e-Review archive
Global Connection
June 2008
 

United Methodists in Texas raise $1 million for nets

June 5, 2008      United Methodist News Service THE WOODLANDS, Texas — The groundbreaking covenant partnership between the Texas and Côte d'Ivoire annual conferences of The United Methodist Church has yielded its first fruits — more than $1 million in donations from Texans to fight malaria in West Africa. At $10 a net, the gift will buy more than 100,000 nets planned for distribution in Côte d'Ivoire in November as part of a national vaccination campaign. The distribution will include another 400,000 nets authorized by the United Nations Foundation through the Nothing But Nets fundraising campaign. The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries will play a key role in helping with the logistics of the distribution through its Health and Welfare unit and the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The Texas Annual (regional) Conference has commissioned a team of 35 clergy and laity, representing all nine districts of the conference, to help distribute the nets. full story

Stop Hunger Now marks 10th with million meal event

June 5, 2008      United Methodist News Service The Rev. Ray Buchanan had spent years working to banish hunger in the United States when an experience in Sierra Leone made him re-think his focus. In 1997, during the height of the African country's civil war, he visited with a number of United Methodist pastors in the city of Bo who told him "they wore their clerical collars when they begged in the streets because people would be more generous." Returning home "in a self-righteous fit," Buchanan raised $65,000 in six weeks, enough to provide rice for every pastor's family in Sierra Leone for a year. That experience in Africa helped propel Buchanan to found Stop Hunger Now in 1998. During its 10-year existence, the Raleigh, N.C.-based organization has provided more than $44 million in direct aid to more than 60 countries, including more than 5 million meals for the poor. For 2008, Stop Hunger Now has set a goal to package 5.5 million meals. On Aug. 23, its "University Million Meal Event" hopes to bring together 4,000 volunteers from nine colleges and universities to assemble 1 million meals in one day. full story

UMCOR assists local partner for Zimbabwe aid

June 5, 2008     United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — The United Methodist Committee on Relief is providing humanitarian assistance in politically charged Zimbabwe. UMCOR responded on June 4 to a request for aid and will assist a partner organization working on the ground in distributing food and medicine to communities and clinics serving the most vulnerable. Because of the high cost of fuel, UMCOR will help pay to transport the goods to areas most affected by food shortages and politically related violence. The agency also is working with Bishop Ivan Abraham and the Methodist Church in Southern Africa to help provide shelter and food in the Johannesburg area for refugees there, many of them from Zimbabwe. UMCOR sent a $10,000 emergency grant and may provide a staff member there for several months. full story

Pondering mystery in human sexuality

June 5, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Sexuality is a sacred gift of God, says The United Methodist Book of Discipline. Retired Bishop Woodie White acknowledges that it is also a gift filled with mystery. full story

Hymns change

June 6, 2008     News media contact:   Dean McIntyre * 877-899-2780, ext 7073 *  Nashville General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church Culture changes. Styles change. Meanings change. People change. And hymns change. Every new hymnal that comes out changes the words of hymns from what they were in the previous hymnal. The reasons may be political, theological, cultural, or any of numerous reasons. The changes are greeted by some as good and by others as bad. This article discusses those changes, with a special look at Charles Wesley. full story

Church banners protest U.S.-sponsored torture

June 6, 2008      United Methodist News Service Black and white anti-torture banners are being displayed next to the familiar cross and flame on the front of some United Methodist churches during the month of June. More than 300 faith groups in all 50 U.S. states are displaying the banners in support of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture's "Banners Across America" campaign. In a press conference on June 5, religious leaders representing diverse congregations launched the campaign to mobilize faith communities against U.S.-sponsored torture. The campaign is timed to offer an interfaith public witness during Torture Awareness Month, said the Rev. Richard Killmer, campaign director. full story

Q&A: Evangelicals are declining, too, author says

June 6, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Christine Wicker has researched megachurches and their numbers, and says in her new book that evangelical Christians are a dying breed. full story

NGOs have role in China relief, says Amity staff

June 9, 2008      United Methodist News Service The enormous impact of the recent earthquake in China makes the involvement of nongovernmental organizations there more important than ever, according to the staff of a Chinese Christian organization. She Hongyu, assistant director of research and development for the Amity Foundation and its overseas liaison, believes it is impossible even for China's government to take care of everyone in a situation "where nearly 70,000 people have been killed and nearly 17,000 are still missing," with millions relocated. The official death toll from the quake climbed June 8 to 69,136, with 17,686 people still missing, according to the Associated Press. full story

Academy for Spiritual Formation marks 25 years

June 9, 2008      United Methodist News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Twenty-five years ago, the Rev. Danny Morris was on a quest — but found that what he was seeking did not exist. In 1978, Morris took a sabbatical from his position at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship to create a place where people could meet God. It was an academy of sorts-not one made by hands, but one shaped and created by others seeking to share in a journey of faith. What Morris helped to build is now known as the Academy for Spiritual Formation, a product of The Upper Room. full story

Serving as chaplain on the loneliest continent

June 10, 2008 United Methodist Reporter What's ministry like at the bottom of the world? Jonathan Bell recounts and reflects upon his time as chaplain in Antarctica for this first-person feature. full story

Indiana United Methodists respond to floods

June 11, 2008     United Methodist News Service United Methodists in Indiana have mobilized to deal with flooding in the central and southern parts of the state. President George W. Bush signed a disaster declaration on June 8 for the state of Indiana, which allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate federal assistance to the affected 21 counties. Meanwhile, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is allocating a $10,000 emergency grant to the denomination's Indiana Area at the request of Bishop Michael Coyner. full story

Love the sinner, detest what they do? Statement is a Christian truism

June 11, 2008 United Methodist Reporter During a debate on the floor of General Conference 2008, the Rev. Eddie Fox said, “We love homosexual people, but we detest what they do.” Special contributor Shannon Vowell voices her agreement. full story

Love the sinner, detest what they do? Not a proud moment for this evangelical

June 11, 2008 United Methodist Reporter SINNER AND SIN, ANOTHER VIEW: Evangelicals must realize that while “loving the sinner and hating the sin” might make a good slogan, it’s not good missional engagement, says special contributor Bill Mefford. full story

Student Forum explores social concerns in D.C.

June 12, 2008     United Methodist News Service WASHINGTON — More than 400 United Methodist students, campus ministers and young adult seminarians scattered across the U.S. capital during Student Forum 2008 to learn how they could use their voices to fight for just public policies. From a panel on the racism of mascots held at the National Museum of the American Indian to an Anacostia River boat tour focusing on the environment, the students met with lobbyists, legislative aides, United Methodist agency officials and a tenants' group that works for equitable housing. The forum is an annual leadership development event for United Methodist college students and is sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and organized by the United Methodist Student Movement. full story

Africa University awards degrees to 354 students

June 13, 2008     United Methodist News Service MUTARE, Zimbabwe — After two years of study at Africa University, Bigi Ruhigita prepared to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo to work in a 50-bed clinic that she and her siblings founded in honor of their father. "I'm the only one in my family in the health field, but I'm happy to be keeping my late father's idea alive," Ruhigita said of Jean Ruhigita, a former bishop of the Pentecostal church in the Congo. "He wanted the clinic to help poor people in our area, and since 2003 it has been there for so many people who have no money to go to the hospital." The 30-year-old nurse was one of the 354 students from 16 African countries who received their degree certificates on June 7 at Africa University's 14th graduation ceremony. Awarded a master's degree in public health, she is excited about using her new skills to help her community. full story

Iowa United Methodists respond to storms, floods

June 13, 2008     United Methodist News Service DES MOINES, Iowa — Severe storms and rising floodwaters in Iowa have forced thousands of residents from their homes and shut down numerous roads as United Methodist disaster recovery leaders provide support amid potentially staggering long-term needs. The emergency situation was changing nearly as quickly as the waters flowing in the Des Moines, Skunk, Raccoon, Iowa, Cedar and other rivers across the state. Nine rivers were at or above historic flood levels. Eighty-three of Iowa's 99 counties were declared disaster areas by Gov. Chet Culver as of June 13.  National disaster designation by the Federal Emergency Management Association covered four counties. United Methodist leaders were working with the United Methodist Committee on Relief to monitor and respond to the state's emergency needs. full story

Soggy Illinois struggles under more flooding

June 13, 2008     United Methodist News Service United Methodist disaster response teams from Illinois were assessing needs after major flooding in the state's southeastern counties. The June 10 flooding led to more problems as the water system for the town of Lawrenceville, with 4,600 residents, stopped working the next day, according to The Associated Press. Some 200 residents evacuated after levee breaks and could not return home because of flooded roads. The latest heavy rains arrived after two floods hit the Pontiac and Watseka area in February, while two March floods hit the southern part of the United Methodist Illinois Great Rivers Annual (regional) Conference. Both regions received a $10,000 grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief at the request of Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher. full story

Tomato picker shares personal story at forum

June 20, 2008 United Methodist News Service WASHINGTON — The Coalition of Immokalee Workers was organized in Florida after a young migrant farm worker was brutally beaten when he stopped to get a drink of water while picking tomatoes. Outraged, other farm workers marched to the tomato grower's home, carrying the young man's bloody shirt as a flag. "We told him by beating one of us, he was beating all of us," said Romeo Ramirez, a farm worker who is now a member of the coalition. More than 600 laborers marched that night in 1996, helping the workers to realize that there is power in organizing. Ramirez shared his story with young adults gathered for the 2008 Young Adult Ecumenical Forum focusing on slavery and human trafficking in the 21st century. full story

Worldwide church raises ‘insurmountable’ issues

June 19, 2008 United Methodist Reporter A former bishop of the Methodist Church in Asia and Singapore has questions about how worldwide re-structuring of the United Methodist Church would affect affiliated autonomous Methodist churches. full story

Ailing children navigate with Wheels of Love

June 18, 2008     United Methodist News Service CONROE, Texas — With just a few modifications, a simple red wagon is transformed into "Lizzie's Limo," enabling 4-year-old leukemia patient Elizabeth Long to navigate her hospital with the help of her family. "She waves at everybody like she's in a parade," says mom Renee Moore. "She feels like she's the princess. So it helps her." Elizabeth received one of the first wagons produced by the Wheels of Love ministry launched in 2007 at First United Methodist Church in Conroe near Houston. The wagons are customized with IV poles, holders for oxygen bottles, car seats and a trailer. full story

Commentary: Campus ministry passionately claims God's call

June 18, 2008    United Methodist News Service Good campus ministers ask the best questions of anyone I know. And I know a lot of people-just count my friends on Facebook. The campus ministers I encountered during my undergraduate years have discovered some of the secrets of communicating effectively with college students: we want to discover, we want to encounter, we want to be taken out of our boxes and told to stretch. full story

General Conference rules can present a big hurdle

June 18, 2008 United Methodist Reporter The strict use of parliamentary procedure for General Conference business is a formula for paralysis, says religion columnist Cary McMullen. He says Florida Conference Bishop Timothy Whitaker has possibilities for reform. full story

United Methodists give Bonhoeffer martyr status

June 17, 2008    United Methodist News Service Although Dietrich Bonhoeffer has been dead for more than 60 years, the well-known German theologian has been a role model of faith for many Christians, including the Rev. Charles Sigman. That's why Sigman, the 42-year-old pastor of First United Methodist Church of Newport, Ark., about an hour and a half north of Little Rock, has helped make Bonhoeffer the first martyr officially recognized by The United Methodist Church. full story

Hispanic ministry gets new boost in California

June 17, 2008     United Methodist News Service LOS ANGELES — United Methodists in the California-Pacific Annual (regional) Conference are determined to boost their Hispanic ministry. This year, the conference named the Rev. Emilio Müller director for Latino Ministries. Müller has 30 years of pastoral experience and has been with the denomination's National Plan for Hispanic-Latino Ministry since its beginning. full story

Q&A: The ills of hyper-parenting

June 17, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Author Carl Honoré contends that by being reluctant to give children freedom and insisting on always being productive, adults have "hijacked" childhood. Mary Jacobs has the interview. full story

REGARDING CHILDREN: Giving kids a boost with reading skills

June 17, 2008 United Methodist Reporter When Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world,” he could have meant: “Walk over to your local elementary school. Show up for my children there,” says Audrey Ward. It can make all the difference in the world. full story

Archives and History recognizes Methodist research

June 16, 2008     United Methodist News Service MADISON, N.J. — Grants and awards encouraging writing and research on topics related to the history of Methodism have been announced for 2008 by the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History. The annual grants allow the commission "to support scholarly research and help to ensure that neglected areas of study will receive the attention they deserve," said the Rev. Robert J. Williams, the commission's chief executive. "The mission of the contemporary church is weakened when the strength of our forbearers is not taught to future generations." full story

Stepping up: Mentoring clergywomen to serve as lead pastors

June 20, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Clergywomen who lead large-member churches in The United Methodist Church are disproportionately few in number. The new Lead Women Pastors' Project, however, will offer networking and support, as well as research on women’s leadership styles, to better mentor those who are up-and-coming. full story

Young adults explore social justice in nation's capital

June 23, 2008     United Methodist News Service WASHINGTON — Juliana Abe, a native of Côte d'Ivoire, is exploring a different culture and country while she works for the rights of Africans and African-American people around the world. She is also enjoying getting to know her new "family" — The United Methodist Church. Abe is one of 12 young people participating in the United Methodist Board of Church and Society's Ethnic Young Adults Summer Internship in the nation's capital. Young adults passionate about social justice and active in the denomination are selected annually from the church's five ethnic caucuses to participate in the summer intern program. full story

Clergy effectiveness study will impact training

June 24, 2008     United Methodist News Service An analysis of what makes an effective pastor will enhance training provided this summer to United Methodist annual (regional) conferences. The Rev. Sharon Rubey, director of candidacy and conference relations at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, said the study would provide useful information for those who work with candidates for ministry, assign pastors to churches, and do clergy supervision. full story

Small churches confront challenges, seek to revitalize

June 24, 2008      United Methodist News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Church must focus on small and rural churches and not simply go where the wealthy are to build new churches, says a small membership church leader. "Small churches are the backbone of the denomination," said the Rev. Julia Wallace, director of ministries with small membership churches at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. "It is no accident that we have a church every three to five miles. At that time we wanted to get the church as close to people as we can. Our job now is keep church as close to the people as we can," she said. full story

AGING WELL: Change in routine is unsettling for elderly

June 25, 2008 United Methodist Reporter Like people of any age, older adults may not always be willing to embrace change. Missy Buchanan cautions readers to be gentle with judgments as people adjust to new circumstances. full story

United Methodists unite to send help to Sudan

June 26, 2008      United Methodist News Service United Methodists from five annual (regional) conferences attended a summit to discuss sending urgent help to the suffering people of Sudan. Days after the Holston Annual Conference overshot a goal to raise $125,000 for southern Sudan, a gathering was held to connect other United Methodists who want to serve in the same region. full story

Agency leaders continue work on Four Areas of Focus

June 27, 2008     United Methodist News Service In their first meeting since The United Methodist Church's legislative assembly, leaders of the denomination's general agencies continued cementing partnerships and planning their work on Four Areas of Focus. The agencies' top executives, or general secretaries, met June 24-26 in Washington, D.C., two months after the 2008 General Conference affirmed the Areas of Focus as the emphases of the church. full story

Church members asked for input on paperwork

June 27, 2008     United Methodist News Service Over the next three weeks, United Methodists are invited to share their thoughts on the official paperwork of the church. The Committee on Official Forms and Records, under the denomination's General Council on Finance and Administration, is for the first time asking for input through an electronic public comment system. The committee is responsible for overseeing the design and content of all official documentation for the worldwide 11.5 million-member denomination. full story

Patriotic tension: United Methodists against the war still support military

June 27, 2008 United Methodist Reporter United Methodists are called to support those in the military and their families with communication, concern and prayer, regardless of how they feel about the war itself. full story

Do United Methodists have a shared hymn tradition?

June 27, 2008     News media contact:   Dean McIntyre * 877-899-2780, ext 7073 *  Nashville General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church Wherever and whenever United Methodists gather, we sing. We even have a reputation as “those singing Methodists.” But do we share a common heritage of hymnody or hymn singing? Do the hymns and songs we sing in worship today serve to bind us together? Can we say today that our practice and content of hymn singing help to give a shared identity to United Methodists? This article asks and discusses those and other questions. full story

Commentary: Reflecting on Southern Baptist numbers

June 30, 2008    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {270} United Methodist News Service Recently, The Associated Press reported that Southern Baptist churches suffered a loss of members in 2007. United Methodists will find this hard to believe in the South, where there is an expression about places where "there are more Baptists than people." It's an expression that reflects the historic focus of Southern Baptists on evangelism and conversions, but also their tendency to inflate church rolls. Pastoral success is often viewed in terms of "additions" and membership growth. The practices of keeping a "non-resident" category of members and often leaving inactive members on the rolls have led some senior Baptist leaders to caution against taking membership figures at face value. So, what are some of the reasons a system designed to avoid reporting losses can begin to decline numerically? And what might United Methodists discover if we are attentive to factors related to that decline? full story

UMCOR presence is 'sign of hope' in Midwest floods

June 30, 2008    News media contact:   Marta  Aldrich * (615) 742-5133*  Nashville {271} United Methodist News Service NEW HARTFORD, Iowa — Marcia Young looked left, then right, at piles of household debris as her minivan crept down Main Street in this small farming community. "You can smell flood," said Young, disaster relief coordinator in Iowa for The United Methodist Church. She was referring to the smell of dirty water, even though the sun was shining on this day and the latest floodwaters had mostly drained away. Left behind were piles of musty-smelling Sheetrock, insulation, couches, refrigerators and sludge. Sandra Kennedy-Owes, with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, sat beside her in the passenger seat. As UMCOR's executive secretary for U.S. disaster response, Kennedy-Owes was getting a firsthand look at her agency's next big domestic project: helping the church's Iowa Annual (regional) Conference assist storm-weary residents. full story

‘Avoid, ignore’ no longer possible

July 11, 2008    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0880} NOTE: A headshot of Gay is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. An e-Review Commentary By David Gay Church member David Gay says he can no longer avoid or ignore the plight of the homeless in his community. That conviction has led to action — by him and his church. full story