October 2, 2014
Dear Reader,
For me, communion defines my relationship with God. It is that ultimate connection, through the body of Christ, that reminds me of Christ’s commitment to me and of mine to him.
On Sunday, October 5, churches around the globe will connect via World Communion Sunday. At that one time we stop to remind ourselves that we are connected through Christ; despite our differences, theologies, or dogmas; we are one in the breaking of the bread and drinking of the cup. |
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For United Methodists, is also an opportunity to share. This is one of the six special giving Sundays recognized by every United Methodist Church. Funds received through this offering support scholarships for ethnic students, graduate students across the globe and others. Learn more at UMCGiving.org/WCS or in your church’s bulletin this week.
Greg Nelson, Director of Communications
CONFERENCE NEWS
Camping leader
announces retirement
After 16 years serving camping in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, preceded by 21 years of parish and camping ministry in the Northeast, Rev. Lisa Jean Hoefner, Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries, has announced her retirement to the Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries.
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Hoefner will continue to serve through April of 2015. This will give the board time to conduct a national level search for a replacement, and allow for transition before the busy summer camping season.
On the website
New stories on the Oregon-Idaho Conference Website:
AROUND THE CONFERENCE
Employment opportunities
Church Administrator - Portland, Oregon: First United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon is seeking a church administrator, full-time, applications accepted through October 14.
Outreach and Children/Families Ministries – Salem, Oregon: Morningside United Methodist Church is seeking a Children and Families Ministry Coordinator, part-time, applications accepted through October 10.
Learn more about these and other opportunities at www.umoi.org/classifieds.
AROUND THE GLOBE
How World Communion Sunday makes a difference
DAKAR, Senegal (UMNS) — As a community developer, Adolpe Lumuna Kimanwa tackled problems like poverty, inequality and food security issues. With the support of a scholarship funded through donations to World Communion Sunday, the student from the Democratic Republic of Congo plans to complete a master's degree in economic policy and development management at the United Nations Africa Institute in Dakar. World Communion Sunday is Oct. 5. Read the rest of this story at UMCGiving.org.
Two conferences ponder merger
DENVER (UMNS) — Leaders of the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone Conferences received a task force recommendation this week to enter into a serious conversation about merging. Mountain Sky Area Bishop Elaine J. W. Stanovsky explains the process to consider a merger. The two conferences include about 400 churches. Read the statement from Bishop Stanovsky.
UMCOR, health boards respond to Ebola
NEW YORK (UMNS) - The United Methodist Committee for Relief is working with United Methodist health boards in West Africa to combat the spread of Ebola. The focus is on community education, health worker protection and psychosocial counseling. Read more on the UMCOR website.
Life-saving Ebola messages in 160 characters or less
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Amid the most horrific Ebola outbreak in history, The United Methodist Church is sending out hope and life-saving information to Africa twice daily - in 160 characters or less. Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service story.
Church agency heads meet with White House staff
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Top executives with United Methodist agencies met with White House staff for more than an hour to discuss how church resources can help improve the lives of children at risk, prevent sexual violence on campus and respond to global humanitarian concerns. The global concerns include the displacement of Christians in the Middle East.
Read the press release at umc.org.
Watch sexuality discussion live on November 1
CHICAGO (UMNS) — The Connectional Table's Human Sexuality Task Force plans to hold the second of three live stream events from 8 to 10 a.m. CT Saturday, Nov. 1. The panelists are members of the Council of Bishops who contributed to the book "Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church," as well as the publisher and president of United Methodist Publishing House. Read more and learn about participation.
