June 20, 2008

Church and Society

 Share your thoughts - write a letter to the editor.

Word from Winkler — Our urgent task
By Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society

Student Forum explores social concerns
More than 400 converge on U.S. capital

Agencies cooperate on annual leadership development event that immerses attendees in how to advocate for just public policies.

United Methodists declare victory for farm workers
Burger King to pay more for tomatoes in Florida

Agreement will increase wages and protection for those subjected to abuse from growers.

Children and the U.S. budget
New resource illustrates trends in priorities
By Linda Bales, Director, Louise and Hugh Moore Population Project and Children’s Concerns, General Board of Church & Society

Though overall spending on children has increased, total federal non-defense spending grew at nearly ten times that rate.

Interfaith health-care reform summit
Attempt to define religious community’s role
By the Rev. Cynthia Abrams, Director of Alcohol, Other Addictions and Health, General Board of Church & Society

Attendees share understanding that health care is a human right and current system not working for everyone.

North Central Jurisdiction to welcome sojourners
Bishops to speak at conference on immigration reform

'Finding the Church’s Voice on Immigration' will be Oct. 16-18 in Naperville, Ill.

Prophets, preachers and the Social Creed
Called to do more than simply make disciples
By the Rev. Jeff Wells, Pastor, Community UMC, Massapequa, N.Y.

Because God’s values are embodied in the Social Creed, we are all called to live up to them.

Sept. 11-13 immigration seminar in Arkansas
Bishop Carcaño, GBCS's Mefford to speak at ‘Welcoming the Sojourner’

3-day event to help the church ‘find its voice’ on immigration reform.

Youth in Missions Week July 6-10
Teenage abolitionist to share his story

Maker of film “Invisible Children” and founder of Just4One Ministry will be featured speakers.

Ethnic Local Church Grant
Deadline to apply is Aug. 10

Goal is to strengthen ethnic local churches through education, advocacy or leadership training and development.

Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry
14th session is July 14-18

King's call to 'Justice and Peace' for children will be theme at Children's Defense Fund farm in Tennessee.

Congregational Health Ministries Conference
Sept. 21-24 at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina

Theme will be “Connecting Health Ministries of Congregations, Conferences and Communities around the World."

Istanbul Interfaith Pilgrimage of Peace
Registration deadline Aug. 4 for November trip

Tour will visit faith-based mission outreach ministries and include daily study and reflections.

Quote of the week on war and peace
‘The church should be loyal to the deepest values of our country.’
—The Rev. William McElvaney

Word from Winkler — Our urgent task

Student Forum explores social concerns

United Methodists declare victory for farm workers

Children and the U.S. budget

Interfaith health-care reform summit

North Central Jurisdiction to welcome sojourners

Prophets, preachers and the Social Creed

Sept. 11-13 immigration seminar in Arkansas

Youth in Missions Week July 6-10

Ethnic Local Church Grant

Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry

Congregational Health Ministries Conference

Istanbul Interfaith Pilgrimage of Peace

Quote of the week on war and peace