August 25, 2016

Dear Reader,

Love is the best of Christianity and in today's issue you can read a blog about a "Love Revolution," love as the way to understanding, and love in the midst of the Lousiana flood recovery.

See resources for World Communion Sunday and back to school social media too.

Sally Blanchard, Communications Assistant

CONFERENCE NEWS

What's love got to do with it?

Lowell Greathouse writes in is his new blog, " I love bargain book tables. There always seem to be treasures buried there. I found one of those treasures at the bargain book table at General Conference in May." An excerpt of the book Greathouse found reads, "Imagine what would happen if we united in spreading a Love Revolution, starting in the church and moving out to our communities and the entire world! With unconditional love as our primary motivation, we could change broken systems so that people all over the world will experience real love." Read more on the Conference website.

AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Take the HQ now and enjoy the benefits

Participants and spouses in the Conference health insurance program called HealthFlex can take the HealthQuotient online health assessment by September 30 and enjoy the benefits of

Savings - avoid paying extra deductible in 2017
Better well-being

It's quick, easy and confidential. Log in to www.wespath.org and click on "HealthFlex/WebMD" to get started. If you have questions, contact Human Resources Manager Lisa Pronovost at lisa@umoi.org.

AROUND THE GLOBE

Replacement toys ease pain of floods

BATON ROUGE, La. (UMNS) — The flood-related troubles besetting Louisiana have been relieved by acts of kindness and generosity. A member of First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge who is having to gut his flooded home had his spirits lifted when his young daughter got a replacement American Girl doll and his young son got a new set of Lego bricks. Read story and see photos on the Louisiana Conference website.

Bishops respond to gay colleague

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Even before Bishop Karen Oliveto takes office Sept. 1, her election as The United Methodist Church’s first openly gay bishop already has prompted reactions from her episcopal colleagues. Meanwhile, as a married lesbian, she is already facing complaints under church law. Read story on umc.org.

Seeking innovative evangelists

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — The Foundation for Evangelism invites clergy and laity to apply to be named 2016 Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church. The distinguished evangelist is invited to train and inspire others to share Christ. The deadline for applications is Thursday, Sept. 15. Read press release.

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

World Communion Sunday is October 2

Our church is at its best when we reach out to sisters and brothers in need. World Communion Sunday calls the church to reach out to all people and model diversity among God's children. United Methodists relate to World Communion Sunday by celebrating communion with other Christians around the world on this special Sunday. Churches are also encouraged to receive an offering to support ethnic undergraduate and graduate students. Our gifts often enable first-generation students to attend college.

Download a free eBook.
Download the World Communion Sunday pastor’s kit.

Order leaflet offering envelopes and posters to enhance your World Communion Sunday celebration at www.umcgiving.org/ss or call 888-346-3862.

Are your website and Facebook page ready for Back to School?

Is your church website up to date with your Fall worship times on the landing page? Is it welcoming to diverse families with school-aged children? How about your church Facebook page? United Methodist Communications has partnered with Church Butler to bring you free social media resources ready to use. Download the free social media kit and start posting!