September 2008 UMNS Archives

Little church feeds multitudes after Hurricane Ike
A small Texas church feeds hundreds of stranded people with a handful of volunteers, a modest pantry and a belief that they could.

Malaria captures attention of United Methodist leaders
Vanderbilt University scientists help United Methodist leaders confront a tiny killer of 2.7 million people a year.

United Methodists call for stewardship over greed
The church’s social action agency calls for regulating Wall Street, while its finance executives stick to a long-term outlook.

Church has place in new planned community
When he saw the billboard three years ago inviting people to become part of a new planned community in Middle Tennessee, the Rev. Jacob Alexander thought an important verb was missing.

Ike leaves behind damaged homes, lost memories
Vivian Paysse celebrated her 99th birthday a few days before Hurricane Ike scattered a lifetime of memories along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Church center hosts hearing on U.N. poverty goals
Women, children and human rights advocates testify on efforts to end poverty in their countries.

New Center for Health focuses on clergy, lay workers
Center will address growing health concerns among United Methodist clergy and lay workers by focusing on their holistic wellness.

Native American women hear call to be role models
United Methodist Native American women from more than 20 tribes gather to celebrate their heritage and listen to God's call on their lives.

Texas United Methodists need help to rebuild after Ike
Bishop Janice Riggle Huie asks for a Sept. 28 offering for hurricane recovery aid in Texas, Louisiana, Haiti and elsewhere.

Commentary: Who is visiting small churches today?
Large-membership churches aren't for everyone, reminds the Rev. Lewis A. Parks in a commentary about small congregations.

Drive-in worshipers opt for bucket seats over pews
On Sunday mornings, the Rev. Norman Markle turns the front steps of a Georgia church into a pulpit and a parking lot into a sanctuary.

Bishop James M. Ault was prominent church leader
Dead at age 90, the retired bishop is remembered as an educator, ecumenist and leader in The United Methodist Church.

Church finance leader dismisses two executives
Three weeks into his new job, the leader of the United Methodist finance agency announces staff changes.

Sidorak brings ecumenical expertise, justice concerns
The new top staff ecumenical officer for The United Methodist Church knows ecumenism from the pew up.

United Methodists organize for new ecumenical efforts
The church's ecumenical agency has new leadership at its helm, many new members on its board and an expanded agenda.

'It's like Katrina all over again,' survivors say of Ike
Three years later, Hurricane Ike destroys homes rebuilt after Rita.

Great Event challenges African-American churches
More than 500 black Methodists are urged to find their voice and power during a church growth and revitalization gathering.

United Methodist pension board focuses on
long term during down market
Pension leaders assure participants that their accounts are well-funded, despite investment losses of $1.5 billion during 2008.

Journals reveal more about Wesley than hymns
Scholars call Charles Wesley's newly transcribed journals a "page turner" that offers a deeper look into Methodism’s poet.

Children learn reading skills in homeless shelter
In Atlanta, a United Methodist-supported literacy program works with children in homeless shelters.

U.S. religious leaders urge moral hurricane response
Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders join together to call for a prompt and just recovery policy in the Gulf Coast.

Florida man works to start Hispanic prayer line
Leland McKeown wants Hispanics to have access to a prayer line similar to the church's existing English-language line.

United Methodist leaders tour hard-hit Texas areas
Church leaders assessing damage in hurricane-battered communities fear the worst is yet to be discovered.

Women’s commission provides better online access
A redesigned Web site launches for the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women.

African bishops issue renewed call against poverty
Poverty is a "scourge to human dignity" that "robs people of hope," say the church's top clergy leaders in Africa.

Hurricane Ike response begins in Texas, Louisiana
United Methodists assess damage from Hurricane Ike and respond to emergency needs along its wide trail of destruction.

Ministry builds, recycles cottages for elderly people
A United Methodist ministry in South Carolina partners to build and transport portable cottages for elderly people on fixed incomes.

Bishop rules request for SMU library decision 'moot'
A request for a decision of law on Southern Methodist University's lease for the Bush library is ruled "improper, moot and hypothetical."

Lack of license limits UMCOR response in Cuba
United Methodists express frustration over not being able to provide disaster relief to Cubans hit hard by the 2008 hurricane season.

Missionary shares story of his Palestinian mother
In a new book, the Rev. Alex Awad traces the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through its impact on his mother’s life.

College students meet million-meal challenge
Some 4,000 volunteers and tons of rice and soy are the ingredients for a record-breaking challenge to feed the world's hungry people.

UMCOR assists storm-ravaged people in Haiti
The United Methodist Committee on Relief responds to four catastrophic storms that tore through Haiti in less than a month.

Bishop sends messages of comfort during Gustav
Louisiana Bishop William W. Hutchinson stayed in touch with pastors and church members before, during and after the storm.

Commentary: Friends offer hospitality as storm rages
Despite damage to their home from Hurricane Gustav, a Louisiana family provided shelter and comfort to a UMNS team.

University sees positive signs, despite economy
Africa University remains resilient amid Zimbabwe’s woes, but school officials urge churches to pay apportionments early.

Africa University issues urgent plea for funding
Operating amid economic and political turmoil in Zimbabwe, the head of Africa University asks United Methodists for money and prayers.

Gustav leaves behind plenty of debris for cleanup
After touring southwest Louisiana, Bishop Hutchinson invites 'chainsaw gangs' to help remove trees so that power can be restored.

Pastors: Food, prayers needed for Gustav survivors
As parts of Louisiana face weeks without power, churches and food banks prepare to feed Gustav survivors already living in poverty.

Power outages hamper Gustav disaster response
United Methodist relief officials join church’s Louisiana staff in assessing damages and responding to needs.

Baton Rouge church houses Red Cross volunteers
Experienced Red Cross volunteers from across the United States know the "Broadmoor Hilton" is the place to stay in southern Louisiana.

Commentary: VIM builds mutual respect in U.S., Cuba
More important than the bricks and mortar left behind are the relationships forged across cultures, says a VIM team member.

Tennessee church opens doors to Gustav evacuees
One day after being designated a Red Cross shelter, a Nashville church shows radical hospital to evacuees from New Orleans.

Katrina’s lessons helped Louisiana: church leader
“We were prepared,” says the Rev. Don Cottrill, with the United Methodist Louisiana Conference.

United Methodists to assess hurricane’s impact
Staff with the United Methodist Committee on Relief is expected to be on the ground for assessments by Sept. 3.

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