Helping others helps
Bishop Ward explores the fishes and loaves story from the text, Matthew 14: 13-21, and what the gifts of missions can mean to the local church and the world in this week’s Connections.
International Day of Peace – Sept. 21
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on Sept. 21. The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the General Assembly Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace, the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace is the “Right of Peoples to Peace.” This anniversary offers a unique opportunity to reaffirm the United Nations commitment to the purposes and principles upon which the Organization was founded, particularly that the promotion of peace is vital for the full enjoyment of all human rights.
The United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. For more information, go to UN Day of Peace.
UMF to hold Ways to Means workshop
Pastors, local church financial or stewardship committee members, a Ways to Means workshop will be held at the United Methodist Building on Thursday, Aug. 21. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., this event will offer participants the opportunity to attend two breakout sessions chosen from the following: 1) Year-Round Stewardship; 2) Capital Campaigns; 3) Endowment Development/ Planned Giving; and 4) Fund Management, Doing Good While Doing Well. Sponsored by the UM Foundation, the cost is $10 per person, with a maximum cost of $30 per church for three or more participants. For more Information, go to info. To register, go to register.
Join the conversation about events in the Middle East
Join Bishop Hope and the General Secretaries of the General Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of Church and Society at Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio Aug 7-9, as they and others explore the events in the Middle East, and our response as United Methodists and Christians. For United Methodists concerned about Israel and Palestine, and especially during the recent happenings and crises, this conference is an extraordinarily timely opportunity to join national and global leaders in setting a course for meaningful justice advocacy in the church. It is not too late to register.
Two free learning opportunities
“Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It,” a free webinar featuring the Rev. Adam Hamilton can be viewed Thursday, Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. Central Time. Hamilton, senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS, will talk about the life of John Wesley and the characteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Details
Also on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 7:30 p.m. Central Time, a webinar for pastors and worship planners: Planning for Advent, will be led by Taylor Burton-Edwards. Participants will look at what Advent is and its basic themes (historically and theologically), the readings for lectionary Year B and “anchor images” that may emerge from these themes, and alternatives for timing so both Advent and the Christmas Season can each get full emphasis. Details for this free learning opportunity can be found at Advent.