e-Review archive
Global Connection
November 2006
 

Popular restaurant forms backdrop for church outreach

Nov. 2, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0566} An e-Review Feature By Nancy E. Johnson** BRADENTON — Sunday afternoons after church are usually reserved for naps and televised football games. But Harvest United Methodist Church in Bradenton came up with a unique way to keep its congregation interacting after the worship services ended. “We were going to do a car wash, but we wanted a more clever idea, something more creative,” said Jill Bayer, the church’s events and outreach team leader. full story

Bishops meet outside U.S., greet Mozambican president

Nov. 1, 2006      United Methodist News Service MAPUTO, Mozambique — When the United Methodist Council of Bishops opened its fall meeting Nov. 1 with a welcome service in the city of Maputo, the event marked the first time the council has met as a body outside the United States. Nearly 70 episcopal leaders of the United Methodist Church came to this sub-Saharan country to "demonstrate to the United Methodist Church and to all the world that we are a global church," said Bishop Janice R. Huie, president of the council. "We embody a global reality by being here." full story

Mozambican president welcomes bishops, receives resolution

Nov. 2, 2006      United Methodist News Service MAPUTO, Mozambique — In a special welcoming service for the United Methodist Council of Bishops, the president of Mozambique said the denomination's efforts in that country have greatly impacted the well-being of his people. Mozambican President Armando Guebuza told 75 bishops - who gathered Nov. 1 in Maputo for their first-ever council meeting outside the United States - that the church's commitment to social justice had created the conditions that helped Mozambique become an independent nation and begin to tackle its poverty. "This church has contributed to the rescue of our self-esteem," he said. The United Methodist Church helped Mozambicans "gain the awareness that colonization was not a fact of life," he added. full story

Evangelical coalition urges Darfur intervention

Nov. 3, 2006  United Methodist Reporter Only aggressive action by President George W. Bush can end the horror of genocide in Sudan's Darfur region, says Evangelicals for Darfur, a U.S. evangelical coalition that includes leading voices of both liberal and conservative movements. The group published an open letter Oct. 18 to Mr. Bush in full-page ads in major newspapers, including the New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today. Group leaders also held a press teleconference that same day. full story

REFLECTIONS: Christians called to vote as an expression of faith

Nov. 3, 2006  United Methodist Reporter Of course the Church should be engaged in politics! Christians and those who profess other beliefs should certainly be office holders as well as candidates for office. There should not be, however, a religious test for office. We are a democracy, not a theocracy. full story

Wage hike is 'economic, racial justice,' church leaders say

Nov. 3, 2006      United Methodist News Service Increasing the U.S. federal minimum wage is "a matter of economic and racial justice," according to a letter to Congress signed by 11 Christian leaders. The leaders, representing Churches Uniting in Christ and more than 25 million church members, included the Rev. Larry Pickens, chief executive, United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns. "The United Methodist Church and the Wesleyan movement have both served on the vanguard of workers' rights throughout history," Pickens told United Methodist News Service. "This is no exception. Meeting the needs of working families who seek to work with dignity is a function of a civilized society." full story

Judicial Council: Conferences may disagree with rulings

Nov. 6, 2006    United Methodist News Service CINCINNATI — The United Methodist Church's top court says the denomination's regional conferences may pass petitions that disagree with court decisions, as long as they do not mandate any violation of the Book of Discipline or ignore directives included in those decisions. Meeting here Oct. 25-28, the United Methodist Judicial Council considered several petitions that stemmed from a ruling it issued last fall, Decision 1032, which dealt with a Virginia pastor who denied membership to an openly gay man. The nine-member council ruled that a pastor has the right to determine who is ready for church membership. full story

African church needs more women in authority, bishops learn

Nov. 6, 2006      United Methodist News Service MAPUTO, Mozambique — The United Methodist Church in Africa needs to address the lack of women in positions of authority in both church and society, according to the head of the denomination's Africa University. Rukudzo Murapa, vice chancellor of Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, was one of many United Methodists from around Africa who provided leadership at the Council of Bishops' meeting Nov. 1-6 in Maputo. The bishops, who are the top clergy leaders of the 10 million-member church, met outside the territorial United States for the first time. Although it is encouraging that women hold district superintendent positions, "we yearn for the day when the first African woman will be consecrated bishop," Murapa said. After the applause subsided from the Council of Bishops, he said: "Women have provided decisive leadership in difficult times." full story

Orphans in Angola grow up 'in hands of church'

Nov. 8, 2006      United Methodist News Service MALANJE, Angola — Agnalda Miseria Mutale No Bento wants to be a doctor. The 18-year-old sees one up close every day at the United Methodist East Angola Annual (regional) Conference center next to the orphanage where she has lived since she was 12. Dr. Laurinda Quipungo is a good role model. The bishop's wife serves as the health coordinator for the conference, runs a clinic at the conference headquarters, works part-time in the Malanje Provincial Hospital and serves as public health coordinator for the province. She also personally cares for each of the 24 orphans living in the orphanage. Bento is one of the older children and helps orphanage director Rita Luis Simao Gregorio with the younger ones. Gregorio says the children are "growing up in the hands of the church." The oldest is 20 and the youngest is 3. full story

NBC documentary focuses on poverty, housing

Nov. 8, 2006      United Methodist News Service For a magnified example of how poverty, housing and a just society are intertwined, take a look at the Gulf Coast. That's exactly what United Methodist Bishop Melvin Talbert has done in his role as chairperson of the Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast for the National Council of Churches. Talbert is one of the religious and political leaders featured in "Building on Faith: Making Poverty Housing History." The documentary, from the National Council of Churches, will be shown on NBC-TV affiliate stations beginning Dec. 10. Shirley Struchen, a United Methodist who served as executive producer, is encouraging church members to contact their local NBC stations and ask them to schedule the documentary for broadcast on a specific date between Dec. 10 and June 10. full story

African churches have obsession for evangelism, scholar says

Nov. 9, 2006      United Methodist News Service MAPUTO, Mozambique — The success of evangelization of Africa is a "surprising phenomenon to the rest of Christendom," said Africa University's chairperson of evangelism. "The church in Africa has an obsession for the ministry of evangelism," said the Rev. John Wesley Kurewa, founding vice chancellor of Africa University and holder of the chair of evangelism. The United Methodist-related university, in Mutare, Zimbabwe, has about 1,300 students from 24 African countries. Addressing the United Methodist Council of Bishops Nov. 2, Kurewa highlighted the role that the missionaries and the early church in Africa played in evangelizing the continent. full story

Katrina appeal for local churches needs support, bishop says

Nov. 9, 2006 United Methodist News Service A first-anniversary fundraising appeal to help rebuild churches and congregations affected by Hurricane Katrina netted more than $2 million, with additional donations expected. But that is just a beginning for the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal, sponsored by the United Methodist Council of Bishops. Bishop William Oden of Dallas, who leads the council's task force on the Katrina appeal, pointed out that while Katrina was "the worst natural and man-made tragedy in the history of the United States," the hurricane also had the most disastrous impact ever on church property, facilities and programs. "Because there are over 40 churches totally destroyed or severely damaged, it's going to take up to a decade and maybe as much as $10 million to have mission and ministry along the Gulf Coast," Oden told United Methodist News Service. full story

Nelson Mandela, Gracia Machel speak to bishops

Nov. 9, 2006     United Methodist News Service MAPUTO, Mozambique — People should be recognized for the work they do and not for who they are or where they come from, Nelson Mandela told bishops of the United Methodist Church. Mandela, former president of South Africa and an international symbol of human rights, and his wife, former Mozambican education minister Gracia Machel, surprised the bishops with their appearance at dinner on Sunday, Nov. 5. Machel is also the widow of Mozambican President Samora Machel, who died in a 1986 airplane crash. Both Mandela and Machel have deep Methodist roots. Mandela was educated in a Methodist school in South Africa. Machel is United Methodist and attended a Methodist school in Mozambique. full story

United Methodist phone cards bringing light to soldiers

Nov. 10, 2006     United Methodist News Service The only phone card Sgt. 1st Class John Brian Gregory can use that is not blocked by the Afghanistan government is the one featuring the United Methodist Church's Cross and Flame. Gregory is "way out in the boonies" at Camp Salerno in Khost, Afghanistan, and he tells his wife Nina that the only way he can afford to call home is with a little plastic card sent to him by United Methodists in the United States. "Just to hear his voice every few weeks makes all the difference in the world," says Nina. The Gregory's two children, Tia, 15, and Nick, 12, get to hear straight from their dad that he is okay and that's "pretty cool," according to Nina. Since Veteran's Day 2003, United Methodists have donated more than 9 million minutes of free phone calls to service men and women working in harm's way in war zones around the world. full story

Cottage industry rejuvenating lives

Nov. 15, 2006     United Methodist News Service A new cottage industry is recycling tires and rejuvenating lives at Cookson Hills Center in Oklahoma. Recycle Rebound adds to the growing number of small-business projects at the United Methodist mission south of Tahlequah, Okla. These projects generate jobs and income for people who are economically at risk. Denise Rowell is one person who has found new purpose through the new business. Her faith witness is a powerful one, and she willingly tells her story. full story

The people of The United Methodist Church join launch of global malaria campaign

Nov. 16, 2006     United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — The people of The United Methodist Church are participating in the official kickoff of a malaria-prevention campaign that plays on the image of balls flying into nets to encourage donations for malaria nets for African families. United Methodist Bishop Thomas Bickerton of the denomination's Western Pennsylvania area said one of the campaign's most appealing aspects is that fact that "anyone, anywhere" can forge this lifesaving link with children in Africa. "It all fits in to the whole issue of eradicating poverty," added Bickerton, who also serves as president of United Methodist Communications. "A million people are dying of malaria every year, 75 percent of them children." The campaign asks for a $10 contribution. The first $7 purchases and distributes the nets, which can cover up to four family members as they sleep. The last $3 pays for community workers to educate families on how to use the insecticide-treated bed nets. full story

Bishops issue 'call to action'

Nov. 17, 2006    United Methodist Reporter MAPUTO, Mozambique — The United Methodist Council of Bishops' new Call to Action would provide a common language and focus that will help United Methodists understand God's call as well their own mission and role as disciples of Jesus Christ. It provides "compelling and clear language that will propel the people of the United Methodist Church to action," said Bishop Bruce Ough (West Ohio Area), spokesman for the Council of Bishops' Plan Team, as he presented the proposal Nov. 3 during the council's fall meeting. The Call to Action charges bishops to lead in four areas that will engage United Methodists in becoming effective disciples: to live the United Methodist Way, start new churches, reach and care for children, and stamp out the "killer diseases" of poverty -- malaria and HIV/AIDS. full story

AFRICAN PROFESSOR: Environmental crisis threatens both present, future in Africa

Nov. 17, 2006   United Methodist Reporter African bishops have identified poverty as Africa's biggest threat. The causes are multifaceted, but I will single out the continent's environmental crisis as a major contributing factor. Africa faces a serious environmental crisis that threatens present and future generations. The crisis has long-term implications that may even be greater than the scourge of HIV/AIDS. Those who suffer the most are the poor. full story

Katrina Aid Today doubles assistance to families

Nov. 17, 2006 United Methodist News Service WASHINGTON — Case managers for Katrina Aid Today assisted nearly 28,800 families — roughly 75,000 people — by the end of October and continue to open about 1,000 new cases each week. According to a recent fourth quarter report from Katrina Aid Today, affiliates working on long-term recovery with survivors of Hurricane Katrina virtually doubled the number of families helped since its last report in July. full story

Africa University develops e-learning plans, officials say

Nov. 13, 2006 United Methodist News Service MAPUTO, Mozambique — Africa University is on an e-learning threshold to become the pan-African institution it was created to be, school officials told United Methodist bishops. Throughout the United Methodist Council of Bishops' Nov. 1-6 meeting, information technologists from Africa University provided a glimpse of how distance education would work to reach and provide learning opportunities to areas of the continent. full story

UMW continues to press for chlorine-free paper

Nov. 14, 2006 United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Despite occasional setbacks, members of United Methodist Women are continuing to press companies to use and stock chlorine-free paper. For the past year and a half, for example, UMW has used a letter-writing campaign to urge Office Depot, Office Max and Corporate Express to sell and use processed chlorine-free paper. Now, "after several hundred letters," Office Depot has agreed to carry PCF paper, according to Sung-ok Lee, an executive with the Women's Division, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. The division is the parent organization of United Methodist Women. Lee and other UMW representatives met with Office Depot on Jan. 31 in Delray Beach, Fla. full story

Children learn seriousness of famine, plight of hungry children

Nov. 21, 2006     United Methodist News Service MIDLOTHIAN, Va. — In less than two hours, members of Woodlake United Methodist Church packaged enough meals to feed more than 8,000 hungry children. Ten-year-old Megan Herceg was among more than 40 fourth- and fifth-graders who learned about the seriousness of world famine while packaging food for the non-profit organization, Stop Hunger Now. She said she never realized how many people died from hunger. full story

AIDS camp offers hugs, acceptance

Nov. 21, 2006     United Methodist News Service JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — When those infected with HIV/AIDS first started coming to this camp in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, they were preparing to die. But as medical advances have extended their lives, the focus of the United Methodist retreat has changed to helping them learn to live. full story

Suburban churchgoers rethink spiritual values

Nov. 24, 2006 United Methodist Reporter It was the book's title, "Death by Suburb," that caught the Rev. Debbie Fisher's eye. As pastor of a suburban church, she knew exactly what author David Goetz was talking about: an exhausting, gotta-have-it-all lifestyle that kills the spirit. full story

Q&A: Seeing hope for mainline Christianity

Nov. 24, 2006 United Methodist Reporter After years of decline in mainline Protestantism, it may be tempting to wave a white flag and concede the future to America's evangelical megachurches. Not so fast, says Diana Butler Bass, author of "Christianity for the Rest of Us." full story

New model of ministry highlights Connectional Table meeting

Nov. 29, 2006 Southeastern Jurisdiction Communications Lake Junaluska, N.C. — A new model of ministry for the Southeastern Jurisdiction was the highlight of the SEJ Connectional Table meeting at Lake Junaluska during the November 17-19 weekend. The Organizational Task Group presented a report to the Connectional   Table calling for several changes in the current ministry of the Jurisdiction based on recommendations made in the 2004 Jurisdictional Conference. full story

AIDS takes high toll among African-American women

Nov. 30, 2006 United Methodist News Service Men "on the down low" are turning marriage into a risk factor for contracting HIV/AIDS. The term "on the down low" refers to men who are having sex with other men but keeping it a secret, often from their wives or girlfriends, said Jane Pernotto Ehrman, a national health consultant for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. The practice is especially high among African-American men because it is "absolutely not OK to be homosexual" in the black culture, she added. The secret is killing African-American women at an alarming rate. Statistics show AIDS is ranked among the top three causes of death for African-American women ages 35-44. full story

Report cites positive signs amid rising HIV/AIDS statistics

Nov. 30, 2006      United Methodist News Service Programs to prevent HIV/AIDS get better results when they target the people most at risk and make adaptations as the course of the epidemic changes. That's one of the conclusions from the 2006 AIDS Epidemic Update, published by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS and the World Health Organization. full story

Event helps young people sort out God's plan

Nov. 30, 2006 United Methodist News Service JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Participants attending an event to discern God's call for their lives said the experience affirmed that God was calling them to ordained ministry, while others came away with more questions. Some students simply enjoyed the chance to get answers to nuts-and-bolts questions, such as how to balance seminary with family life. The participants attended the Nov. 17-19 EXPLORATION 2006 to sort out God's plan for their lives. full story