General Conference petitions lost through e-mail
By United Methodist News Service*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - General Conference petitions sent via e-mail before noon on July 27 need to be resubmitted due to technical problems, according to officials with the 2008 General Conference.
The petitions were not delivered because of problems with the e-mail address petitions@umpublishing.org.
Petitions submitted by U.S. mail to the petitions secretary, as well as petitions submitted through the General Conference Web site, are not affected, however.
"I have been assured that the e-mail address is now functioning properly, and I regret the inconvenience that this situation has caused," said the Rev. Fitzgerald Reist, secretary of General Conference.
For future submission, anyone who does not receive an acknowledgement of the receipt of a petition within three weeks should contact the office of the Rev. Gary Graves, petitions secretary, at (270) 274-4590.
Oct. 26 is the deadline for organizations, clergy members and lay members of The United Methodist Church to submit a petition to the denomination's top legislative body. The worldwide United Methodist gathering will be April 23 to May 2 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Detailed instructions for submitting petitions are available online.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Methodists offer prayers in slaying of family
By Jackie Campbell*
GROVE CITY, Pa. (UMNS) - Mourners offered prayers and posted messages of condolence for the Rev. Richard and Marybelle Hawke at a prayer wall set up at the United Methodist Western Pennsylvania Conference's Cooperative School of Christian Mission.
The couple's daughter, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, 48, and two granddaughters, Hayley, 17, and Michaela, 11, were murdered June 23 in a home invasion in Cheshire, Conn. Her husband, William Petit, an endocrinologist, was beaten and hospitalized.
Hawke served as the first male clergy dean of the conference's school of mission and as a district superintendent in Pittsburgh.
Private funeral services were scheduled for July 27 at Cheshire United Methodist Church, where the Petits were active members. A community memorial service was scheduled for July 28 at Welte Auditorium on the campus of Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.
The Cheshire church welcomed the community for prayer and fellowship in the days following the high-profile tragedy. A grief counselor was available.
"We all need to understand the only way that we are going to even begin to cope is by our faith and our reliance upon God and one another," the Rev. Stephen Volpe told news reporters.
"That's exactly what the entire Petit family exampled, modeled and witnessed to."
Hawke said he believes "God is crying with us."
In the Western Pennsylvania Conference, prayer and memorial services were scheduled for July 27 at Stone United Methodist Church in Meadville, where Hawke served 10 years before retiring, and for July 29 at First United Methodist Church in Greenville, where Jennifer grew up and attended high school.
Two parolees - one the son of a prominent Connecticut family - are being held on bond of $15 million each in the deaths. The men were charged July 26 with six counts of capital felony murder, and prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty.
Police say two men entered the Cheshire home about 3 a.m. and held the family hostage about six hours. The intruders took Jennifer to a bank, where she withdrew money from the family's account and passed a note to the teller that she was being held hostage. Bank officials alerted police.
When authorities arrived, the house was on fire. Inside they found, Jennifer, Hayley and Michaela. Jennifer had been strangled and the girls died from smoke inhalation. Police apprehended the two suspects in a vehicle as they were fleeing the neighborhood.
The Hawkes are retired and spend summers in the Slippery Rock, Pa., area, where they attend Slippery Rock United Methodist Church. The church's pastor, the Rev. Pam Gardner, served as clergy dean of the school of mission where the prayer wall was set up.
Gardner went to the Hawke home after learning of the tragedy. Speaking during a special time of prayer and lament at the mission school, she said that while the Hawkes are devastated, their faith remains strong and they bear no malice toward the men who committed the crimes.
*Campbell is communications staff writer for the Western Pa. Conference.
By Jackie Campbell*
GROVE CITY, Pa. (UMNS) - Mourners offered prayers and posted messages of condolence for the Rev. Richard and Marybelle Hawke at a prayer wall set up at the United Methodist Western Pennsylvania Conference's Cooperative School of Christian Mission.
The couple's daughter, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, 48, and two granddaughters, Hayley, 17, and Michaela, 11, were murdered June 23 in a home invasion in Cheshire, Conn. Her husband, William Petit, an endocrinologist, was beaten and hospitalized.
Hawke served as the first male clergy dean of the conference's school of mission and as a district superintendent in Pittsburgh.
Private funeral services were scheduled for July 27 at Cheshire United Methodist Church, where the Petits were active members. A community memorial service was scheduled for July 28 at Welte Auditorium on the campus of Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.
The Cheshire church welcomed the community for prayer and fellowship in the days following the high-profile tragedy. A grief counselor was available.
"We all need to understand the only way that we are going to even begin to cope is by our faith and our reliance upon God and one another," the Rev. Stephen Volpe told news reporters.
"That's exactly what the entire Petit family exampled, modeled and witnessed to."
Hawke said he believes "God is crying with us."
In the Western Pennsylvania Conference, prayer and memorial services were scheduled for July 27 at Stone United Methodist Church in Meadville, where Hawke served 10 years before retiring, and for July 29 at First United Methodist Church in Greenville, where Jennifer grew up and attended high school.
Two parolees - one the son of a prominent Connecticut family - are being held on bond of $15 million each in the deaths. The men were charged July 26 with six counts of capital felony murder, and prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty.
Police say two men entered the Cheshire home about 3 a.m. and held the family hostage about six hours. The intruders took Jennifer to a bank, where she withdrew money from the family's account and passed a note to the teller that she was being held hostage. Bank officials alerted police.
When authorities arrived, the house was on fire. Inside they found, Jennifer, Hayley and Michaela. Jennifer had been strangled and the girls died from smoke inhalation. Police apprehended the two suspects in a vehicle as they were fleeing the neighborhood.
The Hawkes are retired and spend summers in the Slippery Rock, Pa., area, where they attend Slippery Rock United Methodist Church. The church's pastor, the Rev. Pam Gardner, served as clergy dean of the school of mission where the prayer wall was set up.
Gardner went to the Hawke home after learning of the tragedy. Speaking during a special time of prayer and lament at the mission school, she said that while the Hawkes are devastated, their faith remains strong and they bear no malice toward the men who committed the crimes.
*Campbell is communications staff writer for the Western Pa. Conference.
Publishing House faces 'hard budget realities'
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Soaring costs and a projected 2 percent decline in annual sales has forced the United Methodist Publishing House to lay off 3 percent of its workforce and make other cost-saving changes.
Thirty of the agency's 1,000 employees were laid off in July and approximately 20 vacant staff positions will not be filled, according to Neil Alexander, publisher and CEO of the Publishing House.
The 2 percent sales decline follows a multiyear trend, but the effects are compounded by a rapid rate of increase in expenses, he said.
"We have deep compassion and concern for the well-being of the affected staff persons, and the layoffs come only after many other cost-saving measures have been instituted," he said. "All eligible staff receives multiple weeks of severance pay based on guidelines that take into account years of service and age, plus extended free health care coverage, and outplacement counseling and support."
Significantly higher costs for employee pensions are among factors cited. Pension expenses will be $700,000 more than projected due to an error made by the outside actuary who estimates the company's future liabilities, Alexander said.
"In calculating fiscal year 2007 expense, the firm made an outright error in adding up costs, leaving out an important factor in the calculations," he said. "It is as confounding and as simple as that. They didn't add up all the numbers in all the columns. This meant that costs were greater in FY07 than planned, and a similar increase in costs must now be projected for FY08."
Alexander stressed that the corrections have not changed the actual cost of the pension plan over the next years.
"The United Methodist Publishing House has more than ample total assets on its balance sheet to provide for our pension liabilities," he said.
Rising costs, stagnant revenues
Other factors cited by Alexander are higher costs for manufacturing products and health care and rising occupancy costs for its Nashville headquarters and distribution center and its 70 Cokesbury bookstores.
The Publishing House is self-supporting and receives no money from the general funds of The United Methodist Church. All operations are financed from revenue earned each year through publishing and retailing activities.
"Ventures such as the 'Live B.I.G.' children's Sunday school curriculum, the stewardship program 'Treasures of the Transformed Life,' The New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, new youth resources, strong vacation Bible school offerings, etc., have made notable contributions to our sales results, but not enough to offset declines in some core existing products," Alexander said.
Alexander said the agency is working to control product and operating costs, but the overall cost of producing resources is tracking upward as a percentage of annual revenue.
"Still the hard reality is that the FY08 budget has no significant new revenue increases," he said.
"Our mandate is to publish and distribute quality Christian resources our customers will choose, use and value for their ministries. We will continue to pursue our charge vigorously while being good stewards of the church's resources. God leads and the church encourages so that we will have the courage and imagination required for the journey forward."
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Soaring costs and a projected 2 percent decline in annual sales has forced the United Methodist Publishing House to lay off 3 percent of its workforce and make other cost-saving changes.
Thirty of the agency's 1,000 employees were laid off in July and approximately 20 vacant staff positions will not be filled, according to Neil Alexander, publisher and CEO of the Publishing House.
The 2 percent sales decline follows a multiyear trend, but the effects are compounded by a rapid rate of increase in expenses, he said.
"We have deep compassion and concern for the well-being of the affected staff persons, and the layoffs come only after many other cost-saving measures have been instituted," he said. "All eligible staff receives multiple weeks of severance pay based on guidelines that take into account years of service and age, plus extended free health care coverage, and outplacement counseling and support."
Significantly higher costs for employee pensions are among factors cited. Pension expenses will be $700,000 more than projected due to an error made by the outside actuary who estimates the company's future liabilities, Alexander said.
"In calculating fiscal year 2007 expense, the firm made an outright error in adding up costs, leaving out an important factor in the calculations," he said. "It is as confounding and as simple as that. They didn't add up all the numbers in all the columns. This meant that costs were greater in FY07 than planned, and a similar increase in costs must now be projected for FY08."
Alexander stressed that the corrections have not changed the actual cost of the pension plan over the next years.
"The United Methodist Publishing House has more than ample total assets on its balance sheet to provide for our pension liabilities," he said.
Rising costs, stagnant revenues
Other factors cited by Alexander are higher costs for manufacturing products and health care and rising occupancy costs for its Nashville headquarters and distribution center and its 70 Cokesbury bookstores.
The Publishing House is self-supporting and receives no money from the general funds of The United Methodist Church. All operations are financed from revenue earned each year through publishing and retailing activities.
"Ventures such as the 'Live B.I.G.' children's Sunday school curriculum, the stewardship program 'Treasures of the Transformed Life,' The New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, new youth resources, strong vacation Bible school offerings, etc., have made notable contributions to our sales results, but not enough to offset declines in some core existing products," Alexander said.
Alexander said the agency is working to control product and operating costs, but the overall cost of producing resources is tracking upward as a percentage of annual revenue.
"Still the hard reality is that the FY08 budget has no significant new revenue increases," he said.
"Our mandate is to publish and distribute quality Christian resources our customers will choose, use and value for their ministries. We will continue to pursue our charge vigorously while being good stewards of the church's resources. God leads and the church encourages so that we will have the courage and imagination required for the journey forward."
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Youth trace the walk of the Greensboro Four
By Linda Green*
United Methodist youth and leaders gather outside the former Woolworth's in Greensboro, N.C., where four African-American college students led sit-in protests in 1960 at the "whites only" lunch counter. The youth retraced the students' one-mile walk to the downtown store as part of Youth 2007. UMNS photos by Mike DuBose.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (UMNS) - United Methodist youth learned about making a difference in the lives of others by walking in the footsteps of four African-American college students whose actions in 1960 helped fuel a movement across the South.
Participants in Youth 2007 traced the path of the Greensboro Four - four male freshmen at North Carolina A&T State University who protested against racial injustice by organizing a sit-in at the "whites only" lunch counter of Woolworth's Department Store on Feb. 1, 1960. While African Americans could shop at the store and use a standup lunch counter, they were not allowed to sit and be served lunch.
Youth 2007 is the largest youth gathering of The United Methodist Church and is held once every four years. About 6,200 young people attended this year's July 11-15 event, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
Greensboro provided the backdrop for many of the Youth 2007 participants to learn about the civil rights movement and the courage of the Greensboro Four.
Groups were bused from the Greensboro Coliseum, which served as the headquarters of Youth 2007, to the campus of North Carolina A&T State University to take a one-mile trek to Woolworth's. Standing in front of "February One," a 10-foot bronze statue memorializing the Greensboro Four on campus, they heard a history lesson about the four young people who "stepped out on faith" to make a difference.
"The American civil rights movement was a pilgrimage," said tour leader Ciona Rouse.
Civil disobedience
The four students were also inspired to action by Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African-American boy from Chicago who had been killed in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a white woman.
Till's mother insisted that her son's casket be open at his funeral so that people could view his battered and bloated body. Photographs taken by Jet magazine of Till's unrecognizable face shocked America and led people to take action.
After hatching their plan in a dormitory room of the all-black university, the four students - David Richmond, Franklin McClain, Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan) and Joseph McNeil - put on their best clothes and walked to the downtown Woolworth's. They made small purchases and kept their receipts to show they were indeed customers, then sat at the lunch counter and were denied service. Police were unable to arrest them without provocation and the store closed early.
The protests occurred for nearly six months and the young men continued to walk across the railroad tracks into town, where the sit-ins extended to the Kress 5 & 10 lunch counter a half-block away. As their mission gained attention, they were joined by other students from their school and other area colleges, drawing increasing opposition and taunts from whites. On July 26, 1960, Woolworth's officially integrated its lunch counter.
The sit-ins became a hallmark of the peaceful strategy of the civil rights movement. Coverage by local and national news organizations helped to galvanize sit-in protests in 54 other cities across the United States, eventually leading to the integration of parks, swimming pools, theaters and libraries. It also contributed to calls for equality in housing, health care and education.
More than tourists
Youth participants said they were not merely being tourists as they walked through downtown Greensboro to Woolworth's.
They stopped at various intervals to "notice God and celebrate" and to pay attention to the steps they were taking. They were invited to think about how God can call young people to step out in faith "to demand justice and equality" when the outcome is unclear.
"Pilgrims pray with their feet. We are constantly on a journey, seeking God along the way and seeking those holy moments," said Rouse, an author for the Upper Room, a division of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. She joined Upper Room staff members to unveil the "Way of Pilgrimage," new experiential spiritual formation curriculum for senior high youth and college freshmen from the Upper Room Ministries.
"We can really make a difference if we think about God guiding our steps," said Rouse, adding that injustice is also part of life today.
"As pilgrims today, we are looking at the story of God working in the lives of the Greensboro civil rights movement," Rouse said. "… It is an amazing story. … We are people of story. The biblical story narrates our lives and the course of history narrates our lives in different ways as well."
The journey led to railroad tracks that once segregated the city. Standing in a narrow passageway beneath the track running above the city, the youth were asked to think about the tracks of their own lives - things that separate and divide. The trek also included a stop at the entrance of the Greensboro News & Record, site of the former Greensboro Daily Record newspaper that covered the sit-ins.
At the former Woolworth's, which is now an international civil rights museum, the museum director allowed some youth to sit on the lunch stools. The lunch counter itself is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. "We thought about today and how we can serve and be served," Rouse said.
Outside the Woolworth's, a series of footprints on a sidewalk plaque retraces the steps of the Greensboro Four. Youths were asked to place their feet on the prints and meditate on what they could do to make the world better for others.
The pilgrimages ended at the Center City Park, where each group debriefed and individuals were encouraged to express themselves. Responses ranged from amazement at what the four students accomplished to personal empowerment about their own potential for inspiring change.
"We are connected to the biblical stories and to one another," said one youth in a large debriefing circle. Another said the pilgrimage allowed her to "see things from a different lens."
Joyce DeToni-Hill of Sterling, Colo., was on the tour with her family. "I was born when these guys did this," she said. "It is interesting how an era can mark you."
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
By Linda Green*
United Methodist youth and leaders gather outside the former Woolworth's in Greensboro, N.C., where four African-American college students led sit-in protests in 1960 at the "whites only" lunch counter. The youth retraced the students' one-mile walk to the downtown store as part of Youth 2007. UMNS photos by Mike DuBose.GREENSBORO, N.C. (UMNS) - United Methodist youth learned about making a difference in the lives of others by walking in the footsteps of four African-American college students whose actions in 1960 helped fuel a movement across the South.
Participants in Youth 2007 traced the path of the Greensboro Four - four male freshmen at North Carolina A&T State University who protested against racial injustice by organizing a sit-in at the "whites only" lunch counter of Woolworth's Department Store on Feb. 1, 1960. While African Americans could shop at the store and use a standup lunch counter, they were not allowed to sit and be served lunch.
Youth 2007 is the largest youth gathering of The United Methodist Church and is held once every four years. About 6,200 young people attended this year's July 11-15 event, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
Greensboro provided the backdrop for many of the Youth 2007 participants to learn about the civil rights movement and the courage of the Greensboro Four.
Groups were bused from the Greensboro Coliseum, which served as the headquarters of Youth 2007, to the campus of North Carolina A&T State University to take a one-mile trek to Woolworth's. Standing in front of "February One," a 10-foot bronze statue memorializing the Greensboro Four on campus, they heard a history lesson about the four young people who "stepped out on faith" to make a difference.
"The American civil rights movement was a pilgrimage," said tour leader Ciona Rouse.
Civil disobedience
The four students were also inspired to action by Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African-American boy from Chicago who had been killed in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a white woman.
Till's mother insisted that her son's casket be open at his funeral so that people could view his battered and bloated body. Photographs taken by Jet magazine of Till's unrecognizable face shocked America and led people to take action.
After hatching their plan in a dormitory room of the all-black university, the four students - David Richmond, Franklin McClain, Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan) and Joseph McNeil - put on their best clothes and walked to the downtown Woolworth's. They made small purchases and kept their receipts to show they were indeed customers, then sat at the lunch counter and were denied service. Police were unable to arrest them without provocation and the store closed early.
The protests occurred for nearly six months and the young men continued to walk across the railroad tracks into town, where the sit-ins extended to the Kress 5 & 10 lunch counter a half-block away. As their mission gained attention, they were joined by other students from their school and other area colleges, drawing increasing opposition and taunts from whites. On July 26, 1960, Woolworth's officially integrated its lunch counter.
The sit-ins became a hallmark of the peaceful strategy of the civil rights movement. Coverage by local and national news organizations helped to galvanize sit-in protests in 54 other cities across the United States, eventually leading to the integration of parks, swimming pools, theaters and libraries. It also contributed to calls for equality in housing, health care and education.
More than tourists
Youth participants said they were not merely being tourists as they walked through downtown Greensboro to Woolworth's.
They stopped at various intervals to "notice God and celebrate" and to pay attention to the steps they were taking. They were invited to think about how God can call young people to step out in faith "to demand justice and equality" when the outcome is unclear.
"Pilgrims pray with their feet. We are constantly on a journey, seeking God along the way and seeking those holy moments," said Rouse, an author for the Upper Room, a division of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. She joined Upper Room staff members to unveil the "Way of Pilgrimage," new experiential spiritual formation curriculum for senior high youth and college freshmen from the Upper Room Ministries.
"We can really make a difference if we think about God guiding our steps," said Rouse, adding that injustice is also part of life today.
"As pilgrims today, we are looking at the story of God working in the lives of the Greensboro civil rights movement," Rouse said. "… It is an amazing story. … We are people of story. The biblical story narrates our lives and the course of history narrates our lives in different ways as well."
The journey led to railroad tracks that once segregated the city. Standing in a narrow passageway beneath the track running above the city, the youth were asked to think about the tracks of their own lives - things that separate and divide. The trek also included a stop at the entrance of the Greensboro News & Record, site of the former Greensboro Daily Record newspaper that covered the sit-ins.
At the former Woolworth's, which is now an international civil rights museum, the museum director allowed some youth to sit on the lunch stools. The lunch counter itself is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. "We thought about today and how we can serve and be served," Rouse said.
Outside the Woolworth's, a series of footprints on a sidewalk plaque retraces the steps of the Greensboro Four. Youths were asked to place their feet on the prints and meditate on what they could do to make the world better for others.
The pilgrimages ended at the Center City Park, where each group debriefed and individuals were encouraged to express themselves. Responses ranged from amazement at what the four students accomplished to personal empowerment about their own potential for inspiring change.
"We are connected to the biblical stories and to one another," said one youth in a large debriefing circle. Another said the pilgrimage allowed her to "see things from a different lens."
Joyce DeToni-Hill of Sterling, Colo., was on the tour with her family. "I was born when these guys did this," she said. "It is interesting how an era can mark you."
*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
British Methodists call climate change a moral issue
By Kathleen LaCamera*
By Kathleen LaCamera*
July 16, 2007 -- BLACKPOOL, England (UMNS)
A desert now exists where a river once flowed near Samburu, Kenya. British Methodists passed a resolution related to climate change and its impact on developing nations. A UMNS photo by Samantha Tuck, Methodist Relief and Development Fund.
British Methodists are urging congregations, communities and the government to do more than pay lip service to the threat posed by global warming - especially to the world's poorest people.
During their July 7-12 annual conference, representatives of the British Methodist Church voted to monitor and reduce carbon emissions at every level of the church's life, encouraged businesses to disclose carbon usage and urged the British government to join binding international agreements on carbon reduction.
Introducing the resolution to conference delegates, Anthea Cox, the denomination's coordinating secretary for public life and social justice, said this issue requires "deep reflection" in every Methodist congregation.
"We are hearing from partner churches about the increasing injustice that climate change inflicts on the poorest nations," she said.
Experiencing the impact
In Northern Kenya, where the British Methodist Relief and Development Fund works through local partners on agricultural development projects, workers on the ground bear witness to havoc caused by severe changes in weather.
"The major effects of climate change in the area have been in the form of unprecedented changes in weather conditions in terms of rainfall patterns and occurrence of drought," program manager Thomas Leskesike reported.
Prolonged lack of water means animals that provide economic security for local people die from hunger or thirst.
An ocean away in El Salvador, another partner says that a longer than normal rainy season can mean destruction of local maize crops. Local environmental damage and deforestation make matters worse as top soil washes away with the heavy rains. Here, the Methodist Relief and Development Fund helps farmers adapt to a changing climate by growing a variety of crops that better withstand unpredictable weather.
The church's relief and development experts acknowledge that floods, droughts and extreme weather always have been a challenge for farmers. However, global warming, they say, makes these events more frequent and more severe.
"The world's biggest market failure is climate change," Bala Gnanapragasam told the conference. A global communications specialist and Methodist layman, Gnanapragasam observed that the United Kingdom has 10 times as many carbon emissions as El Salvador and 100 times as many as Africa.
"Climate change is the single most important threat to development. We are culpable. We need to bear the cost of dealing with this mess."
'Help us'
The Rev. Laisiasa Ratabacaca, representative from the Fiji Islands, brought this clear message to the British Methodist Conference: "Please, come help us. … At the moment, people are drowning in the tiny islands of the South Pacific."
Britain itself has felt the full force of extreme weather in recent weeks when high winds and unprecedented rainfall caused severe flooding in central England. Eight people died in the flooding, including a Methodist lay preacher and 14-year-old boy. Thousands have had to abandon homes and businesses. Estimates for repairs and reconstruction are already in the billions of dollars.
“We are hearing from partner churches about the increasing injustice that climate change inflicts on the poorest nations.”–Anthea Cox
A number of Methodist churches in these communities sustained damage as well, but local ministers say their congregations are shaken by the shock and a sense of vulnerability about what may happen in the future.
The leading Anglican Bishop, the Rt. Rev. James Jones, spoke about the link between recent floods and global warming. "When people lose their lives, others, their homes and livelihoods, it is important pastorally to say that their disaster is definitely not a judgment of God on them," he said.
"God has created a world of cause and effect. If we change the climate through profligate use of carbon, it is we who bring upon ourselves and others the consequences of reaping what we sow," Jones said in a statement posted on the Archdiocese of Liverpool Web site.
Beyond lip service
"You do not have to guess about the reality of climate change," said United Methodist Bishop William Oden, ecumenical officer for the denomination's Council of Bishops and a representative to the British Methodist Conference.
Oden is chairman of the council's task force on the (Hurricane) Katrina Church Recovery Appeal and believes that while it is important for churches to talk about climate change, words are not enough. "Methodists can take leadership and action on climate change around the world," he told United Methodist News Service.
Jenny Laster, a United Methodist representative from the West Ohio Conference, applauded the British Methodist Church's move to highlight those who are most affected by climate change.
"Poor people have always had a Hurricane Katrina," she said.
"In our quest for comfort and convenience, we have created a system that makes it difficult for others. We Methodists have to walk the talk. We can't go to church one to a car when we can carpool. Do we really need all the lights on at church? Do we really need the air conditioner on? There are things we can do."
The Rev. Sheryl Anderson, a London-based minister, closed the conference debate by calling on people to see climate change as more than just an environmental issue.
"It is a moral issue," said Anderson. "It is worse than unjust; it is a sin. We have to make right the wrong, to become righteous. We have to act collectively, working with the worldwide Methodist people, especially those in the U.S., to combat global warming. And we have to do it now."
*LaCamera is a UMNS correspondent based in England.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wesley Theological Seminary Announces Upcoming
Doctor of Ministry Programs
“Campus Ministries” and “Wesley and the Poor” add specific concentrations for ministry settings
WASHINGTON, DC (WTS) – Wesley Theological Seminary announces the approaching application deadline of October 1 for two unique Doctor of Ministry tracks beginning in Washington, DC in January 2008 – “Campus Ministries” and “Wesley and the Poor.”
“Campus Ministries” is designed for those called to ministry on a college or university campus. Unique challenges are named and studied such as working in the shadow of secular science, witnessing in a pluralistic environment, meeting the respective needs of traditional and non-traditional students, connecting with local congregations, and establishing long-term financial support for ministry. Through high-energy seminars and innovative projects, faculty and participants will discover solutions and create best practices for campus ministry in coming decades.
Recent nationwide surveys show that nine in ten Americans want churches to be more active in ministry to and with the poor, and eight in ten want churches to be more active in giving poor people a voice in public affairs and addressing the roots of poverty. “Wesley and the Poor” addresses that call by helping church leaders stand in the heritage of John Wesley with renewed vision and tools for leading the church in ministry to and with the poor.
Other upcoming Doctor of Ministry tracks at Wesley include “Life Together: Spirituality for Transforming Community” and “Making Disciples: Theological Foundations and Best Practices” beginning in May 2008 and “Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling” and “Arts and Theology” beginning January 2009.
“The Doctor of Ministry program is a natural continuing education step for dedicated clergy who want to pursue focused study,” said Dr. Lew Parks, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. “Beyond earning the degree, Doctor of Ministry graduates function as resource persons for the local and regional church.”
Applications are being accepted through October 1, 2007. Details are available at WesleySeminary.edu, and program questions can be directed to Dr. Lew Parks at LParks@WesleySeminary.edu or (202) 885-6481. For application materials and information, contact the Office of Admissions at Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016. Admissions may be reached by phone at (202) 885-8659 or (800) 882-4987 or by email: admissions@WesleySeminary.edu.
Doctor of Ministry Programs
“Campus Ministries” and “Wesley and the Poor” add specific concentrations for ministry settings
WASHINGTON, DC (WTS) – Wesley Theological Seminary announces the approaching application deadline of October 1 for two unique Doctor of Ministry tracks beginning in Washington, DC in January 2008 – “Campus Ministries” and “Wesley and the Poor.”
“Campus Ministries” is designed for those called to ministry on a college or university campus. Unique challenges are named and studied such as working in the shadow of secular science, witnessing in a pluralistic environment, meeting the respective needs of traditional and non-traditional students, connecting with local congregations, and establishing long-term financial support for ministry. Through high-energy seminars and innovative projects, faculty and participants will discover solutions and create best practices for campus ministry in coming decades.
Recent nationwide surveys show that nine in ten Americans want churches to be more active in ministry to and with the poor, and eight in ten want churches to be more active in giving poor people a voice in public affairs and addressing the roots of poverty. “Wesley and the Poor” addresses that call by helping church leaders stand in the heritage of John Wesley with renewed vision and tools for leading the church in ministry to and with the poor.
Other upcoming Doctor of Ministry tracks at Wesley include “Life Together: Spirituality for Transforming Community” and “Making Disciples: Theological Foundations and Best Practices” beginning in May 2008 and “Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling” and “Arts and Theology” beginning January 2009.
“The Doctor of Ministry program is a natural continuing education step for dedicated clergy who want to pursue focused study,” said Dr. Lew Parks, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. “Beyond earning the degree, Doctor of Ministry graduates function as resource persons for the local and regional church.”
Applications are being accepted through October 1, 2007. Details are available at WesleySeminary.edu, and program questions can be directed to Dr. Lew Parks at LParks@WesleySeminary.edu or (202) 885-6481. For application materials and information, contact the Office of Admissions at Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016. Admissions may be reached by phone at (202) 885-8659 or (800) 882-4987 or by email: admissions@WesleySeminary.edu.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Love and Justice Ministries Alert:
Protests Against Smithfield Packing for abuse of workers, Saturday, July 14th, Two Different Locations
Smithfield Packing in Tar Heel, North Carolina is the largest pork slaughterhouse in the world. Approximately 5500 workers kill and disassemble 32,000 hogs per day in this facility. The workers at this plant are enduring unbearable working conditions. Workers suffer crippling injuries due to excessive line speeds and inadequate training. Injury rates have gone up 200% in the last three years.
Additionally, various rulings from the US Court of Appeals and the National Labor Relations Board found in different cases that the company assaulted, used racial epithets against, intimidated, harassed, and threatened its workers with violence. Human Rights Watch has published two reports documenting dangerous conditions and countless abuses that workers at Smithfield suffer daily.
Immigrant workers at Smithfield Packing have suffered greatly. In the past, Smithfield has been found guilty of using intimidation and threats of calling immigration officials. Recently, U.S. Immigration officials arrested 21 workers inside the Smithfield plant in Tar Heel, N.C. on administrative immigration charges. This happened after Smithfield voluntarily joined the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers program (IMAGE) in July of 2006. . Following the arrests, hundreds of workers walked off the job.
Strangers No Longer is supporting the Nashville chapter of Interfaith Worker Justice in the struggle for the rights of workers at the Smithfield pork production plant in Tarheel, NC. We have taken interest in this issue not only because it affects immigrant workers, but because as people of faith, we should stand in solidarity with ALL workers especially if they face unsafe conditions, extremely low pay, intimidation, racism, or sexism.
If you or members of your congregations would like to take action on behalf of immigrants and workers rights, there are several opportunities in the coming weeks here in Nashville.
On Saturday, July 14, there will be a rally at two local grocery stores to demand the removal of Smithfield products from their shelves....at 11:00 AM at the H.G. Hills on 615 Gallatin and at 1:00 PM at the Publix on 4670 Lebanon Pike in Hermitage. On Saturday, August 4, there will be a rally at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to protest cooking show host Paula Deen's promotion of Smithfield products.
See http://www.smithfieldjustice.com/ for more information.
For more information, please contact Jason Sikma at jason.l.sikma@vanderbilt.edu orKate Mason at (202)286-9626 or kmason@ufcw.org.
Thank you.
Steven Miles
Strangers No Longer
faithandimmigration@yahoo.com
Protests Against Smithfield Packing for abuse of workers, Saturday, July 14th, Two Different Locations
Smithfield Packing in Tar Heel, North Carolina is the largest pork slaughterhouse in the world. Approximately 5500 workers kill and disassemble 32,000 hogs per day in this facility. The workers at this plant are enduring unbearable working conditions. Workers suffer crippling injuries due to excessive line speeds and inadequate training. Injury rates have gone up 200% in the last three years.Additionally, various rulings from the US Court of Appeals and the National Labor Relations Board found in different cases that the company assaulted, used racial epithets against, intimidated, harassed, and threatened its workers with violence. Human Rights Watch has published two reports documenting dangerous conditions and countless abuses that workers at Smithfield suffer daily.
Immigrant workers at Smithfield Packing have suffered greatly. In the past, Smithfield has been found guilty of using intimidation and threats of calling immigration officials. Recently, U.S. Immigration officials arrested 21 workers inside the Smithfield plant in Tar Heel, N.C. on administrative immigration charges. This happened after Smithfield voluntarily joined the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers program (IMAGE) in July of 2006. . Following the arrests, hundreds of workers walked off the job.
Strangers No Longer is supporting the Nashville chapter of Interfaith Worker Justice in the struggle for the rights of workers at the Smithfield pork production plant in Tarheel, NC. We have taken interest in this issue not only because it affects immigrant workers, but because as people of faith, we should stand in solidarity with ALL workers especially if they face unsafe conditions, extremely low pay, intimidation, racism, or sexism.
If you or members of your congregations would like to take action on behalf of immigrants and workers rights, there are several opportunities in the coming weeks here in Nashville.
On Saturday, July 14, there will be a rally at two local grocery stores to demand the removal of Smithfield products from their shelves....at 11:00 AM at the H.G. Hills on 615 Gallatin and at 1:00 PM at the Publix on 4670 Lebanon Pike in Hermitage. On Saturday, August 4, there will be a rally at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to protest cooking show host Paula Deen's promotion of Smithfield products.
See http://www.smithfieldjustice.com/ for more information.
For more information, please contact Jason Sikma at jason.l.sikma@vanderbilt.edu orKate Mason at (202)286-9626 or kmason@ufcw.org.
Thank you.
Steven Miles
Strangers No Longer
faithandimmigration@yahoo.com
Monday, July 09, 2007
Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, August 23-December 6, 2007, Thursdays, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Sessions will be held in the Charles Bass Correctioanl Complex, Annex
Facilitators: Glenda Lingo, Parents in Prison, 292-3795; howlin@comcast.net
Janet Wolf, American Baptist College, 687-6901, jlwolf@comcast.net
Course Description: This course will create a unique partnership between prisoners, prison officials, college students, local congregations and community groups. We will explore a sociological analysis of the criminal justice system and its impact on our communities, particularly the African American community. We will examine issues around crime and justice, corrections and imprisonment, restorative justice, harm reduction, victimization, parole, probation and reentry. We seek to create an environment that will facilitate the honest exchange of ideas through dialogue between people on the inside and outside, and to develop an experiential setting for learning from and listening to each other in order to more effectively define reentry support. This is our 6th semester.
Course objectives: The student will be able to:
*Analyze and evaluate the criminal justice system, from the inside out
*Define restorative justice and explore alternatives to our current system
*Identify barriers to reentry/transition and possibilities for overcoming these barriers
*Evaluate the effectiveness of current prisoner reentry/transition programs
*Work as team to develop a congregational model for effective prisoner reentry support
Required Textbooks: may purchase from facilitators or buy them on your own
Currie, Elliott. Crime and Punishment in America. New York: Henry Holt, 1998.
Zehr, Howard. The Little Book of Restorative Justice. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2002.
Requirements: An open mind and willingness to learn, grow and be challenged
Regular attendance in each class, arriving on time and actively participating
On time completion of class assignments for reading and reflection papers
Completion of several surveys at the beginning and end of the course
Work on group project designing reentry support teams
Tentative class schedule: no class on November 22
August 23: Orientation at American Baptist College, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
August 30: What Are Prisons For? [All classes are at the Annex starting on 30th]
September 6: Why Do People Commit Crime?
September 13: Analysis of the Criminal Justice System
September 20: Myths and Realities of Prison Life
September 27: Punishment and Rehabilitation
October 4: Victims and Victimization
October 11: Restorative Justice vs. Retributive Justice
October 18: Restorative Justice: Creating Alternatives
October 25: Redefining ReEntry
November 1: Redefining Prison Ministry from the Inside Out
November 8,15,29: Developing congregational models
December 6: Graduation
Sessions will be held in the Charles Bass Correctioanl Complex, Annex
Facilitators: Glenda Lingo, Parents in Prison, 292-3795; howlin@comcast.net
Janet Wolf, American Baptist College, 687-6901, jlwolf@comcast.net
Course Description: This course will create a unique partnership between prisoners, prison officials, college students, local congregations and community groups. We will explore a sociological analysis of the criminal justice system and its impact on our communities, particularly the African American community. We will examine issues around crime and justice, corrections and imprisonment, restorative justice, harm reduction, victimization, parole, probation and reentry. We seek to create an environment that will facilitate the honest exchange of ideas through dialogue between people on the inside and outside, and to develop an experiential setting for learning from and listening to each other in order to more effectively define reentry support. This is our 6th semester.
Course objectives: The student will be able to:
*Analyze and evaluate the criminal justice system, from the inside out
*Define restorative justice and explore alternatives to our current system
*Identify barriers to reentry/transition and possibilities for overcoming these barriers
*Evaluate the effectiveness of current prisoner reentry/transition programs
*Work as team to develop a congregational model for effective prisoner reentry support
Required Textbooks: may purchase from facilitators or buy them on your own
Currie, Elliott. Crime and Punishment in America. New York: Henry Holt, 1998.
Zehr, Howard. The Little Book of Restorative Justice. Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2002.
Requirements: An open mind and willingness to learn, grow and be challenged
Regular attendance in each class, arriving on time and actively participating
On time completion of class assignments for reading and reflection papers
Completion of several surveys at the beginning and end of the course
Work on group project designing reentry support teams
Tentative class schedule: no class on November 22
August 23: Orientation at American Baptist College, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
August 30: What Are Prisons For? [All classes are at the Annex starting on 30th]
September 6: Why Do People Commit Crime?
September 13: Analysis of the Criminal Justice System
September 20: Myths and Realities of Prison Life
September 27: Punishment and Rehabilitation
October 4: Victims and Victimization
October 11: Restorative Justice vs. Retributive Justice
October 18: Restorative Justice: Creating Alternatives
October 25: Redefining ReEntry
November 1: Redefining Prison Ministry from the Inside Out
November 8,15,29: Developing congregational models
December 6: Graduation
Friday, July 06, 2007
Meeting aims to move churches from mercy to justice
Craftsman and Afghan refugee Hameed Jafri displays his wares at the 2006 Fair Trade Market at Manchester (Mo.) United Methodist Church. Bazaar founder Kellee Sikes will lead a workshop on fair trade at the Board of Church and Society's "Living Faith Seeking Justice" conference in November. A UMNS photo courtesy of William Brinkhorst.
In second grade, Kellee Sikes met an Ethiopian boy whose brother had been killed and eaten by a lion.
The attack happened as his family fled the African country in hopes of a better life.
"Having him stand up and seeing the tears roll down his face is a memory I will never let go of even if I could," said Sikes.
That friendship sparked a desire in Sikes to seek social justice. By age 27, she had traveled to 29 countries.
Kellee Sikes
A UMNS Report
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
Craftsman and Afghan refugee Hameed Jafri displays his wares at the 2006 Fair Trade Market at Manchester (Mo.) United Methodist Church. Bazaar founder Kellee Sikes will lead a workshop on fair trade at the Board of Church and Society's "Living Faith Seeking Justice" conference in November. A UMNS photo courtesy of William Brinkhorst.In second grade, Kellee Sikes met an Ethiopian boy whose brother had been killed and eaten by a lion.
The attack happened as his family fled the African country in hopes of a better life.
"Having him stand up and seeing the tears roll down his face is a memory I will never let go of even if I could," said Sikes.
That friendship sparked a desire in Sikes to seek social justice. By age 27, she had traveled to 29 countries.
Kellee Sikes"I got to meet and see a nice portion of the world, and I was exposed to a lot of different cultures and religions and ideas and ways of thinking that just really spurred on this need to figure out a way to love the world," she said.
Now a member of Manchester (Mo.) United Methodist Church, Sikes will be a workshop leader for "Living Faith, Seeking Justice," a Nov. 1-4 conference in Fort Worth, Texas, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the denomination's social action agency.
The event features speakers, workshops, exhibits and activities designed to teach and preach the United Methodist Social Principles. It aims to train and equip individuals and churches to live out justice that transforms the world in the ways of Jesus Christ.
"Equipping congregations to move from mercy to justice will be the focus of the conference," said Jim Winkler, top executive of the board. "We want to hold a different type of event rather than a legislative briefing in order to lift up justice ministries in local churches and annual conferences with the expectation this can provide support and encouragement to others."
From mercy to justice
Winkler points to Manchester United Methodist Church's Fair Trade Market as how one church can move from mercy to justice.
Under Sikes' leadership, the Missouri church started the market that takes place each November. Last year, the event raised $75,000 and drew an attendance of approximately 4,000 people from the community.
"I’m very grateful to that congregation and its leadership because it really gave me quite an opportunity to be able marry my social justice passions and volunteer work to the corporate work I do," said Sikes, who own her own consulting business.
"I believe fair trade really does quantify a lot of our Christian beliefs in a consumerism capacity that makes sense. There is a way for an American to have a comfortable life without it having to be at the expense of someone else."
Another example cited by Winkler is the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz, Calif., which is constructing an eco-friendly church building to reflect good stewardship of the earth. Among other things, the design includes solar panels rather than a tile roof and a parking lot that absorbs water rather than sending runoff into storm drains.
The church is among the first United Methodist churches in the United States to "go green" from the ground up. Construction on the $8 million project is scheduled to begin in August and is targeted for completion by the end of 2008.
The Rev. Hilde Marie Øgreid, a pastor in Norway, wants European United Methodists in particular to participate in the conference. "When justice is threatened anywhere in the world, it is the responsibility of the whole of our global church to do something about it," said Øgreid, a member of the conference design team.
"In Europe, we are a minority church. We are used to explaining what a Methodist is, and we might feel that our impact on society is very small. To spend a few days then with 1,000 Methodists from other parts of the world is inspiring, encouraging and awakening. We can and we do make a difference!" Øgreid said.
Sharing solutions
Conference workshops will be grouped into five categories: health and wholeness, gender justice, peace with justice, economic and environmental justice, and civil and human rights.
"Conference participants can expect the workshops to be experiential and interactive, giving them an opportunity not only to hear what the workshop leader has to say but also to share their own experiences and to hear from others," said event coordinator Wanda Holcolme.
Organizers aim for every part of the conference to follow the collective call to faith and justice.
For example, the conference bags have been made by the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, and the meals will be healthy and built around using sustainable, renewable resources.
The event will include a "cityscape" showcasing art that reflects justice, and site visits to several ministries that illustrate a commitment to justice.
"Violence abounds from the Middle East to the campus of Virginia Tech," said Winkler. "How do congregations participate in helping to provide an alternative—a vision of a just and peaceful society—and then act together to carry out that vision? That’s what this conference will give people a chance to do. Everyone who gathers in Fort Worth will have an opportunity to hear, learn and discuss solutions."
Speakers include United Methodist ministers, activists and others working to bring justice to their communities, countries and the world:
.Shane Claiborne, a founding member of The Simple Way, a community in inner-city Philadelphia that has helped birth and connect radical faith communities around the world;
.The Rev. Emmanuel Cleaver, senior pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Mo., and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives;
.The Rev. Adam Hamilton, minister at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., who believes the church must serve as a conscience to the community and state;
.The Rev. Chebon Kernell, a pastor and member of the Oklahoma Missionary Conference, which was instrumental in organizing "Rock the Native Vote";
.The Rev. Pamela Lightsey, dean of students at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill., and a recipient of the Denman Award for evangelism;
.Mercy Amba Oduyoye, an African theologian, feminist and activist who works to ensure that women's voices and concerns are heard in African society;
.Harold Recinos, professor of church and society at the Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, who has written widely on the church's call to engage the world;
.Elizabeth Tapia, director of the Drew Center for Christianities in Global Context at the Drew University School of Theology, Madison, N.J., and an ordained elder of the Bulacan Philippines Annual Conference;
.The Rev. Janet Wolf, director of public policy and community organizing for a national interfaith coalition working to challenge U.S. drug policy with a focus on restorative justice, harm reduction and alternatives to incarceration; and
.The Rev. Michael Yoshii, a clergyman and activist who works for justice in Alameda, Calif.
To learn more or to register, visit www.umc-gbcs.org/livingfaith.
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Now a member of Manchester (Mo.) United Methodist Church, Sikes will be a workshop leader for "Living Faith, Seeking Justice," a Nov. 1-4 conference in Fort Worth, Texas, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the denomination's social action agency.
The event features speakers, workshops, exhibits and activities designed to teach and preach the United Methodist Social Principles. It aims to train and equip individuals and churches to live out justice that transforms the world in the ways of Jesus Christ.
"Equipping congregations to move from mercy to justice will be the focus of the conference," said Jim Winkler, top executive of the board. "We want to hold a different type of event rather than a legislative briefing in order to lift up justice ministries in local churches and annual conferences with the expectation this can provide support and encouragement to others."
From mercy to justice
Winkler points to Manchester United Methodist Church's Fair Trade Market as how one church can move from mercy to justice.
Under Sikes' leadership, the Missouri church started the market that takes place each November. Last year, the event raised $75,000 and drew an attendance of approximately 4,000 people from the community.
"I’m very grateful to that congregation and its leadership because it really gave me quite an opportunity to be able marry my social justice passions and volunteer work to the corporate work I do," said Sikes, who own her own consulting business.
"I believe fair trade really does quantify a lot of our Christian beliefs in a consumerism capacity that makes sense. There is a way for an American to have a comfortable life without it having to be at the expense of someone else."
Another example cited by Winkler is the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz, Calif., which is constructing an eco-friendly church building to reflect good stewardship of the earth. Among other things, the design includes solar panels rather than a tile roof and a parking lot that absorbs water rather than sending runoff into storm drains.
The church is among the first United Methodist churches in the United States to "go green" from the ground up. Construction on the $8 million project is scheduled to begin in August and is targeted for completion by the end of 2008.
The Rev. Hilde Marie Øgreid, a pastor in Norway, wants European United Methodists in particular to participate in the conference. "When justice is threatened anywhere in the world, it is the responsibility of the whole of our global church to do something about it," said Øgreid, a member of the conference design team.
"In Europe, we are a minority church. We are used to explaining what a Methodist is, and we might feel that our impact on society is very small. To spend a few days then with 1,000 Methodists from other parts of the world is inspiring, encouraging and awakening. We can and we do make a difference!" Øgreid said.
Sharing solutions
Conference workshops will be grouped into five categories: health and wholeness, gender justice, peace with justice, economic and environmental justice, and civil and human rights.
"Conference participants can expect the workshops to be experiential and interactive, giving them an opportunity not only to hear what the workshop leader has to say but also to share their own experiences and to hear from others," said event coordinator Wanda Holcolme.
Organizers aim for every part of the conference to follow the collective call to faith and justice.
For example, the conference bags have been made by the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, and the meals will be healthy and built around using sustainable, renewable resources.
The event will include a "cityscape" showcasing art that reflects justice, and site visits to several ministries that illustrate a commitment to justice.
"Violence abounds from the Middle East to the campus of Virginia Tech," said Winkler. "How do congregations participate in helping to provide an alternative—a vision of a just and peaceful society—and then act together to carry out that vision? That’s what this conference will give people a chance to do. Everyone who gathers in Fort Worth will have an opportunity to hear, learn and discuss solutions."
Speakers include United Methodist ministers, activists and others working to bring justice to their communities, countries and the world:
.Shane Claiborne, a founding member of The Simple Way, a community in inner-city Philadelphia that has helped birth and connect radical faith communities around the world;
.The Rev. Emmanuel Cleaver, senior pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Mo., and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives;
.The Rev. Adam Hamilton, minister at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., who believes the church must serve as a conscience to the community and state;
.The Rev. Chebon Kernell, a pastor and member of the Oklahoma Missionary Conference, which was instrumental in organizing "Rock the Native Vote";
.The Rev. Pamela Lightsey, dean of students at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill., and a recipient of the Denman Award for evangelism;
.Mercy Amba Oduyoye, an African theologian, feminist and activist who works to ensure that women's voices and concerns are heard in African society;
.Harold Recinos, professor of church and society at the Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, who has written widely on the church's call to engage the world;
.Elizabeth Tapia, director of the Drew Center for Christianities in Global Context at the Drew University School of Theology, Madison, N.J., and an ordained elder of the Bulacan Philippines Annual Conference;
.The Rev. Janet Wolf, director of public policy and community organizing for a national interfaith coalition working to challenge U.S. drug policy with a focus on restorative justice, harm reduction and alternatives to incarceration; and
.The Rev. Michael Yoshii, a clergyman and activist who works for justice in Alameda, Calif.
To learn more or to register, visit www.umc-gbcs.org/livingfaith.
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Agency funds racial-ethnic projects and ministries
By United Methodist News Service
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)-A United Methodist agency has awarded $120,590 to 15 projects and organizations serving racial-ethnic groups.
The governing members of the Board of Discipleship approved funding for United Methodist-sponsored projects ranging from a 20-hour marriage enrichment workshop to a camp that helps African-American students in personal growth, spiritual formation and cultural enrichment.
"These ministries and projects funded by the Racial Ethnic Local Church Concern Committee directly contribute to the United Methodist Board of Discipleship's mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ," said Sungnam Choi, director of the committee and director of board's Korean, Asian-American and Pacific Island Ministries. The recipients and grants were announced during the board's March meeting.
"These grant awards help local United Methodist congregations fulfill their goals and serve the local community," Choi said.
Projects receiving funding for one year are:
.Emerging Leaders Training of the Korean United Methodist Church in Swanee, Ga., a pilot project of the Leadership Committee of the National Association of Korean United Methodist Churches, $20,000 to train lay leaders during one national and five jurisdictional training events;
.Developing and Inspiring Virtue in the African-American Sisterhood, a ministry of Anderson United Methodist Church, Jackson, Miss., $15,000 to support a comprehensive mentoring program to meet some of the spiritual and academic needs of 12- to 14-year-old girls;
.Confirmation Celebration, a collaboration between New Hope, Smith Chapel and Suwannee Parish United Methodist churches in the Atlanta-Emory District of the North Georgia Annual Conference, $12,000 to support three African-American youth to attend the Nov. 2-4 "New Creation" confirmation event at Lake Junaluska, N.C.;
.His Dream, Our Dream-2007, a Korean Leadership Conference, Pasadena, Calif., $12,000 to support a May 25-28, 2007, event at Holliston United Methodist Church to train lay leaders and pastors;
.The High Plains Initiative on American Indian Ministries, Laurel, Mont., $10,000 to support a Sept. 27-29 event at Tree of Life American Indian Ministry to provide learning experiences for Native American leaders in the high plains area and to help them and non-natives develop relationships and acceptance;
.Marriage Enrichment Workshops, Park Avenue United Methodist Church, Minneapolis, Minn., $10,000 to support a series of two- to three-day marriage retreats for Hispanic/Latino couples;
.Youth Harambee, an annual program of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Black Methodists for Church Renewal, $10,000 to support an African-American youth conference that enables youth and their adult counselors to explore what it means to work together in Christian love;
.Ministry for Korean-American Young Adults in the Greater Boston Area, a program of Saint John's United Methodist Church, Lexington, Mass., $9,000 to help fund a project to teach participants to respect and value Korean roots, internalize American values and value their identity as Korean American Christians;
.In Spirit Outreach, a project of Norfolk (Va.) United Methodist Church, $5,000 to support a Commonwealth of Virginia and Second-Chance Program of Norfolk to prepare Virginia inmates to reenter their communities upon release;
.Being Traditional Indian and Christian, a program of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency for Native American Ministries, Lake Junaluska, N.C., $5,000 to conduct a summer 2007 conference for Native American clergy, laity and young adults from 23 churches in the jurisdiction;
.Atlanta Lay Academy, Newnan, Ga., $5,000 for Association of Atlanta Korean United Methodist Churches to equip and train laity and clergy in four weekend events;
.Spiritual Formation Woven by Cultural Tradition, a ministry of the Tennessee Conference Office of Connectional Ministries, $2,500 to support an area camp that will enable individuals and families to affirm Native American traditions and cultures;
.A program of Faith United Methodist Church, Mooresville, N.C., $2,090 for a July 23-Aug. 3 academic, artistic and creative camp for African-American students;
.Asbury-Mt. Olive United Methodist Church Performing Arts Ministry of Topeka, Kan., $2,000 to support the performing arts ministry of African-American and Hispanic families;
.Leading with Hospitality, Trust and Courage, a program of the National Association of Korean-American Clergywomen, $1,000 to support an Aug. 13-16 program to explore the emotional, relational and political dynamics between men and women and to build solidarity with other ethnic clergywomen.
Priority for grants is given to new programs or pilot projects that focus on developing and strengthening the ethnic local church for witness and mission. Projects must focus on one or more of the essential services provided by the program areas of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, such as Christian education, family ministries, stewardship, evangelism, spiritual formation, laity ministries or worship. The projects must involve ethnic/minority church members in the planning, leadership and decision making.
The board provides grants up to $20,000 twice a year. Funds are not provided for personnel and equipment. All grants are awarded on a one-year basis, and project funding proposals are due July 1 and Nov. 1. For more information, contact Sungnam Choi at schoi@gbod.org or call (877) 899-2780, ext. 7050.
By United Methodist News Service
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)-A United Methodist agency has awarded $120,590 to 15 projects and organizations serving racial-ethnic groups.
The governing members of the Board of Discipleship approved funding for United Methodist-sponsored projects ranging from a 20-hour marriage enrichment workshop to a camp that helps African-American students in personal growth, spiritual formation and cultural enrichment.
"These ministries and projects funded by the Racial Ethnic Local Church Concern Committee directly contribute to the United Methodist Board of Discipleship's mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ," said Sungnam Choi, director of the committee and director of board's Korean, Asian-American and Pacific Island Ministries. The recipients and grants were announced during the board's March meeting.
"These grant awards help local United Methodist congregations fulfill their goals and serve the local community," Choi said.
Projects receiving funding for one year are:
.Emerging Leaders Training of the Korean United Methodist Church in Swanee, Ga., a pilot project of the Leadership Committee of the National Association of Korean United Methodist Churches, $20,000 to train lay leaders during one national and five jurisdictional training events;
.Developing and Inspiring Virtue in the African-American Sisterhood, a ministry of Anderson United Methodist Church, Jackson, Miss., $15,000 to support a comprehensive mentoring program to meet some of the spiritual and academic needs of 12- to 14-year-old girls;
.Confirmation Celebration, a collaboration between New Hope, Smith Chapel and Suwannee Parish United Methodist churches in the Atlanta-Emory District of the North Georgia Annual Conference, $12,000 to support three African-American youth to attend the Nov. 2-4 "New Creation" confirmation event at Lake Junaluska, N.C.;
.His Dream, Our Dream-2007, a Korean Leadership Conference, Pasadena, Calif., $12,000 to support a May 25-28, 2007, event at Holliston United Methodist Church to train lay leaders and pastors;
.The High Plains Initiative on American Indian Ministries, Laurel, Mont., $10,000 to support a Sept. 27-29 event at Tree of Life American Indian Ministry to provide learning experiences for Native American leaders in the high plains area and to help them and non-natives develop relationships and acceptance;
.Marriage Enrichment Workshops, Park Avenue United Methodist Church, Minneapolis, Minn., $10,000 to support a series of two- to three-day marriage retreats for Hispanic/Latino couples;
.Youth Harambee, an annual program of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Black Methodists for Church Renewal, $10,000 to support an African-American youth conference that enables youth and their adult counselors to explore what it means to work together in Christian love;
.Ministry for Korean-American Young Adults in the Greater Boston Area, a program of Saint John's United Methodist Church, Lexington, Mass., $9,000 to help fund a project to teach participants to respect and value Korean roots, internalize American values and value their identity as Korean American Christians;
.In Spirit Outreach, a project of Norfolk (Va.) United Methodist Church, $5,000 to support a Commonwealth of Virginia and Second-Chance Program of Norfolk to prepare Virginia inmates to reenter their communities upon release;
.Being Traditional Indian and Christian, a program of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency for Native American Ministries, Lake Junaluska, N.C., $5,000 to conduct a summer 2007 conference for Native American clergy, laity and young adults from 23 churches in the jurisdiction;
.Atlanta Lay Academy, Newnan, Ga., $5,000 for Association of Atlanta Korean United Methodist Churches to equip and train laity and clergy in four weekend events;
.Spiritual Formation Woven by Cultural Tradition, a ministry of the Tennessee Conference Office of Connectional Ministries, $2,500 to support an area camp that will enable individuals and families to affirm Native American traditions and cultures;
.A program of Faith United Methodist Church, Mooresville, N.C., $2,090 for a July 23-Aug. 3 academic, artistic and creative camp for African-American students;
.Asbury-Mt. Olive United Methodist Church Performing Arts Ministry of Topeka, Kan., $2,000 to support the performing arts ministry of African-American and Hispanic families;
.Leading with Hospitality, Trust and Courage, a program of the National Association of Korean-American Clergywomen, $1,000 to support an Aug. 13-16 program to explore the emotional, relational and political dynamics between men and women and to build solidarity with other ethnic clergywomen.
Priority for grants is given to new programs or pilot projects that focus on developing and strengthening the ethnic local church for witness and mission. Projects must focus on one or more of the essential services provided by the program areas of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, such as Christian education, family ministries, stewardship, evangelism, spiritual formation, laity ministries or worship. The projects must involve ethnic/minority church members in the planning, leadership and decision making.
The board provides grants up to $20,000 twice a year. Funds are not provided for personnel and equipment. All grants are awarded on a one-year basis, and project funding proposals are due July 1 and Nov. 1. For more information, contact Sungnam Choi at schoi@gbod.org or call (877) 899-2780, ext. 7050.
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