Saturday, July 29, 2006

Training Event for Innovative Resource that Nurtures Children’s Spirituality, August 17-19

NASHVILLE, Tenn. A training event for a new children’s spiritual formation resource will be held at Upper Room Ministries, 1908 Grand Avenue on August 17-19, 2006, from 3 p.m. Thursday through noon on Saturday. The event offers preparation for leaders who will use the newly released children’s spirituality resource The Way of the Child: Helping Children Experience God. This resource is part of Upper Room Books’ Companions in Christ® series.

The Way of the Child helps children learn and experience spiritual practices that will lead them into a deeper awareness of God’s presence in their lives. This formational, contemplative approach helps balance the informational approach of much of traditional children’s education.

Children are inundated with noise, information, and stress. Many children are not prepared spiritually and morally to face the challenges of our fast-paced, competitive world. The Way of the Child helps children cultivate and deepen their relationship with God and learn to live with confidence and conviction.

During its development, The Way of the Child resource was tested in 14 churches of five different denominations across the United States. The churches ranged in size from 50 to 6,000 members. Leaders in test churches have shared that children responded so positively to the experience that these young participants consistently expressed they did not want the program to end.

During the training event, leaders will be prepared to implement the program, explain it to parents, and lead groups of children. Materials available as part of The Way of the Child resource include a Leader’s Guide and thirty-nine sessions to use with children, a resource booklet, a family booklet, a CD with songs to accompany the sessions and for families to listen to at home, and an introductory DVD.

Wynn McGregor, author of The Way of the Child, is a certified Christian educator in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has a long vocational history in Christian education. She has served both the PCUSA and United Methodist churches. Her current focus is on planning and developing programs in the local church for a progressive approach to faith development and spiritual formation for all ages.

For more information, contact: Sharon Conley, 887-899-2780 ext. 7525. **Special offer for internet registration: $50.00 off registration. Use coupon code #7525 when registering at www.companionsinchrist.org.

Impressive collection of over 350 hymns and songs will help United Methodists Sing a New Song to the Lord!

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 13, 2006, 2006 /GBOD/ -- Upper Room Ministries will host the national, introductory launch and celebration of its new Worshipbook, “Sing a New Song to the Lord,” August 28 – 31, 2006. The event takes place at the General Board of Discipleship, located at 1908 Grand Avenue, Nashville, Tenn., with worship services at the Upper Room Chapel and the Scarritt-Bennett Center. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 28 and concludes before noon Thursday morning, August 31.

“In the spirit of the Wesleyan tradition, the Upper Room Worshipbook is truly a resource for the whole Church, for it forms the heart and imagination and makes us want to follow Jesus,” says Karen Greenwaldt, top executive for the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church.

Jerry Haas, Director of the Upper Room Ministries’ Academy for Spiritual Formation and Emerging Ministries said that the new Upper Room Worshipbook is solidly grounded theologically and rich with scriptural imagery.

“It is so well done, it practically sings itself!” Haas said.

Edited and compiled by Elise Eslinger, United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, the Upper Room Worshipbook: Music and Liturgies for Spiritual Formation, is an impressive collection of some 350 hymns and songs, with fresh, new prayers and liturgies.

“The liturgies – Morning Prayer, Midday Prayer, and Night Prayer – together with the four Great Thanksgivings for Holy Communion – are suitable for individual, small group, retreat or congregational use,” Haas continued.

Unique to this resource is the wide-ranging collection of Psalms, with various musical settings and arrangements. New hymn texts and new songs complete every section, including a variety of music from across the globe.

“In this one resource we find a collection of songs that feature texts that are theologically meaningful and deeply creative; a happy blend of lively new tunes and new texts set to well-loved hymn tunes,” said Melissa Tidwell, director of marketing for The General Board of Discipleship

“Songs are included that fill special needs of worship planners in selecting music that calls participants away from the rush and business of daily life, that lift up the goodness of creation, and that creatively enhance our repertoire of images for the divine,” says Tidwell.

The "official" launch and celebration event begins with opening worship on Monday evening, with the Rev. Safiyah Fosua preaching in the Upper Room Chapel.

This will be an exciting, fun-filled and high-quality event, with leadership coming from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The three-day event features interpretative presentations, worship experiences, hymn sings and workshops.

Among the outstanding group of worship/music leaders are:
· Elise Eslinger, Editor and Compiler, Director of Institute of Applied Theology, United Seminary in Dayton
· Dick Eslinger, Professor of Homiletics, United Seminary in Dayton
· Don Saliers, William R. Cannon Professor of Theology and Worship, Candler School of Theology
· Nancy Bryan Crouch, Publisher, Order of St. Luke Publications
· Larry Peacock, Retreat Director and Author
· Matt Berryman, Orange Park UMC, Florida
· Dean McIntyre, Director of Music Resources, GBOD Staff
· Safiyah Fosua, Director of Invitational Preaching, GBOD Staff
· Julio Vargas, Puerto Rico
· Judy Holloway, Central Texas Conference
· Ginger Howl, Oklahoma Conference
· Irene Brownlee, North Carolina Conference
· Billie Stearns, Colorado

All of the liturgies will be prayed, creating a “retreat-like” feeling, beginning with Morning Prayer at 7:30 a.m. at Scarritt-Bennett; Holy Communion will be offered daily in the historic Upper Room Chapel; Night Prayer (compline) will conclude the day.

Lecture presentations by the Eslingers, along with workshops in the Denman Building, will provide a theological framework for this resource. Workshop topics include: "Reaching the Rising Generation through Liturgy," "Hispanic Enrichment," "Creating Holy Space," "Spiritual Formation and Preaching," "Creative Use of the Psalms," "Worship Planning and Leadership," "Liturgy as Communal (Subversive) Act," and "Spirituality and Fun."

Sponsored by the The Upper Room, a Division of the General Board of Discipleship, this event is open to the public. For more information, or to register, contact Gina Manskar at 1-877-899-2781, ext. 7131 (or at 615-340-7131). E-mail: gmanskar@gbod.org. The registration fee is $100, which includes a complimentary copy of the book. A meal ticket may also be purchased for $90 (8 meals). Lodging and meals may also be obtained for $225 (3 nights, 8 meals). The deadline to register is July 28.

The General Board of Discipleship’s mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. An agency of the United Methodist Church, The General Board of Discipleship is located at 1908 Grand Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, call toll-free the Media Relations Office at (877) 899-2780 Ext. 7017.


United Methodists join pleas for end to Middle East violence

By Linda Bloom

United Methodists are joining other religious leaders in deploring the recent explosion of violence in the Middle East and calling for an international response.

"We join others who deplore the escalating violence in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon and urge parties to mediate the conflict and end the mounting casualties among the innocent," said Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of Houston, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops.

"We also join those who urge President Bush to use the strength and authority of his office, with the support of other leaders, to bring the parties together for mediation."

Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon was ongoing July 17, six days after the conflict was sparked by the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah. On July 16, Israeli air attacks continued on Beirut and southern Lebanon, while a missile struck a railway maintenance hangar in Haifa, Israel. Civilian deaths have occurred in both countries.

The Rev. Larry Pickens, chief executive, United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, was concerned about the escalation of violence and the need for the international community to help bring about a cease-fire.

"I particularly call on the leadership of the United States government and the Security Council of the United Nations to play constructive roles in bringing an end to the developing crisis in the region," he said in a July 14 statement.

Noting the denomination's commitment to "promoting peace in the context of interfaith community," Pickens added that such peace must be achieved through justice and dignity.

"The death and destruction that is presently being played out in Lebanon and Gaza is an offense to human dignity," he said. But he also affirmed "the right of the people of Israel to live in peace."

Pickens encouraged United Methodist clergy and laity to reflect and pray about the situation in the Middle East and sponsor dialogues on the local level with Muslims and Jews. He stressed the denomination's "long history of bringing people together in community."

The Rev. R. Randy Day, chief executive, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, called on all parties to end their military operations and proposed the consideration of a large international peacekeeping operation to shield the combatants from one another.

"Neither the attacks of Hezbollah on Israel or the Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon can be justified from the perspective of international law or sound political policy," he said in a July 14 statement.

Day made a special appeal for the warring parties to respect civilians. "The Israeli, Palestinian and Lebanese people deserve the right to live in peace and security," he declared. "Only vigorous action by the United Nations and the major powers of North America and Europe can point toward a better future for the Middle East."

Against God's will
At a July 17 press conference following the G-8 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the U.N. Security Council should address practical actions to stem the violence, along with the possibility of a new stabilization force for the region. Blair backed the idea of an international force in Lebanon.

Day called for prayers for all the people affected, and voiced particular concern for United Methodist missionaries and mission partners in the region.

A statement released July 17 by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society noted that the "dangerous escalation of hostilities greatly impedes diplomatic efforts to work for peace in the region. The latest outbreak of fighting in the land we know as holy is against the will of God.

"All outside states and forces must halt sending arms and military supplies to groups and states involved in the conflict," the board declared. "The Israeli military response to the capture of its soldiers has been grossly disproportionate, leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians - including children - in Gaza and Lebanon. The attack on the power plant and infrastructure in Gaza has caused a humanitarian crisis there as access to water, food, and medical care has been severely restricted."

Serious and effective plans for a peaceful resolution are needed, the statement said. "We support a safe and secure Israel, which will only be possible with a safe, secure, viable and contiguous Palestinian state. We recognize that the United States government has significant power to influence the course of events, and we urge it to use this power on behalf of all people for a just, lasting and durable peace in the region."

Ecumenical statements
In a July 14 statement, the U.S. National Council of Churches and Church World Service raised the question: "Is there ever to be an end to violence in the land we call holy?" The chief executives of both agencies - the Rev. Bob Edgar and the Rev. John McCullough, respectively - are United Methodists.

The two ecumenical organizations called upon all parties in the Middle East to end hostilities and "work toward a just and sustainable settlement of the issues that plague the region"; the international community to encourage earnest negotiations; and the United Nations to "address immediate humanitarian needs and to resolve the long-term issues underlying the continued violence."

Religious communities of the region were asked "to pray, teach and lead their people in the ways of peace" and the faithful throughout the world "to walk with them in solidarity until peace is achieved."

Speaking for the World Council of Churches, the Rev. Samuel Kobia, a Methodist from Kenya and the council's chief executive, urged "all parties to immediately stop and reverse the escalation of the conflict and all use of the rhetoric of war."

"We insist fully and firmly on the need for all parties to protect civilians - Lebanese, Israeli and Palestinian - in accordance with international law," he said in a July 13 statement.

The "essential alternative" to the continual cycle of violence in the Middle East is the "implementation of international law, including international humanitarian law and of U.N. resolutions concerning Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon," Kobia said.

"Events in Lebanon show the high costs of inaction by the international community," he concluded.

*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Methodist women, youth gather in Korea

By Keihwan Ryoo*

SEOUL, South Korea (UMNS) - Addressing issues of justice and faith, Methodist women and youth held separate gatherings in South Korea before attending the World Methodist Conference.

Some 800 women leaders from 71 countries joined the 11th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women July 11-17 at Jeju Island, the Island of Peace. The World Methodist Conference met a few days later, July 20-24, drawing more than 2,000 Methodists from around the world to Seoul.

The women's assembly theme was "Women Making a Difference," focusing on the roles of women in society, churches and homes as well as strategies to use in everyday life.

Chita Milan of the Philippines was elected to a five-year term as a president of the body, which represents 4 million Methodist women from Africa, East Asia, West Asia, North America and Europe.

At the opening service, Rosemary Wass of England, the current president, urged the women to use the conference as a springboard to renew their commitment to the Lord's work by becoming active partners of mission.

The assembly affirmed the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations and will adopt specific strategies to help achieve the goals on a regional basis.

The goals are eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing infant mortality, improving maternal health care, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for development.

A new scholarship program was introduced, commemorating Helen Kim, a Korean Methodist who initiated the launch of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women in 1939.

This year, the program covered assembly expenses for two Methodist women, ages 18 to 35, from each of the federation's nine regions, as well as two students from Ewha Women's University of Seoul, where Kim was a student and later became president.

Eun Young Choi, president of (Korean) National Federation of Methodist Women Society, lauded the new program. "It brings such a joy to see young women at our conference which Ms. Helen Kim dreamed about 70 years ago," she said.

Participants had a chance to sample traditional music, art and other cultural activities during "Korean Day" at the assembly. The governor of Jeju province welcomed the guests with a dinner and tours of the island. Local Methodist churches also invited the women to participate in Sunday worship services.

Youth gathering
Methodist youth gathered June 12-17 at the Methodist Theological Seminary in Seoul to wrestle with violence and inequality in world affairs and discuss Christian responsibilities for the Methodist movement.

Some 50 young Methodists - from China, India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, the United States and other countries - participated in the Second International Methodist Young Leaders Seminar. The theme was "Methodist Youth! Let Us Become the Seed for Peace."

Laurie Day, the outgoing chairperson of World Methodist Youth, said she was "very impressed" by the commitment to justice and peace. "Some churches are not interested in these issues when others felt this is very critical for the church," she said. "It is a struggle, yet we young people must continue on our journey."

Participants visited various sites to get a sense of current issues facing Korea - sites such as the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea and the "House of Sharing," which involved victims of the military comfort women system during the period of Japanese occupation in 1940s.

One group of participants went to Daechuri, a small town near a U.S. military base. Over the past three years, the people in Daechuri and surrounding communities have fought against a plan to expand the base. On May 4, the South Korean government destroyed a community center where 500 civilians had stayed to protest the plan. Local community leaders and many activists were arrested, and some are still in prison.

"Methodism is a champion of social holiness in church history," said Eun Young Lee. "However, there was not enough voice or presence from the Methodist church in Daechuri. Farmers are losing their lands and houses."

The Rev. Jomar P. Pastores, a student at the Methodist Theological Seminary from the Philippines, said he understood why farmers could not abandon their land because he was a farmer before entering the ministry. "Land is not a simple property," he added. "You inherited it from your grandparents and ancestors."

Gideon C. Salatan, the new chairperson of World Methodist Youth and a law student from the Philippines, was visiting Korea for the third time. "I saw bright sides of Korea with many significant-size churches," he said. "But Daechuri is a place where I found a reality of divided Korea with U.S. military presence. People here cried to South Korean government, 'Who is your enemy?'"

Hyun Ah Ahn, president of the Korea Methodist Youth Council, said "lack of interest" from people is the greatest roadblock to peace.

"We need to expand the interest we have in ourselves to others and society," she said. "I may not be able to change the world at once. But (the) strength of each individual can join in a mighty strength in the community of faith, which can make a difference in the world."

*Ryoo is editor of United Methodists in Service (the Korean program journal of the United Methodist Church) and www.KoreanUMC.org at United Methodist Communications.

College distributes funds to help burned churches

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) - Ten rural Alabama churches that were damaged or destroyed by arson this year are receiving checks from United Methodist-related Birmingham-Southern College, which launched a fund last spring to help the congregations rebuild.

Teams of students, faculty and staff have delivered checks to nine of the churches, and the remaining check will be presented in August. With the delivery of the final check, the school's Alabama Churches Rebuilding and Restoration Fund will have disbursed more than $368,000 to the burned churches, a spokesperson said.

"We've received support from all over the country and from many who do not have a connection to Alabama or Birmingham-Southern College," said President David Pollick in a news release. "I have been deeply touched by the show of respect for our students and the moral stance of our college."

Birmingham-Southern established the fund in March, upon learning that two of its students - along with a former student who had transferred to the University of Alabama-Birmingham - had been arrested and charged in nine of the attacks. The school's response also included a 10th church, destroyed Feb. 11 but not linked to the other fires.

Through the fund, the college said it was also distributing money collected for the churches in other campaigns, including more than $55,000 from a joint effort of the National Conference for Community and Justice, AmSouth Bank, and FOX 6/WBRC TV, and more than $33,000 from the Community Foundation of West Alabama.

Another $150,000 was donated by a couple in Jackson Hole, Wyo., who asked to remain anonymous, and the remainder of the $368,000 came from contributions directly to the college, a school spokesperson said.

The fires, all of which occurred in early February, destroyed six churches and damaged the other four. African-American and white congregations alike were affected.

The destroyed churches are receiving $53,000 each from the fund. They are Ashby Baptist Church in the Brierfield community, Pleasant Sabine Baptist near Centerville, and Rehobeth Baptist in the Lawley community, all in Bibb County; and Beaverton Freewill Baptist in Lamar County, Galilee Baptist in the Panola community of Sumter County, and Morningstar Missionary Baptist in the Boligee community of Greene County. Morningstar will be the final church to receive its check.

The remaining $50,000 has been divided among the damaged churches: Antioch Baptist Church in the Antioch community of Bibb County, Dancy First Baptist in Aliceville, Old Union Baptist in the Brierfield community of Bibb County, and Spring Valley Baptist in the Gainesville community of Sumter County.

The school said the money is being distributed equitably according to the individual needs of the churches.

As part of its response to the fires, the school formed teams of faculty, staff and students to work with each church. Team members worshipped with the congregations and spent time building relationships with them. The efforts were overseen by Stewart Jackson, dean of the chapel at Birmingham-Southern.

"The teams are a link between the church and the resources that the college is distributing," Jackson said in a news release. Each church had its own resources and needs, he noted.

"Therefore we needed our teams to get to know them and help us make the best use of the gifts that have and are being given."

On the first Sunday in October, the school will be hosting a luncheon on campus for the members of all 10 of the churches. In addition, plans are under way to provide volunteer labor to at least one of the churches as it rebuilds.

"The college does have a desire to continue a relationship with these churches indefinitely," the school spokesperson told United Methodist News Service.

United Methodists join pleas for end to Middle East violence

By Linda Bloom*

United Methodists are joining other religious leaders in deploring the recent explosion of violence in the Middle East and calling for an international response.

"We join others who deplore the escalating violence in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon and urge parties to mediate the conflict and end the mounting casualties among the innocent," said Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of Houston, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops.

"We also join those who urge President Bush to use the strength and authority of his office, with the support of other leaders, to bring the parties together for mediation."

Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon was ongoing July 17, six days after the conflict was sparked by the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah. On July 16, Israeli air attacks continued on Beirut and southern Lebanon, while a missile struck a railway maintenance hangar in Haifa, Israel. Civilian deaths have occurred in both countries.

The Rev. Larry Pickens, chief executive, United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, was concerned about the escalation of violence and the need for the international community to help bring about a cease-fire.

"I particularly call on the leadership of the United States government and the Security Council of the United Nations to play constructive roles in bringing an end to the developing crisis in the region," he said in a July 14 statement.

Noting the denomination's commitment to "promoting peace in the context of interfaith community," Pickens added that such peace must be achieved through justice and dignity.

"The death and destruction that is presently being played out in Lebanon and Gaza is an offense to human dignity," he said. But he also affirmed "the right of the people of Israel to live in peace."

Pickens encouraged United Methodist clergy and laity to reflect and pray about the situation in the Middle East and sponsor dialogues on the local level with Muslims and Jews. He stressed the denomination's "long history of bringing people together in community."

The Rev. R. Randy Day, chief executive, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, called on all parties to end their military operations and proposed the consideration of a large international peacekeeping operation to shield the combatants from one another.

"Neither the attacks of Hezbollah on Israel or the Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon can be justified from the perspective of international law or sound political policy," he said in a July 14 statement.

Day made a special appeal for the warring parties to respect civilians. "The Israeli, Palestinian and Lebanese people deserve the right to live in peace and security," he declared. "Only vigorous action by the United Nations and the major powers of North America and Europe can point toward a better future for the Middle East."

Against God's will At a July 17 press conference following the G-8 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the U.N. Security Council should address practical actions to stem the violence, along with the possibility of a new stabilization force for the region. Blair backed the idea of an international force in Lebanon.

Day called for prayers for all the people affected, and voiced particular concern for United Methodist missionaries and mission partners in the region.

A statement released July 17 by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society noted that the "dangerous escalation of hostilities greatly impedes diplomatic efforts to work for peace in the region. The latest outbreak of fighting in the land we know as holy is against the will of God.

"All outside states and forces must halt sending arms and military supplies to groups and states involved in the conflict," the board declared. "The Israeli military response to the capture of its soldiers has been grossly disproportionate, leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians - including children - in Gaza and Lebanon. The attack on the power plant and infrastructure in Gaza has caused a humanitarian crisis there as access to water, food, and medical care has been severely restricted."

Serious and effective plans for a peaceful resolution are needed, the statement said. "We support a safe and secure Israel, which will only be possible with a safe, secure, viable and contiguous Palestinian state. We recognize that the United States government has significant power to influence the course of events, and we urge it to use this power on behalf of all people for a just, lasting and durable peace in the region."

Ecumenical statements
In a July 14 statement, the U.S. National Council of Churches and Church World Service raised the question: "Is there ever to be an end to violence in the land we call holy?" The chief executives of both agencies - the Rev. Bob Edgar and the Rev. John McCullough, respectively - are United Methodists.

The two ecumenical organizations called upon all parties in the Middle East to end hostilities and "work toward a just and sustainable settlement of the issues that plague the region"; the international community to encourage earnest negotiations; and the United Nations to "address immediate humanitarian needs and to resolve the long-term issues underlying the continued violence."
Religious communities of the region were asked "to pray, teach and lead their people in the ways of peace" and the faithful throughout the world "to walk with them in solidarity until peace is achieved."

Speaking for the World Council of Churches, the Rev. Samuel Kobia, a Methodist from Kenya and the council's chief executive, urged "all parties to immediately stop and reverse the escalation of the conflict and all use of the rhetoric of war."

"We insist fully and firmly on the need for all parties to protect civilians - Lebanese, Israeli and Palestinian - in accordance with international law," he said in a July 13 statement.

The "essential alternative" to the continual cycle of violence in the Middle East is the "implementation of international law, including international humanitarian law and of U.N. resolutions concerning Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon," Kobia said.

"Events in Lebanon show the high costs of inaction by the international community," he concluded.

*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.

Middle East Mission Personnel Update: Intern Leaves Lebanon

New York, NY, July 17, 2006--United Methodist mission intern Ryan Clayburn, who was in Beirut when the Israeli bombing began on July 13, was in transit out of the Middle East on July 17. He went overland to Syria and is expected to continue to the United States as soon as possible.

Mr. Clayburn, a native of Poteau, Oklahoma, was on a 15-month assignment with the Middle East office of the World Student Christian Federation, headquartered in the Lebanese capital.
Staff of the Mission Personnel unit of the General Board of Global Ministries has been in regular touch with Ryan and his family since the bombing started and is making plans for his return home.

Evacuation was difficult since the airport was destroyed and the harbor blockaded by Israel, which responded in the attack to the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah forces operating in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah retaliated by shooting rockets at Israeli targets.

United Methodist mission personnel in Israel/Palestine were also safe on July 17; in fact, three of the four persons were out of the country. Missionaries Alex and Brenda Awad of Bethlehem were visiting congregations in the United States. Ashley Wilkinson, a mission intern in Bethlehem, was on vacation in Greece. Missionary Janet Lahr Lewis returned safely to Jerusalem from the north of Israel where she was when the fighting broke out.

Mission interns spend 15 months in an international assignment and an equal period of time in a US mission placement.

“Please pray for peace and for the safety of all persons, including the mission personnel of all churches, in the Middle East,” said the Rev. Edith Gleaves, head of the United Methodist mission personnel office.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Conference Designed to educate and empower us to appropriately respond to those diagnosed with HIV-AIDS

An urgent note from Bill Mefford, Director, Civil and Human Rights, General Board of Church and Society.

I want to make you aware of a unique opportunity that will be occurring in Washington D.C. this September. HIV-AIDS has reached pandemic proportions, and it necessitates a calling from the church for active engagement. The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee is hosting an important conference September 8-9 that will educate and empower us to appropriately respond to those diagnosed with HIV-AIDS. I hope you and members of your church will consider attending. Get complete information and register to attend at www.umc-gbcs.org/aidsconference .

NCC issues call for submissions to ecumenical film festival

A UMNS Report By Linda Bloom*

Cannes. Toronto. Tribeca. Oberlin, Ohio.

An open call has been issued for submissions to a different type of film festival - original short films that focus on ecumenism and church unity.

The first-ever Oikumene Film Festival will be part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches. The event takes place July 19-23, 2007, in Oberlin.

Oikumene, a Greek word meaning "the whole inhabited earth," was used to describe ancient Christian councils and later was used to coin the English word, "ecumenical," referring to the worldwide Christian church.

R. Keelan Downton, who is coordinating the festival, told United Methodist News Service the idea came about "as a result of thinking through some creative ways to engage issues for the 50th anniversary." So far, he added, he's been pleased with the positive reaction to the festival.
Downton said his own experience as a summer media intern in 1998 at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio, "was a leap up for me in terms of the visual arts."

Ginghamsburg has been a forward-thinking church in its use of media and technology.

He received a doctorate from the Methodist-owned Edgehill Theological College at Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is serving as the first Faith and Order Postdoctoral Fellow with the commission.

Downton would like filmmakers to be creative in their efforts. "We want to direct people away from a documentary style," he said.

Six submissions, which must be under 21 minutes long, will be shown over two nights of the anniversary celebration. "There will be some opportunities for the filmmakers to present," Downton said. "What we're encouraging is for the films to be part of the ongoing dialogue at the scholarly conference."

A panel will select the six finalists, but it is hoped that some of the other films submitted can be shown through the commission's Web site, he added. The submissions also will be collected in an archive.

The work of the Faith and Order Commission, according to its Web site, "affirms the oneness of the church of Jesus Christ and keeps before the churches the Gospel call to visible unity in one faith and one Eucharist communion, expressed in worship and in common life with Christ, in order that the world may believe."

These issues of unity are at the heart of the ecumenical movement, as "people of different faiths struggle with how to relate to each other and work together on mutual concerns in our communities, nation and world."

Oberlin College, where the celebration will take place, is significant because the commission traces its beginning to a 1957 Oberlin conference on the theme "The Nature of the Unity We Seek." Since then, the commission and its denominational members have worked to strengthen unity through dialogue and research on theological differences.

For the 2007 event, the theme is "On Being Christian Together: The Faith and Order Experience in the United States."

The deadline for film submissions is Feb. 16, 2007. Rules and entry forms can be found at http://www.ncccusa.org/faithandorder/oberlin2007/oikumene.html on the Web.

*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.

Gathering brings together Sudan's 'lost boys and girls'

By Kathy L. Gilbert*

FAIRFAX, Va. (UMNS) - What gives a five-year-old the strength to survive the slaughter of her family?

How does a six-year-old walk a thousand miles and survive by eating leaves and mud?

Where does a seven-year-old get the courage to jump into the crocodile-infested Nile?

Elizabeth Anok Kuch, Angelo Maker and James Garang will tell you in one word: "God."

Like thousands of "lost boys and girls" from Sudan, they have stories of unimaginable horrors they lived through as children.

Garang's parents were shot in front of his eyes. He points to the scar on his head left by a bullet that was meant to kill him as well. He faked his death by lying between his dead parents.

"God has a purpose that is greater than I am," he says. "I don't know why I survived and my parents were killed. God gave me a life."

Children -- some as young as three years old -- were forced to leave their southern Sudanese homes in 1987 by soldiers from the north. Many died along the way, killed by wild animals or crocodiles, starvation or exhaustion.

They walked for more than a 1,000 miles to seek refuge in Ethiopia and later in Kenya. They became known as the "Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan," named for the orphans who followed Peter Pan in J.M. Barrie's tale.

Maker says he and his fellow brothers and sisters have gone through things that "shouldn't have happened to any human being." Because of his experience he is determined no more Sudanese children should suffer again.

Lost boys found!
Maker and Garang helped organize "Lost Boys: Found!" a reunion for lost boys and girls of Sudan who have resettled in the United States. The July 7-8 event was sponsored by Crossroads United Methodist Church, Ashburn, Va., and the United Methodist Board of Church and Society on the campus of George Mason University.

The purpose of the national event was to provide a platform for the lost boys and girls to speak out for peace in their homeland and express appreciation to the United States for all that has been done to help them resettle.

"All we can do is tell our stories to Americans, we have no funds," says Maker. "God will reward you in heaven."

Event planners were hoping to gather 100 survivors but only 20 were able to come to the Virginia campus. Despite the low numbers, the event included an impressive number of dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.); Manute Bol, a former National Basketball Association star; and representatives of international crisis groups and peace and justice organizations. The Sudan People Liberation Movement representative to the U.S. also attended.
All the speakers encouraged the now adult refugees from Sudan to band together and become their country's future.

"Lost boys, you need to provide the leadership," Wolf tells them during the gathering. He is the co-chairperson of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, a bipartisan organization of 200 House members that works to alleviate human right abuses worldwide.

The Congressman has been to Sudan five times. "I have been praying for Sudan every night since 1989," he says. "Bin Laden walked the streets of Khartoum from 1991-96." The people of Sudan were the first victims of the war on terror, he adds.

He implores the men and women to "pick up the banner and be the George Washingtons of your country, be the Esthers (referring to Esther 4:14) -- you are here for such a time as this."

James Winkler, top executive for the Board of Church and Society, points to the lost boys and girls as "the future of Sudan."

"War and death has scattered you and now you are here," he tells them. "I pray this gathering will move the world to peace for Africa."

The whole faith community needs to help, according to Winkler.

Wolf echoes the thought. "It is important for churches to be active in causes like this."

Meeting the Methodists
The United States has accepted more than 3,000 displaced children from the Sudan since 2001. After spending years in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and later in Kenya, Maker and others were sent to the United States.

"I didn't choose to come to Virginia," Maker says. "I didn't choose to become part of the United Methodist Church. I think God made it possible."

The lost boys and girls were resettled mainly in Texas, Arizona and Michigan, and religious organizations took responsibility for their care. Maker says he was chosen by Wellsprings United Methodist Church, Williamsburg, Va. Garang was sponsored by a Catholic church in Virginia. The two were reunited and Garang now also attends Wellsprings.

"When I came to this country I didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to speak my mind," Maker says. He found people willing to listen at the United Methodist Church.

When he expressed his desire to rally support for Sudan, the pastor of Wellsprings put him in touch with Cathy Norman at Crossroads United Methodist Church, a church near the nation's Capitol involved in mission work in Africa.

Norman went to the Sudan in 2004 and felt God was calling her to work for peace in that country. Traveling on the bombed out streets of Yei, she was devastated to realize people had been living destitute for 20 years.

She was given two messages to bring back to the United Methodist Church, she says.

"They said to me 'Tell people we are here and we have hope for our country' and secondly, ask them 'What is the United Methodist Church doing about Darfur?'"

Maker and Garang have ignited Crossroads to work on bringing awareness and change to the struggling country of Sudan. The church has started a national organization, Voices for Sudan, to establish an education fund for lost boys and girls who want to return to their country for the purpose of addressing the issues of justice and peace.

"Meeting Angelo and James was the beginning and the end of the story," Norman says. "It is all about relationships and God's mysterious call."

*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

United Methodist Publishing House intern program nurtures African students

A UMNS Feature By Milse Furtado*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Six seminary students from three African countries got more than they bargained for after a summer internship at the United Methodist Publishing House.
And so did staff at the Nashville United Methodist agency.

At an emotional chapel service to say goodbye June 29, it was evident students and staff had made lifelong friendships.

The six students were the first in a new, three-week African Internship Program created by the Publishing House to find ways to nurture seminary students interested in pursuing a professional career in Christian publishing, marketing, merchandizing and distribution.

"This is really one of our most exciting programs," said the Rev. Fred Allen, executive director of African American Initiatives/International Outreach at the Publishing House. Allen also served as mentor for the young students.

"Almost throughout their lives in Africa, the interns had to live on the edge of social and political unrest, thus having to overcome some overwhelming odds that would have broken lesser persons," he said.

"As they shared their powerful testimonies of faith with the United Methodist Publishing House family, we were profoundly inspired by their deep commitment to God through Christ and their love of the United Methodist Church."

Life-changing experience
"My experience at the Publishing House was more than a learning experience, and it was also a turning point of my life," said Emmanuel Naweji, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo and a student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill.

"My dreams have been redirected. I actually dream of pursuing a doctorate program so that I will be able to combine church and development of African communities through writing, teaching and preaching."

"Being here for these past three weeks was a life-changing experience in many ways," said Nsenga Mpoyo, also from the Democratic Republic of Congo and a student at Candler School of Theology, Atlanta.

"I came to have a deep sense of what it takes to get from an idea to a finished product ready to be published," he said.

"At the United Methodist Publishing House we learned the art of hospitality, love, unity, hard work, commitment and quality," said Wilson Marimi of Kenya, a student at Gammon

Theological Seminary, Atlanta. He said the students witnessed the staff's "love of God individually and collectively."

"We were blessed more than mere words can be able to describe," he said.

Allen said these first six students were chosen based upon recommendations from the deans of the schools of theology.

Struggles on the journey
The students had stories of struggle and triumph that they shared during their June 12-30 stay in Nashville.

"I always pray to God not to remove any mountain in front of me, but I rather ask him to strengthen me to climb whatever mountain that is in front of me," said Newlove Annan of Ghana, a student at Gammon.

The other students participating in the program were Dominic Dadzie, Ghana, attending Candler; Nsenga Mpoyo, Democratic Republic of Congo, attending Candler; and Okitakoyi Lundula, Democratic Republic of Congo, attending Garrett-Evangelical.

Mpoyo, who was born and raised in a Christian environment, joined the church at age 15.

He decided to stop medical school after three years because he knew it was not what he was called to do. "This was the hardest decision I ever made in my life," he said. He moved to Zimbabwe and got his bachelor's degree in divinity from United Methodist-related Africa University in Mutare.

Naweji said he always knew he was called for ministry. His mother used to have evangelists come over for prayer meetings, and they would tell her "this boy is called for ministry."

However, two months before his dream of studying abroad became reality, his father died of poisoning. After an uncle introduced him to Africa University, he graduated with a degree in agriculture and business. Then he enrolled in seminary in the United States.

"I want to be a teacher someday and be able to write books so that we can also express our African beliefs… and Christian culture to the rest of the world," said Naweji.

God calling
Born to a farmer family, Marimi was named "Mugambi" by his grandfather, which means "spokesman and judge in a council of elders."

While studying at Moi Teachers College in Kenya, Marimi heard God calling him one night.

"I went to sleep at around 1 a.m., but two hours later, I heard a voice calling, 'Mugambi! Mugambi! What are you doing?' I woke up thinking it was my roommate who was calling me, but I realized he was dead asleep. I went to sleep again, but after 30 minutes, the same voice called me again. I woke up, but there was nobody I could see. I went back to sleep, and the same voice called again. 'Mugambi! Mugambi! What are you doing?' I realized it was God who was calling me. I just said, 'God, if you are the one calling me, use me where others have been defeated.'"

The son of a district lay person in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Okitakoyi Lundula has always pursued a ministry of music. Singing in the church and in the family choir made him a better Christian, he said. "That's how I started knowing God - not in the Bible but through songs."

Known among peers as "reverend, pastor, and bishop," Lundula is pursuing a master's degree in divinity.

Dominic Dadzie was raised in the Catholic Church. His parents fished for a living.

While he was a student, Ghana was embroiled in war, and members of the armed forces started to pick students to get involved and to be questioned. Dadzie decided to go to Nigeria and stayed there for two years. After getting involved with two churches there, he realized he was called for ministry.

"One church tried to get me into the ministry in Nigeria, but I said, 'No, I want to go back to Ghana.' They asked me if I had no fear and I said 'No God will take care of me.'"
He is pursuing a master's degree in theological studies.

True measure of success
Annan grew up in a Christian environment. "I have been in ministry, not ordained, but in ministry ever since I was born, and I was called to the ordained ministry to be a candidate in the year of 2000," he said.

He received his call through dreams while he was in Ghana pursuing his undergraduate degree in religion and music. "God was telling me to go and do his will and to rely on him totally."

Annan also wants to further his education. "I actually want to go to (the) institute of sacred music at Yale to get a doctor's degree in church music. Right now, I am concentrating on graduating with a dual degree in divinity and sacred music from ITC." Gammon is one of the seminaries that constitute the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.

"As a result of the African Seminary Interns," Allen said, "(we) have underscored the belief that a true measure of success is not merely a return on the dollars expended on product development and publication of resources, but also a measure of the impact we have on the lives touched by our products and programs, especially in regards to our interns."

*Furtado, an intern at United Methodist Communications, is a senior communications major at United Methodist-related Rust College, Holly Springs, Miss.

United Methodists Wear Bracelets to Support Rebuilding Churches and Communities

NASHVILLE - As a symbol of continued solidarity and commitment to the communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina, United Methodists can wear bracelets sharing the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal logo, “rebuilding churches and communities.”

Money from purchases of the maroon wristbands will support the appeal made by the bishops of The United Methodist Church, mobilizing church members to participate in long-term recovery efforts to the region devastated by Katrina last summer.

With members scattered and buildings destroyed, many churches in the affected areas still seek the assistance of caring United Methodists to restore their mission and ministries.

The appeal focuses on the needs of clergy, church staff and mission personnel in the affected areas and on the United Methodist facilities—churches, retreat centers, urban ministries, retirement facilities and mission centers—that were severely damaged or destroyed. Many were underinsured, with insufficient coverage for damage due to rising water.

Wristbands are $2 each, with free shipping for orders of 50 or more. Order them by calling toll free (888) 346-3862 or online at www.umc.org/churchrecovery. Churches are encouraged to sell the bracelets as a local fundraiser.

In addition to purchasing bracelets, contributions to the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal can also be made online via credit card or through local church offerings labeled “Bishops’ Appeal 818-001.”

The Council of Bishops have asked congregations to take a special offering for the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal Aug. 27, the Sunday closest to the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s first strike to the United States coast on Aug. 25, 2006.

Looking for United Methodist Lay Members to be interviewed by phone, particularly teens & young adults

The Martec Group is conducting a variety of phone interviews for the Connectional Table, an organization within the United Methodist Church. We are currently trying to find lay members to participate. Please forward this email to any members you think might be interested in being interviewed or please just make them aware of our research. We set up interview times convenient to them. We are particularly looking for younger members if possible, but will accept any interested individuals.

By younger, we mean anyone younger than 45 years of age. We would ideally like to conduct interviews with 1-2 per congregation because we need to spread out our interviews throughout the country.

The project is outlined below in detail and I have also included a link to the UMC web site article about us.

My name is Ashley Holz and I can be reached at 1-888-811-5771

Information about the Project
The Connectional Table of the UMC will develop and distribute an annual State of the Church Report. The first of these will be completed in 2006.

As a supplement to the State of the Church Report, the Connectional Table will stimulate, encourage and support energetic and fruitful conversations across the Connection.

The purpose of these conversations is to help the Connectional Table:
* Further define the current realities (signs of strength and weakness) in the life and ministries of the Church.
* Claim and honor the strengths of the heritage and work of the Church.
* Examine proposals for areas of concentrated attention and accountability that will be the stepping stones for advancing the story of faithful witness and service.

The research will explore and describe the thoughts, feelings, values, and judgments of a cross-section of people who participate in and lead The United Methodist Church.

The Martec Group will conduct the survey on behalf of the UMC. The Martec Group is an international research company located in the USA, Europe, and Asia. The Martec Group in the US will be conducting some of the interviews in person and some over the phone.

To fulfill the requirements of the survey, The Martec staff will contact both leadership and members of the UMC for the purpose of conducting personal and telephone interviews. Martec's success in conducting interviews is highly dependent on the support and cooperation of pastors, members and lay-leaders. More specifically, their assistance is crucial to help find and get in contact with active and inactive members, whose participation and feedback is of great importance.

We have been calling on this project for several weeks and have had the opportunity to have many in-depth phone discussions with middle age and older members of the church. We very much would like to include the voice of younger United Methodists in our research. We have not had much response from younger people so far. If you can provide us with any assistance, we would very much appreciate the help.

The Martec Group has been commissioned by the Connectional Table, a worldwide organization within the United Methodists Church to conduct this project. Some of our findings and input will be incorporated into the State of the Church report. Information regarding our research can be found on the UMC web site:

http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.1806755/k.BA88/Research_firm_explores_state_of_the_United_Methodist_Church.htm
http://mail.martecgroup.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.1806755/k.BA88/Research_firm_explores_state_of_the_United_Methodist_Church.htm

Unfortunately, we are unable to share direct results of our study with you as you requested because we have been commissioned by the Connectional Table and as such need to provide information directly to them. In addition, at this point, we are still in the interviewing process and have not begun analysis. I understand your interest in the research and report findings. It is our understanding that The Connectional Table will take some of the information we provide and publish a report themselves that will be distributed church-wide by spring of next year.

This first phase of research is qualitative and the second phase will be quantitative. We are asking free-flowing questions regarding members experience...what they like, what attracts them to their church in general, etc. There is no preparation needed for those we interview. The interview last between 20-30 minutes.

If you are able to distribute this email to others, we would greatly appreciate it. We really would like to make sure that what the young people are thinking is captured.

Please do not hesitate to call Ashley with any questions - The Martec Group at 1-888-811-5771 or email Ashley at Ashley.holz@martecgroup.com

http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=6&mid=11283

http://mail.martecgroup.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?

http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=6%26mid=11283


Kind Regards,
Ashley Holz

Saturday, July 08, 2006

United Methodists celebrate clergywomen at annual gatherings--a Summary of Annual Conferences Sessions from Across the Country

A UMNS Report By Linda Green and Milse Furtado*

At regional gatherings this year, United Methodists celebrated the 50th anniversary of clergywomen receiving full clergy rights and affirmed their commitment to helping the U.S. Gulf Coast recover from last fall's hurricanes.

While those topics dominated the United Methodist Church's annual sessions in May and June, church members also tackled a wide range of other concerns, including social issues such as immigration and gay marriage, the strengthening of ministries around the globe and the possible mergers of some annual (regional) conferences.

Sixty of the 63 U.S. conferences had filed annual reports by July 7, along with a handful of conferences in Europe and Africa that had gatherings in the same period.

Clergywomen
Fifty years ago, following action by the denomination's General Conference, 27 women took the initial steps toward full clergy rights. Today, nearly 12,000 clergywomen worldwide serve the denomination. At its meeting two years ago, the General Conference mandated 2006 as a yearlong celebration for the denomination.

Bishop J. Lawrence McCleskey highlighted the 50th anniversary in his state of the Western North Carolina Conference address. "We have passed the time for any church ... to object to a pastoral appointment because the appointee is female." He told the conference that 50 years "is long enough. Be ready. It's that simple."

Members of the Yellowstone Conference were told by Minnesota Bishop Sally Dyck that "even full clergy rights, however, is not full acceptance. ... We are becoming the church our grandmothers envisioned us to be, thanks be to God. And thanks to the men of the church who opened the way. Now it is up to all of us to 'pay it forward' and keep the light alive for women everywhere.

Hurricane response
Along the Gulf Coast, conference members expressed thanks for the outpouring of support they have received since Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall Aug. 29, and Hurricane Rita, which followed a month later.

Ed Blakeslee, Mississippi United Methodist Katrina Response coordinator, emphasized the connectional system as vital to recovery efforts. "We still need prayers, and we still need help," he said.

The Mississippi Conference gave thanks for the $4.9 million received as of May 31 through the United Methodist Committee on Relief and other appeals for Katrina relief and rebuilding.
The Rev. Paul Dirdak, director of UMCOR, praised storm recovery efforts throughout the Louisiana Conference. Nearly a million volunteer hours have been recorded in the state through the efforts of mission teams that have come from all over the United States and as far away as Mexico and South Africa to provide assistance.

United Methodists in East Texas contributed more than $2.2 million to hurricane relief efforts. Area churches spent an additional $2.6 million ministering to evacuees in their communities - providing shelter, food, transportation and other support. The Texas Conference's Southeast District, where all 52 United Methodist churches and more than 94,000 homes were damaged by Hurricane Rita, has been assisted by 203 teams of 2,150 volunteers since October. Those work teams have volunteered more than 53,000 hours, which if billed at the national average construction salary of $18, would have cost more than $1 million, a conference official said.

In an effort to provide long-term recovery and relief assistance, Northwest Texas adopted a giving goal of $10 a month for all conference clergy and lay members for the church recovery efforts related to the Gulf Coast hurricanes. The New Mexico Conference also encouraged giving $10 a month until the next conference session to Louisiana pastors and churches, as a way to build connectedness.

The Virginia Conference dedicated health and recovery and relief kits, and four tractor-trailers were needed to transport the items. In addition, the conference collected $54,387 in monetary donations.

Mergers
Several annual conferences reorganized to serve local congregations more effectively. Some redrew district lines and some considered merging. Eight annual conferences voted to create new conferences or to begin merger process plans and discussions.

The North Indiana and South Indiana conferences are a step closer to uniting into one following an affirmative vote tallied by both conferences. A task force is to develop a merger plan for recommendation to the 2007 Indiana annual gatherings. If approved by both conferences, and later by the United Methodist North Central Jurisdiction gathering, the merger could take effect in 2009 or 2010.

Along with the Detroit Conference, West Michigan members voted to enter a process that would, if successful, merge them into one Michigan Area conference in 2009. Representatives from the North Central New York, Troy, Western New York and Wyoming annual conferences have been meeting to explore the possibility of uniting some or all of the conferences. A joint committee will present findings at the 2008 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in Harrisburg, Pa.

In his opening address, Bishop Robert Schnase called on the Missouri Conference to face the reality that during the past 40 years, the population of Missouri had increased 29 percent while membership in the United Methodist Church had dropped 32 percent. A task force was commissioned to evaluate every aspect of ministry in the annual conference in the coming year with an eye to aligning mission, ministry and money. The goal is to boost worship attendance in the conference by 5,000 within six years.

Immigration
The immigration issue played a role in U.S. annual conference proceedings as it has done in border states in the country. Six annual conferences urged churches to take action and called on elected officials to support fair and just immigration laws.

Wisconsin passed a resolution on U.S. immigration policy that calls upon elected officials to enact dignity and humanitarian policies to ensure the safety and basic human rights of immigrants and refugees. The New England Conference voted to commit to study and prayer on local and global issues of migration, to oppose any further militarization of the Mexico-U.S. border, and to support comprehensive immigration reform.

Rio Grande called on its 95 congregations to become sanctuary churches, recognizing that reaching out to immigrants is part of an evangelical call. "We are called to extend 'radical hospitality' to all, regardless of origins or status," the conference members said in a resolution on immigration reform. The conference also called on elected officials to allow undocumented immigrants, who are contributing to U.S. society, to remain in the states and become permanent residents and eventually citizens; increase visa numbers to eliminate long waiting periods for families; and provide for guest workers to receive fair wages, fair treatment, protection under the law and status as permanent residents.

Torture
Media throughout the world have highlighted instances of torture and abuse of prisoners and detainees by the U.S. military and government agencies. Both Detroit and Northern Illinois declared opposition to the use of torture by the government. Northern Illinois approved a resolution stating that the use of torture by the U.S. government is "both widespread and systematic." It condemned "any and all" use of torture against U.S. detainees "for any purpose" and demanded legislation be written to "cease and desist from these un-Christian practices."

Iran
At least six annual conferences declared opposition to war against Iran and support for peace in the Middle East. Central Texas postponed indefinitely affirming the Council of Bishops' Resolution on the War in Iraq. The Pacific Northwest Conference urged attention to all human rights abuses in the Middle East and to work for implementation of an international bill of human rights.

The South German Conference also issued a resolution expressing concern about the current political conflict involving the European Union, the United States and Iran. The conference opposes all military options and supports stronger diplomatic efforts.

Northern Illinois acted on breaking down the walls of hostility between Palestinians and Israelis, North and South Koreans, and Christians and Muslims. North Central New York approved a process of dialogue, shareholder action, and as a last resort, divestment from companies "that are supporting in a significant way the occupation of Palestine by Israel." The preamble to the resolution noted the success of divestments in changing the policy of apartheid in South Africa.

The New York Conference passed a petition calling for the impeachment of President George Bush. The petition laments the president's actions regarding Iraq and Iraqi detainees, wiretapping, the response to Hurricane Katrina, and the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib. "THEREFORE, the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church considers these to be high crimes and misdemeanors and urges the impeachment of George W. Bush," the conference said.

Marriage and homosexuality
As U.S. courts hear judicial requests to define marriage as the union between man and woman, at least eight annual conferences took action on the issue.

Wisconsin reaffirmed a 2005 motion opposing the proposed state constitutional marriage amendment and supporting an informed, respectful dialogue with people of all opinions. The Dakotas Conference adopted a resolution affirming laws defending marriage and adopted a resolution rejecting a South Dakota ballot measure against same-sex unions. The adopted resolution cites potential discrimination of elderly people living in same-sex households in rural areas, saying: "The full repercussions of the law are not known."

The Holston Conference passed a resolution "affirming laws defending marriage." The resolution states, "…Be it resolved that we continue to affirm the United Methodist stance on marriage and support laws in our state that protect the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman."

Petitions passed by the Minnesota Annual Conference recommend changes to the Book of Discipline that would make the church's ministries, including membership, ordination and marriage, open to all people, regardless of sexual orientation and other factors.

The California-Nevada Conference sought to "liberalize" sections of the Book of Discipline, passing resolutions dealing with marriage, human sexuality and sexual orientation, and would remove restrictions on ordaining gay clergy, celebrating homosexual unions and funding gay caucuses. The conference also voted to prohibit discrimination in receiving members into United Methodist congregations, and voted to oppose controversial Judicial Council Decision 1032.
Numerous conferences considered resolutions about the decision, which sparked churchwide debate when it was issued by the church's top court last fall. That decision and a related judgment, Decision 1031, dealt with the case of the Rev. Ed Johnson, pastor of South Hill (Va.) United Methodist Church, who blocked a practicing homosexual from joining the congregation.
Johnson was placed on involuntary leave by his clergy peers last June, but the Judicial Council ruled in his favor in October, and he was returned to his pulpit. The council reaffirmed its decision in May.

While the denomination's Book of Discipline holds gay people to be people of sacred worth, it also officially states that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.

At least 16 annual conferences stated that homosexuality is not a barrier to membership; four said it is a barrier to membership; and two said it is not a barrier for ordination.

The Rocky Mountain Conference invited pastors to "voluntarily relinquish the authority granted them by the Judicial Council Decision 1032" and receive those willing, after suitable instruction, to affirm the membership vows.

The Florida, Peninsula-Delaware and North Carolina conferences also issued statements or resolutions on the Judicial Council's decisions.

Florida delegates called for the annual conference to issue a statement of support for a pastoral letter written by the denomination's Council of Bishops in response to Decision 1032. The letter affirmed inclusiveness in church membership, stating "homosexuality is not a barrier."

A second resolution, titled "Integrity," expressed gratitude to the Judicial Council for "affirming the crucial role of pastors in the reception of new members, advocating a lifestyle that is compatible with Christian teaching and maintaining the integrity of membership vows."

A third resolution asked for a petition from the Florida Conference to the General Conference to amend Paragraph 214 of the Book of Discipline to include a sentence that prohibits the exclusion of individuals from membership based on their sexual orientation or "gender identity."

Health care
In early June, a United Methodist physician described United Methodist clergy as being among the least-healthy professional groups in the United States. Numerous conferences addressed funding health care plans for clergy - both active and retired - and lay employees. In the Mississippi Conference, more than 100 runners and walkers participated in the second annual 5K run/walk, a new wellness event. A bike ride called Circuit Ride preceded the annual conference gathering.

The Arkansas Conference added a new strategic initiative to its vision statement, emphasizing the importance of self-care for clergy, staff and laity and to facilitate health ministries for body, mind and spirit through its churches. The conference also introduced "Holy Healthy United Methodist Church," a three-year, faith-based health and wellness program for the conference. In endorsing the program, Bishop Charles N. Crutchfield pledged that he and the nine district superintendents would attempt to lose a combined 100 pounds by the next annual conference session.

Wisconsin affirmed a Wellness Covenant to increase attention on both spiritual and physical health. The Peninsula-Delaware Conference's board of pension sponsored a health fair during its annual gathering, where it introduced a new wellness program for staff as well as anyone interested in a healthier lifestyle. Bishop Marcus Matthews led a health walk around the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore campus.

Global connections
In the spirit of Methodism founder John Wesley, who said the "world is my parish," 10 annual conferences established relationships with areas and churches inside and outside the United States. The Desert Southwest Conference voted to partner with the United Methodist Mission Church of Honduras, and the Alaska Missionary Conference will deepen its ministry with the native people of Alaska as well as strengthen its growing connection with the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. Oregon-Idaho signed a new partnership agreement with the Liberia Annual Conference.

Many conferences voted to give their annual gift from the United Methodist Publishing House - money given to support clergy pensions - to the Central Conference Pension Initiative. The initiative is raising money and developing systems to provide pensions for retired pastors and their survivors in Africa, parts of Europe and Asia.

HIV/AIDS has become a pandemic in countries across the world, and 11 conferences collected offerings for the Global AIDS Fund. Yellowstone encouraged all conference churches to observe Global AIDS Sunday annually on Valentine's Day or the first Sunday after Feb. 14. It was suggested that observances have a central theme of "Have a Heart" with "Honor Those You Love: Give to Fight Global AIDS" and "Make a Difference in the Lives of Others" as sub-themes. Seventy-five percent of the special offering will go to the appropriate UMCOR Advance, and 25 percent will be retained to support AIDS ministries within the conference.

The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee is sponsoring "Lighten the Burden," a gathering of United Methodists working to fight AIDS set for Sept. 8-9 in Washington. The conference offers opportunities for learning, skill-building and networking and includes speakers, workshops, inspiration and discussion groups.

The importance of native languages and its use in the churches of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference was the basis for an approved resolution calling for the organization of a native language contest to be held at the annual conference session. The contest is aimed at promoting the use and teaching of indigenous languages.

In addition, wording was added to the resolution stating that: "THEREFORE, we recognize in spite of America's efforts to limit the official language to English only, that we have a right to speak the language of this land, and that using our languages is an important expression of our original sovereignty."

New and discontinued churches
Five conferences celebrated 21 new church starts or new congregations, and five conferences discontinued 14 congregations. South Georgia affirmed the ministry of congregational development, and eight new church starts, nine revitalized congregations and 19 Hispanic congregations are now under the congregational development umbrella. Alabama celebrated efforts to start 10 new congregations in the next year.

Southwest Texas adopted a bishop's initiative on new church development, designed to reverse three straight years of membership losses in a region with major population growth. The plan includes authorization for a capital fund-raising campaign for starting new congregations and ministries and revitalizing existing congregations.

Other news
Annual conferences also ordained clergy, licensed local pastors and commissioned others, conducted remembrance services, hosted the Africa University choir and participated in activities to help the poor and hungry.

Nine conferences reported increases in giving for churchwide apportionments, including Texas, which paid 100 percent of its apportionments for the first time since 1972.

The Iowa Conference had a morning of "worshipful work" that included a "blitz build" of a Habit for Humanity house in Ames, eight other hands-on projects and 16 workshops.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn. Furtado, an intern at United Methodist Communications, is a senior communications major at United Methodist-related Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss.

Lake Junaluska Breaks Ground for A Building of Hospitality—The Joseph and Shirley Bethea Welcome Center

Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center broke ground Sunday, July 2, for the Joseph and Shirley Bethea Welcome Center. The 12,000 square foot structure will take 10 months to construct and will serve as the Welcome Center and lodging check-in location for the Retreat Center, which is located near Asheville, N.C.

Over $1.6 Million has been raised for the building through donations from over 1000 individuals, regional businesses and United Methodist groups, including 15 conferences within the Southeastern Jurisdiction. According to Bishop McCleskey, Western North Carolina “committees were organized in the Carolinas and over $600,000 was raised from those three conferences. The other annual conferences in the Southeastern Jurisdiction joined in to raise another $400,000.”

Joseph Bethea was an African-American United Methodist Bishop who served in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. According to Jimmy Carr, Executive Director of the Southeastern Jurisdiction, “We are proud to name this building after Joseph and Shirley Bethea. They were leaders of hospitality and kindness for The United Methodist Church.” Carr went on to add that “This building will serve as a constant reminder that we are all children of God and need to be welcoming to everyone.”

Over 250 people attended the ground breaking including Bishops McCleskey (Western North Carolina Conference), Taylor (South Carolina Conference), Kammerer (Virginia Conference) and Swanson (Holston Conference). Bishop Swanson also delivered the sermon for the ceremony and stated “We want folks to know that they are welcome at Lake Junaluska.”

Josefa Bethea Wall, who is the daughter of Joseph and Shirley Bethea, also attended the groundbreaking. About the Welcome Center she stated, “A building that will represent reconciliation and will welcome many in the manner which Joseph and Shirley Bethea welcomed many. It will stand as a symbol of the church’s hospitality,” she said.

Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center is one of three facilities owned by the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) of The United Methodist Church. Each year it hosts over 150,000 guests who use it facilities for meetings, vacations, and recreation. Visit http://www.lakejunaluska.com/to find out more about Lake Junaluska and the SEJ.

United Methodists wear bracelets to support rebuilding churches and communities

A UMC Katrina Church Recovery Press Release

As a symbol of continued solidarity and commitment to the communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina, United Methodists can wear bracelets sharing the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal logo, “rebuilding churches and communities.”

Money from purchases of the maroon wristbands will support the appeal made by the bishops of The United Methodist Church, mobilizing church members to participate in long-term recovery efforts to the region devastated by Katrina last summer.

With members scattered and buildings destroyed, many churches in the affected areas still seek the assistance of caring United Methodists to restore their mission and ministries.

The appeal focuses on the needs of clergy, church staff and mission personnel in the affected areas and on the United Methodist facilities—churches, retreat centers, urban ministries, retirement facilities and mission centers—that were severely damaged or destroyed. Many were underinsured, with insufficient coverage for damage due to rising water.

Wristbands can be purchased in packages of 25 for $50 by calling toll free (888) 346-3862 or online at www.umc.org/churchrecovery. Churches are invited to sell the bracelets to raise funds for mission projects or their other efforts to continue rebuilding churches and communities.

In addition to purchasing bracelets, contributions to the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal can also be made online via credit card or through local church offerings labeled “Bishops’ Appeal 818-001.”

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Lighten the Burden: A Gathering of United Methodists Working to Fight AIDS

September 8-9, 2006Washington, DC
Registration: $60
Registration Deadline: August 15, 2006

Sign Up Now

How can United Methodist churches work together to lighten the burden of AIDS and HIV?

Designed to help equip clergy and lay leaders who want to join in the global response to the AIDS crisis, this intensive conference offers valuable opportunities for learning, skill-building, and networking. The two-day agenda includes an array of compelling speakers, insightful workshops, inspiring messages, and thought-provoking discussion groups. Join us in Washington, DC and help make a difference!

Sponsored by the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee.

Highlights
Author and teacher Musa Dube, associate professor at the University of Botswana, will bring us together at opening worship. Dube has served as a consultant for the World Council of Churches on Theological Institutions and HIV/AIDS curriculum. She is based in Gabarone, Botswana, and is the author of Preaching to the Converted: Unsettling the Christian Church and The HIV and AIDS Bible: Selected Essays.

Bishop João Somane Machado of the Mozambique Annual Conference will give participants a close-up view of the pandemic through his ministry in Southern Africa. Bishop Machado is a leading advocate in the UMC for the eradication of HIV/AIDS and Malaria (tentative).

Closing service of commitment will be led by the Rev. Mpho Tutu, an Episcopal priest who is currently a Clergy Resident at Christ Church in Alexandria, Va. She is the executive director of the Tutu Institute for Prayer and Pilgrimage, which honors the life and ministry of her father, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She chairs the board of the Global AIDS Alliance.

Pre-conference experience
Agenda
Register online
Make hotel reservations

Location Details
Doubletree Hotel1515 Rhode Island Ave. NWWashington, DC(202) 232-7000

For Further Information Contact
Sarah Langford Phone: (202)488-5646Email: Slangford@umc-gbcs.org