News - June 2011

Pastor helps Haitian children cope with grief
A United Methodist pastor uses art therapy to help Haitian children deal with their loss from the 2010 earthquake. Young pastors prepare for season of change
As their first year of ministry ends, young clergy look to the future – and some look toward a new church home. Rural churches a unique start for young clergy
Many first-time clergy learn the ropes at small rural churches, but those churches often feel they lose their pastors too soon. World refugee count at 15-year high
Church agency, refugee programs look for more local congregations to assist with U.S. resettlement. 160 join Alabama immigration law discussion
First of four planned gatherings in North Alabama Conference takes up specifics of law and how to respond. Church creates its own social network
Private social network allows pastor and congregation to connect more than just one hour on Sunday. Church once more faces homosexuality divide
General Conference 2012 to take up debate as DeLong case split verdict and penalty highlight church struggle. N. Alabama organizes immigration discussions
Bishop Willimon calls the law an “embarrassment to state” that “does not represent spirit of hospitality of our churches.” Agency looking for a few (million) good men
Mission projects and ‘male bonding’ may be better ways to bring men to church than Bible study or contemporary worship. Faith UMC waits for Minot flood to recede
Congregation has prayer service on front steps before water flooded building; no rebuilding expected. Few clergy lose credentials in public cases
Overview of actions taken in six public cases of United Methodist clergy accused of violations of discipline or church law. Lesbian elder’s penalty takes different path
20-day suspension, process to ‘restore the broken clergy convenant’ a departure from penalities of past 20 years. N.D. floodwaters overwhelm Faith Church
Church members help others evacuate as predictions for water levels go 10 feet higher than expected. Church copes with storms, racial allegations
In the aftermath of two devastating tornadoes, accusations of racial prejudice damage an Alabama church even more. U.N. to look at rights of older persons
Convention needed to highlight discrimination against growing elderly population, United Methodist says. Phil Campbell changed Phil Campbells
Shared name brought them together but disaster bonded them in life-changing effort to rebuild. United Methodists help evacuate Minot
Local congregation braces to lose food pantry when river overflows. Do u txt @ church?
A Missouri church engages its members through technology – even during the sermon. Hospices meet people needs with pet care
Pet Peace of Mind cares for pets and finds foster homes for them while their owners are in hospice. Trial of lesbian elder gets under way
The Rev. Amy DeLong expresses no regrets although she faces the possibility of defrocking.