-help/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-native-american-conference-gears-up-to-help/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 18:52:18 +0000 Heather Hahn http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10526 In the wake of disaster, the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference often can help native families in ways that other agencies might overlook.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-native-american-conference-gears-up-to-help/feed/ 1 Oklahoma Tornado: Seeing God’s presence in tragedy http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-seeing-gods-presence-in-tragedy/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-seeing-gods-presence-in-tragedy/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 18:11:44 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10499 The May 20 tornado that struck Oklahoma comes only a month after a week full of tragedy: The Boston bombings, the explosion in West, Texas, a church fire in Athens, Ga.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-seeing-gods-presence-in-tragedy/feed/ 0 Oklahoma Tornado: Cleaning buckets always appreciated http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-cleaning-kits-always-appreciated/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-cleaning-kits-always-appreciated/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 16:56:05 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10496 “Our material resource ministry is extremely important for two reasons,” said the Rev. Tom Hazelwood, who heads UMCOR's disaster response in the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-cleaning-kits-always-appreciated/feed/ 1 Oklahoma Tornado: British Methodist composes hymn http://www.gbod.org/lead-your-church/music-downloads/detail/a-twisting-wind-that-wreaks-such-devastation http://www.gbod.org/lead-your-church/music-downloads/detail/a-twisting-wind-that-wreaks-such-devastation#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 16:15:43 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10492 British Methodist pastor and hymn writer Andrew Pratt composed a poignant, yet hopeful text in the aftermath of the devastating tornado in Oklahoma City on May 20, 2013. The hymn, "A Twisting Wind that Wreaks Such Devastation," is available for download from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.

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]]> http://www.gbod.org/lead-your-church/music-downloads/detail/a-twisting-wind-that-wreaks-such-devastation/feed/ 0 Oklahoma Tornado: Moore FUMC checking on its members http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-moore-fumc-checking-on-its-members/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-moore-fumc-checking-on-its-members/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 14:24:31 +0000 Kathy Gilbert http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10472 The Rev. Tish Malloy, pastor of First United Methodist Church, said the last two days have been “pretty painful” as residents of a town blown apart by a tornado on May 20 start to pick up the pieces.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-moore-fumc-checking-on-its-members/feed/ 1 How to give in response to disaster http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/how-to-give-in-response-to-disaster/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/how-to-give-in-response-to-disaster/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 20:42:06 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10439 The United Methodist Church is uniquely situated to respond to disasters because of its churches in almost every county and community across the United States and the worldwide Methodist connection with annual conferences, central conferences, and autonomous partner churches on five continents.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/how-to-give-in-response-to-disaster/feed/ 2 Oklahoma Tornado: Responding to Children’s Fears http://ministrywithchildren.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornadoes-responding-to-childrens-fears/ http://ministrywithchildren.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornadoes-responding-to-childrens-fears/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 20:24:41 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10432 Consoling children following a traumatic event can be overwhelming to the adults caring for them.  If you are looking for resources to support children following a crisis or disaster, or even during a crisis, this article has links to several helpful sites.

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]]> http://ministrywithchildren.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornadoes-responding-to-childrens-fears/feed/ 0 Oklahoma Tornado: OKC University reaches out to those affected http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-okc-university-reaches-out-to-those-affected/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-okc-university-reaches-out-to-those-affected/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 20:10:03 +0000 Joey Butler http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10425 About 20 students and faculty at United Methodist-related Oklahoma City University were affected by the May 20 tornado, including the death of a daughter of one of the university’s “house moms,” said Sandy Pantlik, director of communications.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-okc-university-reaches-out-to-those-affected/feed/ 0 Oklahoma Tornado: Church protects people and pets http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornadoes-church-protects-people-and-pets/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornadoes-church-protects-people-and-pets/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 20:01:17 +0000 Heather Hahn http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10412 United Methodist Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City shelters people and their four-legged friends whenever dangerous storms draw near.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornadoes-church-protects-people-and-pets/feed/ 1 Oklahoma Tornado: Bishop Hayes urges strength after storm http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-bishop-hayes-invites-grief-and-prayer/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-bishop-hayes-invites-grief-and-prayer/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 19:24:32 +0000 Heather Hahn http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10380 Oklahoma Area Bishop Robert E. Hayes Jr. said bishops and other concerned United Methodists have called him to say they are keeping the storm-ravaged in prayer and are willing to help in any way they can.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-bishop-hayes-invites-grief-and-prayer/feed/ 0 Oklahoma Tornado: Don’t underestimate need for prayer http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-dont-underestimate-need-for-prayer/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-dont-underestimate-need-for-prayer/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 17:29:29 +0000 Kathy Gilbert http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10365 The Rev. D.A. Bennett, pastor of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, was one of the anxious parents with children in South Moore High School waiting to hear if his son had survived the May 20 tornado.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-dont-underestimate-need-for-prayer/feed/ 3 Oklahoma Tornado: Cash donations encouraged over clothing, other items http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-cash-donations-encouraged-over-clothing-other-items/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-cash-donations-encouraged-over-clothing-other-items/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 16:38:32 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10349 As I write this, people in central Oklahoma are experiencing tornadoes on the ground. Turbulent weather patterns continue that began several days ago, and multiple communities already have been heavily damaged.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-cash-donations-encouraged-over-clothing-other-items/feed/ 0 Oklahoma Tornado: Volunteers urged to be patient http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-volunteers-urged-to-be-patient/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-volunteers-urged-to-be-patient/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 16:18:29 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10345 Concerned individuals who want to help in relief operations in Moore, Oklahoma, are urged to pray and not self-deploy to the affected area, in order to give first-responders time to complete their tasks of rescue and securing the area after especially violent storms yesterday afternoon.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/21/oklahoma-tornado-volunteers-urged-to-be-patient/feed/ 0 Bishops, chancellors learn techniques for responding to sexual misconduct complaints http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/10/bishops-chancellors-learn-techniques-for-responding-well-to-sexual-ethics-complaints/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/10/bishops-chancellors-learn-techniques-for-responding-well-to-sexual-ethics-complaints/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 17:24:21 +0000 Susan Keaton http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10331 A day-long seminar on responding well to sexual misconduct complaints against clergy drew more than 90 United Methodist bishops, chancellors and other conference officials who asked questions, debated church law and shared best practices with each other.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/10/bishops-chancellors-learn-techniques-for-responding-well-to-sexual-ethics-complaints/feed/ 1 United Methodist chaplain talks about being in Boston during the bombings http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/08/united-methodist-chaplain-talks-about-being-in-boston-during-bombings/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/08/united-methodist-chaplain-talks-about-being-in-boston-during-bombings/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 19:01:50 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10317 "While I pray it never happens again, I am thankful to know that there is room for effective ministry and care in the face of tragedy and pain and appreciate the opportunity to serve in this manner, " writes the Rev. Jen Bowden, who was in Boston April 15 with fellow members of her Coast Guard unit saying farewell to a shipmate.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/08/united-methodist-chaplain-talks-about-being-in-boston-during-bombings/feed/ 0 Earthquake relief continues in China http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/07/earthquake-relief-continues-in-china/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/07/earthquake-relief-continues-in-china/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 17:40:23 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10299 The Amity Foundation, a partner of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, is expanding its relief efforts to earthquake survivors in China’s Sichuan Province.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/07/earthquake-relief-continues-in-china/feed/ 0 Bishop McLee Responds to Same-Sex Marriage Story http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/06/bishop-mclee-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-story/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/06/bishop-mclee-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-story/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 22:14:31 +0000 Joanne Utley http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10292 Many of you may have read the recently published article in The New York Times that centered on same sex marriage and The United Methodist Church. The confidentiality requirements of the complaint process prevent me from discussing the case in detail. However, as is the case on many issues confronting the church today, there are multiple perspectives associated with human sexuality.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/06/bishop-mclee-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-story/feed/ 37 Bishops hold 2nd consecutive closed meeting http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/02/bishops-hold-2nd-consecutive-closed-meeting/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/02/bishops-hold-2nd-consecutive-closed-meeting/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 22:05:40 +0000 Heather Hahn http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10261 The gathering will be more like a retreat to exchange ideas, say bishops. Still, some longtime church observers say the meeting should be open.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/02/bishops-hold-2nd-consecutive-closed-meeting/feed/ 6 ‘By all means, save some!’ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/02/by-all-means-save-some/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/02/by-all-means-save-some/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 17:25:54 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10255 Tragedy comes in threes, some say. If that is so, then we’ve had our share on U.S. soil over the past two weeks. What’s left are vexing questions about what we can and will do next to limit future tragedies.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/02/by-all-means-save-some/feed/ 18 Reflections on Labor Day http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/01/reflections-on-labor-day/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/01/reflections-on-labor-day/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 19:48:49 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10249 In many countries around the world, May 1 is celebrated as Labor Day or the International Worker’s Day. In the U.S. and in Canada, the celebration is on the first Monday of September, so people can get a longer holiday if they are planning to go on vacation.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/01/reflections-on-labor-day/feed/ 1 My struggle for the American Dream http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/01/my-struggle-for-the-american-dream/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/01/my-struggle-for-the-american-dream/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 16:38:03 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10237 On a Tuesday night my parents and I left Grand Rapids, Mich., and joined the march for a comprehensive immigration reform that was held on April 10 in Washington, DC.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/05/01/my-struggle-for-the-american-dream/feed/ 6 In split decision, church’s top court rules on Western Pennsylvania/East Africa dispute http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/21/in-split-decision-churchs-top-court-rules-on-western-pennsylvaniaeast-africa-dispute-2/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/21/in-split-decision-churchs-top-court-rules-on-western-pennsylvaniaeast-africa-dispute-2/#comments Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:10:39 +0000 Neill Caldwell http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10200 A 10-year financial dispute between the Western Pennsylvania Annual (Regional) Conference and the East Africa Annual Conference that wound up before The United Methodist Church’s top court has ended with a split decision that likely will not please everyone.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/21/in-split-decision-churchs-top-court-rules-on-western-pennsylvaniaeast-africa-dispute-2/feed/ 5 East Belfast mission has lessons to share http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/18/east-belfast-mission-has-lessons-to-share/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/18/east-belfast-mission-has-lessons-to-share/#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:38:52 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10171 Signing a peace accord is just the first step in reuniting a country where conflict has divided the population. The Methodists of the East Belfast Mission in Northern Ireland have been living into that reality ever since the 1998 Good Friday agreement declared peace between Catholics and Protestants there.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/18/east-belfast-mission-has-lessons-to-share/feed/ 0 Praying for those affected by Boston explosions http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/15/praying-for-those-affected-by-boston-marathon-explosions/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/15/praying-for-those-affected-by-boston-marathon-explosions/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:34:29 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10149 Boston Area Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar calls for prayer in response to the explosions Monday, April 15, near the Boston Marathon finish line.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/15/praying-for-those-affected-by-boston-marathon-explosions/feed/ 9 United Methodists invest in Sandy recovery http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/15/united-methodists-invest-in-hurricane-sandy-recovery/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/15/united-methodists-invest-in-hurricane-sandy-recovery/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:32:37 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10136 On April 12, UMCOR directors approved $3 million grants to both the New York and Greater New Jersey conferences, to be delivered in six-month installments. The Peninsula-Delaware Conference received $500,000 for its Sandy recovery work in Somerset County, Md.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/15/united-methodists-invest-in-hurricane-sandy-recovery/feed/ 3 Methodist, WCC leader Castro dies at 85 http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/09/emilio-castro-methodist-wcc-leader-dies-at-85/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/09/emilio-castro-methodist-wcc-leader-dies-at-85/#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:11:22 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10115 The Rev. Emilio Castro is being remembered by United Methodists as a church leader who combined faith with a commitment to justice during turbulent political times in Latin America and helped define the global ecumenical movement as top executive of the World Council of Churches from 1985-92.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/09/emilio-castro-methodist-wcc-leader-dies-at-85/feed/ 0 Africa U graduate reflects on importance of university http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/09/africa-u-graduate-reflects-on-importance-of-university/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/09/africa-u-graduate-reflects-on-importance-of-university/#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:06:40 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10109 I knew going back to Africa University and Mutare would bring back many memories. But, I had no idea how emotionally moved I would become to see the new and expanded AU, and hundreds of students roaming the campus.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/09/africa-u-graduate-reflects-on-importance-of-university/feed/ 0 Mideast Christians endangered, priest warns http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/09/mideast-christians-endangered-priest-warns/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/09/mideast-christians-endangered-priest-warns/#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:34:41 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10094 Religious freedom has become “a luxury” in the Middle East and western Christians need to be concerned about what is happening to Christians living in the region.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/09/mideast-christians-endangered-priest-warns/feed/ 1 For CBS producer, sharing beliefs is key http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/01/for-cbs-producer-sharing-beliefs-is-key/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/01/for-cbs-producer-sharing-beliefs-is-key/#comments Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:46:02 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10067 When John P. “Jack” Blessington worked with a United Methodist congregation in Manhattan on a televised Christmas Eve service, he looked beyond the seasonal trappings to see how the church was living out the gospel. The long-time executive producer of the CBS Religion and Culture series will receive a special Wilbur award April 6 from the Religion Communicators Council.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/04/01/for-cbs-producer-sharing-beliefs-is-key/feed/ 1 Annual Conference COSROW leaders gather to learn roles, goals http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/26/annual-conference-cosrow-leaders-gather-to-learn-roles-goals/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/26/annual-conference-cosrow-leaders-gather-to-learn-roles-goals/#comments Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:29:58 +0000 Susan Keaton http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10011 About 60 leaders from Annual Conferences are gathered in Nashville to talk about the goals of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/26/annual-conference-cosrow-leaders-gather-to-learn-roles-goals/feed/ 1 Asian clergywomen, theologians gather at Garrett http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/26/asian-clergywomen-theologians-gather-at-garrett/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/26/asian-clergywomen-theologians-gather-at-garrett/#comments Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:01:51 +0000 Susan Keaton http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10002 About 65 Asian women gathered at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary last week to support each others' efforts in scholarship, ministry and theology.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/26/asian-clergywomen-theologians-gather-at-garrett/feed/ 0 Women of Color Scholars taking leadership role http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/26/women-of-color-scholars-taking-leadership-role/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/26/women-of-color-scholars-taking-leadership-role/#comments Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:55:16 +0000 Susan Keaton http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10043 The Women of Color Scholars Program was established to remedy the lack of women of color on facilities at United Methodist seminaries, to increase the number of women of color who teach, lecture, write and research at the PhD level in seminaries and to heighten church-wide awareness of the need for women of color in theological education.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/26/women-of-color-scholars-taking-leadership-role/feed/ 0 Top Discipleship exec to retire after 13 years http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/22/top-discipleship-exec-to-retire-after-13-years/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/22/top-discipleship-exec-to-retire-after-13-years/#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:48:11 +0000 Heather Hahn http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10020 The Rev. Karen Greenwaldt plans to retire Dec. 31 after 13 years at helm of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship and more than 30 years as a staff member with the agency.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/22/top-discipleship-exec-to-retire-after-13-years/feed/ 1 African women mobilize to build peace http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/22/african-united-methodist-women-mobilize-to-build-peace/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/22/african-united-methodist-women-mobilize-to-build-peace/#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:48:21 +0000 Yvette Moore http://UMCConnections.org/?p=10013 Distanced physically from the conflicts and challenges that plague their nations, United Methodist women from Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Mozambique recently explored their roles as women peace-builders.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/22/african-united-methodist-women-mobilize-to-build-peace/feed/ 0 Bloombytes: Women must tell their stories http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/19/bloombytes-women-must-tell-their-stories/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/19/bloombytes-women-must-tell-their-stories/#comments Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:42:35 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9985 Being part of a connection is what United Methodists are all about, reflects Linda Bloom, as she notes all the ways in which women have connected in the last two weeks.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/19/bloombytes-women-must-tell-their-stories/feed/ 0 Black Methodists for Church Renewal OK major restructure to reflect diversity of denomination http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/18/black-methodists-for-church-renewal-ok-major-restructure/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/18/black-methodists-for-church-renewal-ok-major-restructure/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:40:58 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9965 A new Black Methodists for Church Renewal was born Friday, March 15, 2013 when members attending the 2013 annual meeting approved a major restructure of the official caucus that advocates for Black Methodists in The United Methodist Church.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/18/black-methodists-for-church-renewal-ok-major-restructure/feed/ 1 Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina selected Pope http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/13/selected-pope/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/13/selected-pope/#comments Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:19:51 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9952 Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church selected Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina as the 266th pontiff of the 1.2 billion members of the global denomination. He is the first pontiff from the Americas.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/13/selected-pope/feed/ 1 Lenten Mission Bringing Forth 40 New Hymns http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/09/lenten-mission-bringing-forth-40-new-hymns/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/09/lenten-mission-bringing-forth-40-new-hymns/#comments Sat, 09 Mar 2013 14:31:32 +0000 Joanne Utley http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9924 BY JOANNE S. UTLEY While many people are devoting more time to prayer and reflection during Lent, Eric Buggie will be spending additional hours at the piano. Buggie, who is the music director at Hamden Plains United Methodist Church in Hamden, Conn., has committed to write “40 hymns for 40 days” during Lent. And at …

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/09/lenten-mission-bringing-forth-40-new-hymns/feed/ 0 United Methodist Women rally in New York, Nashville http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/08/iwd-march/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/08/iwd-march/#comments Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:28:07 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9909 A wet snowfall failed to dampen the spirits of United Methodists and other women who marched in midtown Manhattan March 8 for International Women’s Day. United Methodist Women was among five organizations coordinating the march and rally near the United Nations, which focused on protection and support of human rights for women.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/08/iwd-march/feed/ 0 UMW-organized march, rallies to mark International Women’s Day http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/07/umw-organized-march-rallies-to-mark-international-womens-day/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/07/umw-organized-march-rallies-to-mark-international-womens-day/#comments Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:59:07 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9894 To mark International Women’s Day, United Methodist Women is among five organizations coordinating a March 8 rally and march near the United Nations. Despite a possible blast of wintry weather, Carol Barton of UMW expects as many as 300 to 500 women will participate in the march, which has attracted a number of sponsoring organizations.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/07/umw-organized-march-rallies-to-mark-international-womens-day/feed/ 0 Conflicts raise concerns for women around globe http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/06/conflicts-raise-concerns-for-women-around-the-globe/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/06/conflicts-raise-concerns-for-women-around-the-globe/#comments Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:01:40 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9879 What happened in the Republic of Georgia is one example of how “violence, economics and war” can impact women, a topic explored in a March 5 panel discussion at the Church Center for the United Nations.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/06/conflicts-raise-concerns-for-women-around-the-globe/feed/ 1 Economics, war tied to violence against women http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/05/economics-war-tied-to-violence-against-women/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/05/economics-war-tied-to-violence-against-women/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:21:07 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9875 How does the intersection of economics, war and violence impact women and girls? A discussion about challenges presented by that intersection and possible innovative solutions is the focus of a March 5 panel discussion from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Church Center for the United Nations.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/05/economics-war-tied-to-violence-against-women/feed/ 1 U.N. begins session on violence against women http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/04/u-n-begins-session-on-violence-against-women/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/04/u-n-begins-session-on-violence-against-women/#comments Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:48:06 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9854 An international delegation sponsored by United Methodist Women is joining some 6,000 representatives of civil society to participate in the March 4-15 meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/04/u-n-begins-session-on-violence-against-women/feed/ 0 UMW to participate in U.N. women’s events http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/01/umw-to-participate-in-u-n-womens-events/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/01/umw-to-participate-in-u-n-womens-events/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:30:38 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9837 A delegation sponsored by United Methodist Women will spend the next week focusing on education and advocacy around the theme of the Commission on the Status of Women's 57th session — to eliminate and prevent all forms of violence against women and girls.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/03/01/umw-to-participate-in-u-n-womens-events/feed/ 0 U.S. conferences help Mozambique as 200,000 affected by flooding that continues to destroy http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/25/u-s-conferences-help-mozambique-as-200000-affected-by-flooding-that-continues-to-destroy/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/25/u-s-conferences-help-mozambique-as-200000-affected-by-flooding-that-continues-to-destroy/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:18:34 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9815 “In Mozambique rains are still devastating families, communities and the whole society. In the North of Mozambique, the reports we are receiving from the DS are not encouraging. The rains continue to increase the number of victims." --The Rev. Joao Sambo, pastor of Liberdade United Methodist Church in Maputo.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/25/u-s-conferences-help-mozambique-as-200000-affected-by-flooding-that-continues-to-destroy/feed/ 0 Fire leaves Sierra Leone conference without office http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/21/fire-leaves-sierra-leone-conference-without-office/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/21/fire-leaves-sierra-leone-conference-without-office/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:14:44 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9783 The Sierra Leone Annual (regional) Conference sustained an estimated $40,000 in damage to its conference office in a fire Feb. 15 that caused the death of a Sierra Leone National Power Authority worker.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/21/fire-leaves-sierra-leone-conference-without-office/feed/ 3 Expanding the local-global connection to address social justice issues in the public square http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/21/expanding-the-local-global-connection-to-address-social-justice-issues-in-the-public-square/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/21/expanding-the-local-global-connection-to-address-social-justice-issues-in-the-public-square/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:51:53 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9774 As The United Methodist Church becomes increasingly international, there is a need to make sure every part of that global connection matters.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/21/expanding-the-local-global-connection-to-address-social-justice-issues-in-the-public-square/feed/ 4 What it means to perform ‘exemplary deeds of service’ for our country and fellow citizens http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/21/what-it-means-to-perform-exemplary-deeds-of-service-for-our-country-and-fellow-citizens/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/21/what-it-means-to-perform-exemplary-deeds-of-service-for-our-country-and-fellow-citizens/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:33:26 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9757 Eighteen Americans were honored Feb. 15 in the East Room of the White House because they had "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens."

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/21/what-it-means-to-perform-exemplary-deeds-of-service-for-our-country-and-fellow-citizens/feed/ 2 NY “Surviving Sandy” Groups Help Heal Invisible Scars http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/19/ny-surviving-hurricane-sandy-groups-help-heal-invisible-scars/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/19/ny-surviving-hurricane-sandy-groups-help-heal-invisible-scars/#comments Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:58:01 +0000 Joanne Utley http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9745 While homes damaged in Hurricane Sandy are being repaired and renovated on Long Island, N.Y., homeowners and their families must also deal with the psychological damage the disaster may have left behind. This hidden trauma may take years to overcome.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/19/ny-surviving-hurricane-sandy-groups-help-heal-invisible-scars/feed/ 0 Hurricane Sandy Relief: Volunteers Come From Near and Far http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/19/hurricane-sandy-relief-volunteers-come-from-near-and-far/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/19/hurricane-sandy-relief-volunteers-come-from-near-and-far/#comments Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:41:02 +0000 Joanne Utley http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9731 Volunteer teams from other areas of New York and out-of-state continue to help in the New York Annual Conference relief effort. Here are thoughts from three teams about their work experience.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/19/hurricane-sandy-relief-volunteers-come-from-near-and-far/feed/ 1 More teams needed for Sandy recovery in Northeast U.S. http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/13/more-teams-needed-for-hurricane-sandy-recovery-in-northeast-u-s/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/13/more-teams-needed-for-hurricane-sandy-recovery-in-northeast-u-s/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:17:16 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9718 United Methodist coordinators in New Jersey, New York and Maryland are beginning to schedule rebuilding teams for those whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Sandy last October.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/13/more-teams-needed-for-hurricane-sandy-recovery-in-northeast-u-s/feed/ 3 Surviving Sandy in Cuba http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/12/surviving-hurricane-sandy-in-cuba/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/12/surviving-hurricane-sandy-in-cuba/#comments Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:22:02 +0000 Linda Unger http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9707 When asked to tell a story from his visit to Cuba shortly after Hurricane Sandy swept through the Caribbean nation last October, Rev. Juan Vera, former bishop of Puerto Rico and a disaster response consultant for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), finds it hard to stop at just one.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/02/12/surviving-hurricane-sandy-in-cuba/feed/ 0 Sandy giving now at $6.1 million; teams needed http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/25/hurricane-sandy-giving-now-at-6-1-million-teams-needed/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/25/hurricane-sandy-giving-now-at-6-1-million-teams-needed/#comments Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:20:35 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9672 United Methodists are continuing to contribute both money and volunteer time to the denomination’s relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/25/hurricane-sandy-giving-now-at-6-1-million-teams-needed/feed/ 3 UMCOR Hurricane Sandy relief receives boost http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/25/umcor-hurricane-sandy-relief-receives-boost/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/25/umcor-hurricane-sandy-relief-receives-boost/#comments Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:19:47 +0000 Linda Unger http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9670 The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) was one of seven nonprofit organizations to be honored last month with a grant to advance recovery and rebuilding on Long Island following Hurricane Sandy.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/25/umcor-hurricane-sandy-relief-receives-boost/feed/ 0 Pastor Tells Newtown: MLK’s Words of Hope “Needed More Than Ever” http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/24/pastor-tells-newtown-mlks-words-of-hope-needed-more-than-ever/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/24/pastor-tells-newtown-mlks-words-of-hope-needed-more-than-ever/#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:27:15 +0000 Joanne Utley http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9654 On the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Rev. Dr. James Forbes told grieving residents of Newtown, Conn., that Rev. King’s words of healing and nonviolence “are needed now more than ever.”

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/24/pastor-tells-newtown-mlks-words-of-hope-needed-more-than-ever/feed/ 0 Methodists join others in call to end violence in East Belfast http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/17/methodists-join-others-in-call-to-end-violence-in-east-belfast/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/17/methodists-join-others-in-call-to-end-violence-in-east-belfast/#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:22:02 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9637 Last November, Irish Methodists opened an impressive community center in the neighborhood where they have worked for years through the East Belfast Mission to bridge the divide between Catholics and Protestants.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/17/methodists-join-others-in-call-to-end-violence-in-east-belfast/feed/ 0 Winkler to leave as top executive of United Methodist social advocacy agency http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/17/winkler-to-leave-as-top-executive-of-united-methodist-social-advocacy-agency/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/17/winkler-to-leave-as-top-executive-of-united-methodist-social-advocacy-agency/#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:37:56 +0000 Heather Hahn http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9622 Jim Winkler, who sometimes has been a lightning rod for controversy in advocating the church’s social positions, will depart this year as the top executive for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/17/winkler-to-leave-as-top-executive-of-united-methodist-social-advocacy-agency/feed/ 50 Faith, humans rights groups urge closing Guantanamo Bay detention facility http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/17/faith-humans-rights-groups-urge-closing-guantanamo-detention-facility/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/17/faith-humans-rights-groups-urge-closing-guantanamo-detention-facility/#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:54:42 +0000 Michelle Whittaker http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9604 United Methodists have joined faith coalitions and human rights organizations in calling for the closure of the 11-year-old Guantanamo Bay detention facility — a symbol of U.S.-sponsored torture policies and human rights violations.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/17/faith-humans-rights-groups-urge-closing-guantanamo-detention-facility/feed/ 0 Sandy’s toll: Worse than you think http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/15/sandys-toll-worse-than-you-think/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/15/sandys-toll-worse-than-you-think/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:59:13 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9600 If you live in the New York-New Jersey region, it’s easy to see that more than two months later, the recovery from Hurricane Sandy has barely begun.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/15/sandys-toll-worse-than-you-think/feed/ 1 Long Islanders get Sandy relief http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/15/long-islanders-get-sandy-relief/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/15/long-islanders-get-sandy-relief/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:22:14 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9546 This year, the flooding generated by Hurricane Sandy rose four to five feet “all over the place” on the property of the 87-year-old member of Freeport United Methodist Church.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/15/long-islanders-get-sandy-relief/feed/ 1 United Methodists join in Staten Island relief http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/14/united-methodists-join-in-staten-island-sandy-relief/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/14/united-methodists-join-in-staten-island-sandy-relief/#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:06:17 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9529 When John Stonick wants to show how high the floodwaters of Hurricane Sandy were as they swept down the street of his New Dorp Beach neighborhood on Staten Island, he raises his hands far above his head.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/14/united-methodists-join-in-staten-island-sandy-relief/feed/ 0 Alabama church focuses on care for members after pastor held in shooting of family http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/12/gardendale-pastor-held-in-killing-of-wife-shooting-of-daughter/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/12/gardendale-pastor-held-in-killing-of-wife-shooting-of-daughter/#comments Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:20:33 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9521 Congregational care is the main focus for United Methodists in Gardendale, Ala., after a Jan. 10 shooting that left the pastor’s wife dead, his daughter injured, and the pastor himself in custody facing murder and attempted murder charges.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/12/gardendale-pastor-held-in-killing-of-wife-shooting-of-daughter/feed/ 1 A “new normal” in Sandy Hook http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/11/a-new-normal-in-sandy-hook/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/11/a-new-normal-in-sandy-hook/#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:28:33 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9492 A month later, Mel Kawakami describes outpouring of love “in our moment of need,” and asks us to honor children in our lives as an act of healing.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/11/a-new-normal-in-sandy-hook/feed/ 0 4,000 expected at United Methodist Men event http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/11/4000-expected-at-united-methodist-men-event/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/11/4000-expected-at-united-methodist-men-event/#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:27:45 +0000 Rich Peck http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9472 United Methodist leaders expect 4,000 men to attend the 11th national gathering of United Methodist Men this summer in Nashville. The theme of the event will be “From the Inside Out,” words from a song performed on the CD “Into the Light,” by Phil Stacey, one of the five finalists on the sixth season of the American Idol television show. The song is a prayer for Christ to change us from the inside out.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/11/4000-expected-at-united-methodist-men-event/feed/ 0 Bishop supports Illinois same-sex bill http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/10/bishop-supports-ill-same-sex-bill/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/10/bishop-supports-ill-same-sex-bill/#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:06:35 +0000 Heather Hahn http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9447 Bishop Dyck also notes she will follow church law on the issue.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/10/bishop-supports-ill-same-sex-bill/feed/ 61 After Sandy, Maryland town quietly suffers http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/03/after-sandy-maryland-town-quietly-suffers/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/03/after-sandy-maryland-town-quietly-suffers/#comments Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:45:06 +0000 United Methodist Committee on Relief http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9432 Five volunteers are standing in the Asbury United Methodist Church in Crisfield, Maryland, talking about their goals for the day. Nearly two months after Hurricane Sandy swept up the US East Coast, this team of volunteers will finish gutting out the home of two elderly sisters, then begin dragging soggy belongings from dozens of other homes.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/03/after-sandy-maryland-town-quietly-suffers/feed/ 1 Tribute to Sen. Daniel K. Inouye http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/03/tribute-to-sen-inouye/ http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/03/tribute-to-sen-inouye/#comments Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:32:22 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9423 Sen. Daniel K. Inouye was an ‘angel’ to United Methodist community center, says its executive director.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2013/01/03/tribute-to-sen-inouye/feed/ 0 Newtown church bell calls people to prayer http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/21/newtown-church-bell-calls-people-to-prayer/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/21/newtown-church-bell-calls-people-to-prayer/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2012 23:01:39 +0000 Stephen_Drachler http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9406 The sanctuary at Newtown United Methodist Church was nearly full at 9:30 a.m. Just outside in the narthex, the church’s three pastors and longtime office manager pulled on the white-tape covered rope that dangled from the ceiling.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/21/newtown-church-bell-calls-people-to-prayer/feed/ 0 Remembering to see Jesus through the eyes of a child http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/20/remembering-to-see-jesus-through-the-eyes-of-a-child/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/20/remembering-to-see-jesus-through-the-eyes-of-a-child/#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:55:08 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9388 Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, reminds us that It shouldn’t astonish us when children point out this miracle. God becomes a child. Jesus puts children at the center and tells us that they are teachers in matters of faith. It is, therefore, in our best interest to pay more attention to children in church and society.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/20/remembering-to-see-jesus-through-the-eyes-of-a-child/feed/ 1 Judge named top Status and Role of Women exec http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/judge-hare-named-top-status-and-role-of-women-exec/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/judge-hare-named-top-status-and-role-of-women-exec/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:38:13 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9372 Dawn Wiggins Hare, an Alabama circuit court judge and active United Methodist, has been named the top executive of the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/judge-hare-named-top-status-and-role-of-women-exec/feed/ 4 Bledsoe nominated to lead Northwest Texas-N.M. area http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/bledsoe-nominated-to-lead-northwest-texas-n-m-area/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/bledsoe-nominated-to-lead-northwest-texas-n-m-area/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:32:41 +0000 Heather Hahn http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9360 The South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops has recommended Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe to fill the vacancy in the Northwest Texas/New Mexico Episcopal Area, which encompasses the Northwest Texas and New Mexico annual (regional) conferences. Bledsoe was forcibly retired this summer before the United Methodist Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court, ordered his immediate reinstatement.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/bledsoe-nominated-to-lead-northwest-texas-n-m-area/feed/ 0 Newtown UMC Coping in Aftermath of School Shootings http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/newtown-umc-coping-in-aftermath-of-school-shootings/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/newtown-umc-coping-in-aftermath-of-school-shootings/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:48:14 +0000 Joanne Utley http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9330 Newtown United Methodist Church has a passionate history of reaching out in mission to the world, but now it finds that the world’s attention and caring is riveted on its own tight-knit community in Connecticut.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/newtown-umc-coping-in-aftermath-of-school-shootings/feed/ 3 Chaplain tackles Mount Kilimanjaro http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/chaplain-tackles-mount-kilimanjaro/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/chaplain-tackles-mount-kilimanjaro/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:42:10 +0000 Kathy Gilbert http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9328 The Rev. Karen Meeker is between peaks in her career. Really, really tall peaks. Lt. Col. Meeker, an Army chaplain and United Methodist ordained elder, is on her way up Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa. She also is between two top Army posts.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/17/chaplain-tackles-mount-kilimanjaro/feed/ 2 New Jersey United Methodists tackling the long-term after Sandy http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/13/new-jersey-united-methodists-tackling-the-long-term-after-hurricane-sandy/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/13/new-jersey-united-methodists-tackling-the-long-term-after-hurricane-sandy/#comments Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:34:47 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9308 Until pipes burst, causing the dining room and kitchen ceilings to collapse, the Rev. Eugene Chamberlin thought he could stop the churning waters of Hurricane Sandy from causing major damage to the parsonage of First United Methodist Church in Belmar, N.J. The Belmar parsonage was one of seven deemed uninhabitable by the denomination’s Greater New Jersey Annual (regional) Conference after the storm struck the state in late October.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/13/new-jersey-united-methodists-tackling-the-long-term-after-hurricane-sandy/feed/ 0 University of Indianapolis and senator announce new Lugar Academy http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/12/university-of-indianapolis-and-senator-announce-new-lugar-academy/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/12/university-of-indianapolis-and-senator-announce-new-lugar-academy/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 21:26:36 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9295 U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar will rejoin the faculty of the University of Indianapolis in January and help the school launch a high-level Washington, D.C., internship and study program for students from Indiana and across the nation.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/12/university-of-indianapolis-and-senator-announce-new-lugar-academy/feed/ 0 Bishop’s reinstatement moves forward http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/05/bishop-bledsoe-reinstatement-moves-forward/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/05/bishop-bledsoe-reinstatement-moves-forward/#comments Wed, 05 Dec 2012 21:26:57 +0000 Heather Hahn http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9279 Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, president of the South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops, announced today, Dec. 5, the next steps in following the ruling decision by the denomination’s top court to reinstate Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe, who was involuntarily retired this summer.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/05/bishop-bledsoe-reinstatement-moves-forward/feed/ 5 Cokesbury.com Cyber Monday sales set record http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/04/cokesbury-com-cyber-monday-sales-set-record/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/04/cokesbury-com-cyber-monday-sales-set-record/#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:27:10 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9262 Cokesbury, the retail division of The United Methodist Publishing House, announced Dec. 3 that its Cokesbury.com Cyber Monday event set a record as the biggest sales day in the website’s history.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/04/cokesbury-com-cyber-monday-sales-set-record/feed/ 0 Chicago pastor to run for Jackson’s congressional seat http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/03/larry-pickens-to-run-for-jacksons-congressional-seat/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/03/larry-pickens-to-run-for-jacksons-congressional-seat/#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:05:52 +0000 Linda Bloom http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9245 A United Methodist pastor in Chicago said he has decided to run in the special election to fill Jesse L. Jackson Jr.’s seat in Congress. The Rev. Larry Pickens, pastor of Southlawn United Methodist Church, discussed his candidacy with his congregation Dec. 2 and told United Methodist News Service he would make a public announcement this week. The primary for the special election is set for Feb. 26.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/12/03/larry-pickens-to-run-for-jacksons-congressional-seat/feed/ 2 Across the connection on Nov. 29, 2012 http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=8410289&ct=12510435&notoc=1 http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=8410289&ct=12510435&notoc=1#comments Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:24:07 +0000 United Methodist News Service http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9221 Daily Digest is a daily news summary and one of many special news publications of United Methodist News Service.

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]]> http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=8410289&ct=12510435&notoc=1/feed/ 0 ‘They were beyond human’ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/29/they-were-beyond-human-early-response-team/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/29/they-were-beyond-human-early-response-team/#comments Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:18:01 +0000 United Methodist Committee on Relief http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9212 Across the country, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has trained more than 10,000 ERT members who help people. Their specialized training and credentials allow them to move quickly into a disaster zone once they officially are deployed.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/29/they-were-beyond-human-early-response-team/feed/ 0 Thousands of Sandy survivors know church cares http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/29/thousands-of-hurricane-sandy-survivors-know-church-cares/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/29/thousands-of-hurricane-sandy-survivors-know-church-cares/#comments Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:16:13 +0000 United Methodist Committee on Relief http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9207 One month after the hurricane-turned-Superstorm Sandy hit, it's possible to summarize the church's response in numbers, though these statistics are ever-changing as relief efforts continue in earnest. But the numbers — impressive as they are — show only the tiniest facade of the story.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/29/thousands-of-hurricane-sandy-survivors-know-church-cares/feed/ 0 Goma once more needs reason to hope http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/26/goma-once-more-needs-reason-to-hope/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/26/goma-once-more-needs-reason-to-hope/#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:45:13 +0000 Linda Bloom http://UMCConnections.org/?p=9619 In September, I watched online as a United Methodist bishop from the Democratic Republic of Congo pleaded with a sympathetic U.S. congressional subcommittee to help end the rapes and killings in eastern Congo.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/26/goma-once-more-needs-reason-to-hope/feed/ 0 NY Mets serve up lunch at United Methodist mission http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/21/ny-mets-serve-up-lunch-at-um-center-after-hurricane-sandy/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/21/ny-mets-serve-up-lunch-at-um-center-after-hurricane-sandy/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:39:41 +0000 Joanne Utley http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9182 Mets pitcher Matt Harvey donned a pair of blue latex gloves for a workout yesterday – serving up Thanksgiving side dishes instead of 92 mile-per-hour fastballs at the United Methodist Center in Far Rockaway, N.Y.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/21/ny-mets-serve-up-lunch-at-um-center-after-hurricane-sandy/feed/ 0 Bishops take steps to reinstate Bledsoe by January http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/19/steps-taken-to-reinstate-bledsoe-by-jan-2013/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/19/steps-taken-to-reinstate-bledsoe-by-jan-2013/#comments Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:39:47 +0000 Heather Hahn http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9149 Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, president of the South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops, said on Monday, Nov. 19, that the hope is to reinstate Bledsoe by January 2013.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/19/steps-taken-to-reinstate-bledsoe-by-jan-2013/feed/ 13 NYAC Bishop McLee Visits Staten Island http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/17/nyac-bishop-mclee-visits-staten-island-following-hurricane-sandy/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/17/nyac-bishop-mclee-visits-staten-island-following-hurricane-sandy/#comments Sat, 17 Nov 2012 14:24:19 +0000 Joanne Utley http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9143 Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Last week, I visited Staten Island to share with the survivors and relief workers responding to Hurricane Sandy.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/17/nyac-bishop-mclee-visits-staten-island-following-hurricane-sandy/feed/ 1 Bishop lifts suspension of Utah pastor http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/15/bishop-lifts-suspension-of-utah-pastor/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/15/bishop-lifts-suspension-of-utah-pastor/#comments Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:52:43 +0000 Linda Bloom http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9134 United Methodist minister will not return to Tongan congregation after delays in reporting instances of child sexual abuse at the church

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/15/bishop-lifts-suspension-of-utah-pastor/feed/ 0 Hugo survivors join Sandy relief efforts http://thesandpaper.villagesoup.com/p/role-reversal-south-carolina-town-pitches-in-to-help-ocean-county/924610 http://thesandpaper.villagesoup.com/p/role-reversal-south-carolina-town-pitches-in-to-help-ocean-county/924610#comments Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:29:53 +0000 Linda Bloom http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9125 The tiny coastal town of McClellanville, S.C., is raising money to assist in Hurricane Sandy recovery as a gesture of thanks to Ocean County, N.J., residents who aided them after Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the sandpaper.net reports.

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]]> http://thesandpaper.villagesoup.com/p/role-reversal-south-carolina-town-pitches-in-to-help-ocean-county/924610/feed/ 0 Hope of Hearing restarts in Haiti http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/14/hope-of-hearing-restarts-in-haiti/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/14/hope-of-hearing-restarts-in-haiti/#comments Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:37:57 +0000 Rich Peck http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9093 Gil Hanke, the top executive of United Methodist Men, just completed his 25th mission trip to Haiti. There, he continued his work with others to help children hear clearly.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/14/hope-of-hearing-restarts-in-haiti/feed/ 1 N.J. church sign points way to storm relief http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/14/new-jersey-church-sign-points-way-to-hurricane-sandy-relief/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/14/new-jersey-church-sign-points-way-to-hurricane-sandy-relief/#comments Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:13:55 +0000 Linda Bloom http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9080 For nearly two weeks, Drakestown congregation has provided food, shelter and Internet access to many without power in its community.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/14/new-jersey-church-sign-points-way-to-hurricane-sandy-relief/feed/ 0 United Methodists, Mormons, Muslims team up for Sandy relief effort http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfaithblog/55269296-180/relief-bycommonconsent-mormons-sandy.html.csp http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfaithblog/55269296-180/relief-bycommonconsent-mormons-sandy.html.csp#comments Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:57:56 +0000 Heather Hahn http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9075 Think of it as a new version of them as a new variation on 3M. United Methodist volunteers joined with Muslims and Mormons, and together, they removed muck and debris from flood-damaged homes in Rockaway, Queens.

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]]> http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfaithblog/55269296-180/relief-bycommonconsent-mormons-sandy.html.csp/feed/ 0 N.J. now open to early response teams http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/13/nj-now-open-to-early-response-teams/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/13/nj-now-open-to-early-response-teams/#comments Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:40:47 +0000 Linda Bloom http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9071 United Methodists in New Jersey are receiving their first out-of-state “early response teams” to assist in the Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/13/nj-now-open-to-early-response-teams/feed/ 0 Evangelicals team up across denominations http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/13/evangelicals-team-up-across-denominations/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/13/evangelicals-team-up-across-denominations/#comments Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:18:01 +0000 Barbara Dunlap-Berg http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9059 Mainline Protestant evangelicals affirm common theology, explore ways to work during Dallas meeting.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/13/evangelicals-team-up-across-denominations/feed/ 18 Neighbors, near and far http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/13/neighbors-near-and-far-after-hurricane-sandy/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/13/neighbors-near-and-far-after-hurricane-sandy/#comments Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:38:59 +0000 Linda Unger http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=8913 The makeshift disaster-response offices at Community United Methodist Church in Massapequa, N.Y., are buzzing with volunteer relief workers.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/13/neighbors-near-and-far-after-hurricane-sandy/feed/ 0 Jellyfish add note of levity to destruction of Sandy http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/12/hurricane-sandy-jellyfish/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/12/hurricane-sandy-jellyfish/#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:43:17 +0000 Linda Unger http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=9012 As if the destruction wrought by Hurricane Sandy weren’t already overwhelming in the storm’s wake, Leroy Morgan of Freeport, N.Y., found himself faced with another astonishing and wholly unexpected, phenomenon: jellyfish in his living room.

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]]> http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/12/hurricane-sandy-jellyfish/feed/ 1 Top court reinstates ‘retired’ bishop http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/11/top-court-reinstates-bishop-bledsoe/ http://UMCConnections.org/2012/11/11/top-court-reinstates-bishop-bledsoe/#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:39:04 +0000 Linda Bloom http://www.umcconnections.org/?p=8954 United Methodist Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe must receive immediate appointment and be restored to full status, Judicial Council rules

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