December 22, 2009

Church and Society

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Word from Winkler — Now is the time
By Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society

Authentic health-care reform must not be denied in favor of grotesque profits or thwarted by demagoguery.

Health-care reform candlelight vigil
Senate hurdles legislation obstacle
By Wayne Rhodes, Editor, Faith in Action

Diverse coalition sponsors vigil in Senate Upper Park across from U.S. Capitol, speakers include members of Congress.

Climate inaction a danger
United Methodists warn after summit
By Linda Bloom

Participants at Copenhagen express frustrations that imminent threats not addressed.

Palestinian Christian call to end occupation
‘Kairos Palestine Document’ released

Call issued as prayerful word of faith, hope and love from the heart of Palestinian suffering.

Finding the strength to persevere
A reflection on Hebrews 10:19-25
By Raymond Bilter

God persists in opening doors for you, even though you may wonder why when you approach them.

United Methodist Christmas Eve service
On ABC-TV Dec. 24, 25

Hour-long broadcast taped at First UMC, Dallas.

Don't neglect preventing disease
Legislation should include community-level measures

Letter calls health-care reform unique opportunity to create healthier U.S.

Ransdell sermon wins award
Texas Impact health-justice contest

Sermon focuses on need for Christians to take part in national discussion as part of ministry.

Northern Illinois joins coalition
For fair sentencing of children

By unanimous vote, Church & Society board supports effort to make criminal justice system address unique needs of youths.

North Alabama church hosts drug forum
Meth growing problem in Madison County

Program at Chestnut Grove UMC intended to raise awareness, call to action.

Conference against death penalty
Louisville, Ky., Jan. 14-17

Event will feature internationally renowned speakers and focus within a larger criminal justice context.

Ethnic Local Church Grants
Deadline to apply Jan. 10

Program to strengthen ethnic minority local churches through education, advocacy or leadership training.

Human Relations Day Grants
Deadline to apply Jan. 10

Support ministries to non-violent young offenders through education, advocacy or leadership training and development.

Peace with Justice Day Grants
Deadline to apply Feb. 12

$52,805 awarded in 2009 to 28 ministries.

Human Relations Day Jan. 17
United Methodist Special Sunday

Strengthens outreach to communities in U.S. and Puerto Rico, encourages social justice and work with at-risk youthS

On faith
‘[It] does not consist in regarding propositions as true, or in a capacity for dogmatic understanding, but in a struggle in a dialogue with God — even when God may be silent.’
—Dr. James Logan (Virginia)

Word from Winkler — Now is the time

Health-care reform candlelight vigil

Climate inaction a danger

Palestinian Christian call to end occupation

Finding the strength to persevere

United Methodist Christmas Eve service

Don't neglect preventing disease

Ransdell sermon wins award

Northern Illinois joins coalition

North Alabama church hosts drug forum

Conference against death penalty

Ethnic Local Church Grants

Human Relations Day Grants

Peace with Justice Day Grants

Human Relations Day Jan. 17

On faith