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# First Friday Letter

Your Monthly News Source from the World Methodist Council

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## Posts

- [September 2026 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/september_2026_ffl?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw)
- [August 2026 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/august_2026_ffl?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw)
- [July 2026 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/july_2026_ffl)
- [June 2026 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/june_2026_ffl)
- [May 2026 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/may_2026_ffl_pdf)
- [April 2026 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/april_2026_ffl)
- [March 2026 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/march_2026_ffl)
- [February 2026 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/february_2026_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw)
- [January 2026 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/january_2026_ffl_pdf)
- [December 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/december_2025_ffl?fr=sMjg0ODg5NjQxNDI)
- [November 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/november_2025_ffl_pdf)
- [Church of Pakistan hosts Muslims, Christians](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/church-of-pakistan-hosts-muslims-christians/) - Muslims are a minority in Norway and a majority in Pakistan. From 12-15 March, these roles changed at a conference hosted by The Church of Pakistan in Lahore, Pakistan. The conference, themed “Pilgrimage of Life towards Reconciliation,” brought together representatives from all dioceses in Pakistan, as well as several international partners. Presiding Bishop Samuel Robert
- [Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome (MEOR) is Launched](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/methodist-ecumenical-office-rome-meor-is-launched/) - The Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome (MEOR) was dedicated during an act of worship at Ponte Sant’ Angelo Methodist Church on Wednesday, 6 April. The service was attended by representatives of the Vatican and the Anglican Communion, and members of the diplomatic corps and other churches in Rome. Officers of the World Methodist Council, other members of the MEOR Stakeholders’
- [Bishop Teresa Snorton (CME) Elected President of Churches Uniting in Christ](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/bishop-teresa-snorton-cme-elected-president-of-churches-uniting-in-christ/) - Congratulations to Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, the 59th bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District, on being the newly elected president of Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC). CUIC member churches are the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of
- [Celebrating 200 years of Methodism in Sri Lanka](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/celebrating-200-years-of-methodism-in-sri-lanka/) - We share the following videos with you from the Methodist Church Sri Lanka as they celebrate 200 years of Methodism in their country. 200 years of Methodism (1814-2014) in Sri Lanka https://youtu.be/b1cjuJKotqI Methodist Church Sri Lanka Bicentenary Thanksgiving Service https://youtu.be/-Vlp8Y1m6MM
- [Methodist Church In Cuba Thriving](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/cuba-not-just-surviving/) - By David Friswell, World Church Relationships for the Methodist Church in Britain What is a church to do when the state severely limits all its activities? Thrive! The Methodist Church in Cuba continues to grow at around ten percent year on year despite facing various state restrictions. This is due in part to a passion for one-to-one evangelism, along with a seriously well structured
- [Help for Those Displaced by Boko Haram](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/help-for-those-displace-by-boko-haram/) - By E. Julu Swen Feb. 17, 2016 | ABUJA, Nigeria (UMNS) A United Methodist congregation in Nigeria is providing refuge for some of the thousands escaping the Boko Haram war in northern Nigeria.That assistance is happening despite the scarce resources of the Don Peter Dabale Memorial United Methodist Church in Abuja, which has been trying
- [Birth of New Ecumenical Body in New Zealand](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/birth-of-new-ecumenical-body-in-new-zealand/) - After a long period of gestation, a new ecumenical body has been born in New Zealand. Representatives of the Anglican, Methodist and Roman Catholic Churches gathered in Wellington on the 25th February 2016 for the inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue for Christian Unity. The three churches ratified the constitution, accepted a theological statement on Unity and elected officers of the NDCU.
- [Methodist Church in Kenya consecrates second woman bishop](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/methodist-church-in-kenya-consecrates-second-woman-bishop/) - The Methodist Church in Kenya, a member church of the World Methodist Council and World Council of Churches (WCC), consecrated its second woman bishop, Rev. Alice Muthoni Mutuma, on 31 January in Meru, Kenya. The consecration was attended by Christians from the Methodist Church in Kenya, as well as Christians from Uganda and Tanzania. Government
- [African Methodist Episcopal Church Posthumously Ordains Woman Preacher](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/african-methodist-episcopal-church-posthumously-ordainsfirst-womp/) - On April 8, 2016, Bishop John Richard Bryant, Senior Bishop of the AME Church announced that the Council of Bishops met on Wednesday April 6, 2016 and decided to ordain Jarena Lee posthumously during the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference. Jarena Lee was born in 1783 to free but poor black parents, she was sent to work
- [Memorandum of Understanding  Signed For Mission Partnership Between the Church of North India and the Presbyterian Church of Korea](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/memorandum-of-understanding-signed-for-mission-partnership-between-the-church-of-north-india-and-the-presbyterian-church-of-korea/) - By: Alwan Masih, General Secretary The Synod of the Church of North India In a historical moment, the Church of North India and the Presbyterian Church in Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 11, 2016 in CNI Bhavan, New Delhi. On behalf of the Church of North India Synod, the MoU was signed by
- [Bolivian Methodists say goodbye to Bishop Javier Rojas Terán](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/bolivian-methodists-say-goodbye-to-bishop-javier-rojas-teran/) - By Gustavo Vasquez March 17, 2016 | (UMNS) The Rev. Javier Rojas Terán, emeritus bishop of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia, died tragically March 12, said Bishop Modesto Mamati Achata in an official press release from the church. "During this time of pain, the Methodist community can feel the loss of our brother," Achata
- [A Greeting from the WMC Vice-President](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/04/a-greeting-from-the-wmc-vice-president/) - To all (in Rome) who are loved by God and called to be saints, - grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:7) Paul’s words to the Christians in Rome seem appropriate to use now as I greet you having just returned from events in that
- [October 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/october_2025_ffl_)
- [September 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/september_2025_ffl?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [August 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/august_2025_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [July 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/july_2025_ffl_pdf)
- [June 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/june_2025_ffl?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [May 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/may_2025_ffl)
- [April 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/april_2025_ffl)
- [March 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/march_2025_ffl)
- [February 2025 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2025/02/february-2025-ffl/)
- [January 2025 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/january_2025_ffl_new?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [December 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/december_2024_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [November 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/november_2024_ffl_pdf)
- [October 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/october_2024_ffl_pdf)
- [September 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/september_2024_ffl_converted)
- [August 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/august_2024_ffl_pdf)
- [July 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/july_2024_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [June 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/june_2024_ffl_pdf)
- [May 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/may_2024_ffl_pdf)
- [April 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/april_2024_ffl_pdf)
- [March 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/march_2024_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [February 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/february_2024_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [January 2024 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/january_2024_ffl_pdf)
- [December 2023 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/december_2023_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [November 2023 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/november_2023_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [October 2023 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/october_2023_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [September 2023 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2023/08/september-2023-ffl/)
- [August 2023 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/august_2023_ffl_pdf?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ)
- [July 2023 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2023/07/july-2023-ffl/)
- [June 2023 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2023/06/june-2023-ffl/)
- [May 2023 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/may_2023_ffl_pdf?fr=sZjIyODQ1MjMzNjg)
- [April 2023 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/April_2023-FFL-PDF.pdf)
- [March 2023 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/march_2023_ffl_pdf)
- [February 2023 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/february_2023_ffl_pdf)
- [January 2023 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/january_2023_ffl_pdf)
- [December 2022 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2022/12/december-2022-ffl/)
- [November 2022 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2022/11/november-2022-ffl/)
- [October 2022 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2022/10/october-2022-ffl/)
- [September 2022 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2022/09/september-2022-ffl/)
- [August 2022 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/august_2022_ffl_pdf)
- [July 2022 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2022/06/july-2022-ffl/)
- [June 2022 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/june_2022_ffl_pdf)
- [May 2022 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2022/05/may-2022-ffl/)
- [April 2022 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2022/03/april-2022-ffl/)
- [March 2022 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/march_2022_ffl_pdf)
- [February 2022 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/february_2022_ffl_pdf)
- [January 2022 - FFL](https://issuu.com/wmcouncil/docs/january_2022_ffl_pdf?fr=sYTNjYTQ1MjMzNjg)
- [December 2021 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2021/12/december-2021-ffl/)
- [November 2021 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/November_2021-FFL.pdf)
- [October 2021 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2021/09/october-2021-ffl/)
- [September 2021 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2021/09/september-2021-ffl/)
- [August 2021 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2021/08/august-2021-ffl/)
- [July 2021 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2021/07/july-2021-ffl/)
- [June 2021 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2021/05/june-2021-ffl/)
- [August 2020 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/August_2020_Print-PDF.pdf-1.pdf)
- [May 2021 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/May_2021_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [February 2021 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/February_2021_Print-PDF-01.pdf)
- [April 2021 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/April_2021_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [March 2021 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/March_2021_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [January 2021 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/January_2021_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [December 2020 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Dec_2020_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [November 2020 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Nov_2020_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [October 2020 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/October_2020_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [September 2020 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/September_2020_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [July 2020 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/July_2020_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [June 2020 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/June_2020_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [May 2020 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/May_2020_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [April 2020 - FFL](http://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/April_2020_Print-PDF.pdf)
- [March 2020 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2020/03/march-2020-ffl/)
- [February 2020 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2020/02/february-2020-ffl/)
- [January 2020 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2020/01/january-2020-ffl/)
- [August 2019 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2019/08/august-2019-ffl/)
- [December 2019 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2019/12/december-2019-ffl/)
- [July 2019 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2019/07/july-2019-ffl/)
- [June 2019 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2019/06/june-2019-ffl/)
- [May 2019 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2019/05/may-2019-ffl/)
- [April 2019 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2019/04/april-2019-ffl/)
- [March 2019 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2019/03/march-2019-ffl/)
- [February 2019 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2019/02/february-2019/)
- [January 2019 - FFL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2019/01/january-2019-ffl/)
- [Executive Committee Meets at WMC Headquarters](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/12/executive-committee-meeting-at-wmc-headquarters/) - The Executive Committee of the World Methodist Council met recently at the Council headquarters in Lake Junaluska, NC, USA following participation in the Korean Roundtable. They were there 2-1/2 days, which allowed for much-needed planning time, as well as taking care of other Council matters. The Steering Committee Meeting in Mexico City, August 28-31, 2019 was
- [Christmas Greetings from the Vice President](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/12/christmas-greetings-from-the-vice-president/) - Dear friends, This comes to wish you and yours every blessing and happiness during the Advent and Christmas season. The anticipation builds as we meditate, traditionally, on ‘the Last Things’ - death, judgement, heaven and hell - and as we reflect on God’s people waiting for a Savior, on the prophets who foretold the
- [Carter commends peace efforts for Korea](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/12/carter-commends-peace-efforts-for-korea/) - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who helped avert a crisis between North Korea and the United States in 1994, has been working for peace for the entire Korean Peninsula ever since. In his opening address at the 2018 Roundtable for Peace on the Korean Peninsula — a Nov. 9-11 event hosted by the United Methodist Board of
- [AME Churches in Angola in danger of being closed](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/12/ame-churches-in-angola-in-danger-of-being-closed/) - Over the past few months, the government of Angola has reviewed laws and procedures governing the presence of Christian denominations in the country due to the proliferation of small evangelical churches primarily from Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal. Denominations must now meet specific criteria including being established in a minimum number
- [Church helps people obtain IDs in Mozambique](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/12/church-helps-people-obtain-ids-in-mozambique/) - By Joao Filimone Sambo Malhangalene United Methodist Church, an inner-city congregation in Maputo, recently partnered with the city municipality to help reduce the number of undocumented national citizens. The congregation organized a communitywide health fair, inviting people to get identification cards, measure their blood pressure and get medical and exercise advice. The medical team also
- [Consultation on Diaspora Churches](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/12/consultation-on-diaspora-churches/) - In an age of migration with 68.5 million forcibly displaced people, many Christians are longing for a spiritual home far from their homes. At the WMC Seoul Meeting we agreed to bring a group of people together: migrants, church leaders, those who are on the move and people from countries where migrants and refugees seek
- [Moldova trafficking intervention changes lives](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/12/moldova-trafficking-intervention-changes-lives/) - Work in the red-light district of Moldova is heavy, challenging, and sometimes heartbreaking, but local Nazarene trafficking intervention workers get to see the power of God’s love transform women and families in ways they may never have been able to experience on their own. This ministry includes an intervention team and a mobile medical
- [California churches offering shelter, meals amid wildfires](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/12/california-churches-offering-shelter-meals-amid-wildfires/) - More than 230,000 acres of land have been burned over the past week in two California wildfires, the Camp Fire north of Sacramento and the Woolsey Fire north of Los Angeles. Nearly 70 people have died and more than 600 are still missing. At least 12,000 structures have been destroyed and more than 52,000 people have been
- [God's Grace Flows Freely Over Wall Between Nations](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/11/gods-grace-flows-freely-over-wall-between-nations/) - As people lift their hands to the sky and try to peer through the thick, steel mesh fence, Guillermo Navarrete says, “Look up, see the sun shining brightly on both sides of the wall, the birds, clouds and the breeze feel no human barrier, they migrate freely. “This is what the grace of God is
- [Greetings from the Vice President](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/11/greetings-from-the-vice-president/) - At the entry to the Nassar family farm outside Bethlehem is a large rough piece of the local limestone. Carved into its face, in Arabic, English and German, are the words, ‘We refuse to be enemies.’ It is for the active living-out of this philosophy in the face of almost intolerable pressure and difficulty that
- [Bishop Offers Hope in the Holy Land](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/11/bishop-offers-hope-in-the-holy-land/) - At the Peace Award presentation, many people were moved by the work that had brought this moment to fruition and by the symbolism. Perhaps, the explanation from Bill Plitt who is the Executive-director/co-founder of the Friends of Tent of Nations North America will allow readers of the FFL to go there and to hear the
- [Nassar Family Accepts Peace Award](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/11/nassar-family-accepts-peace-award/) - In late August, Vice President, Gillian Kingston, and General Secretary, Ivan Abrahams, traveled to the beautiful town of Torre Pellice in northern Italy to attend the Synod of the Waldensian Church and OPCEMI (the Methodist Church in Italy) and to present the 2017 World Methodist Peace Award to OPCEMI. Later, in mid-October, they traveled to
- [Celebrating 50 years of Methodist Roman Catholic International Dialogue](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/11/celebrating-50-years-of-methodist-roman-catholic-international-dialogue/) - The chair of the ecumenical relationships committee, Reverend Dr. Tim Macquiban, Director of the Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome, represented the WMC as fraternal delegate to the Synod of Bishops meeting over three weeks to advise Pope Francis on the chosen theme, 'Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment'. His summary of the meeting, which should be of
- [15 Ways to Pray for Your Pastor](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/11/15-ways-to-pray-for-your-pastor/) - A UMC.org Feature by Joe Iovino* The life of a United Methodist pastor is filled with a variety of responsibilities. They preach, teach, visit, counsel, lead, consult, communicate, budget, clean, and so much more. Pastoring a church is not a job that can be done well under the pastor’s power alone. Every pastor relies heavily
- [Joyously Living in Faith](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/11/joyously-living-in-faith/) - The biggest annual gathering in the Uniting Church, the Tongan National Conference (TNC), took place from 5-7 October with more than 1000 people gathered in Katoomba, NSW. Travelling from across the country, Tongan members of the Uniting Church came together to raise their voices in worship, celebrate their culture and be encouraged in their faith,
- [City by city, road by road](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/city-by-city-road-by-road/) - In the bustling city of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pastor Mike had been leading a healthy congregation for many years. Lubumbashi is a transportation hub for mineral products, making it the industrial center for mining in southeastern Congo. Major arteries of roads connect this southern city to the rest of the country in
- [Greetings from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/greetings-from-the-general-secretary-2/) - Dear Friends, In Greek mythology, Sisyphus is condemned to pushing a large boulder up a hill. Every time he reaches the top, the weight of the rock pushes him back, and he never manages to get it over the hill. Are you exasperated pushing boulders of broken relationships, prejudice, violence, grief or some other life
- [Global Conference against Xenophobia](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/global-conference-against-xenophobia/) - Global Conference against Xenophobia, Racism and Populist Nationalism in the Context of Global Migration in Rome September 18-20, 2018 “All human beings are equal in dignity and rights and equally to be respected and protected.” This is part of the message adopted by the participants of the Conference “Xenophobia, Racism and Populist Nationalism in the
- [Book Re-Launch for Ecumenical Pioneer, Emilio Castro](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/book-re-launch-for-ecumenical-pioneer-emilio-castro/) - In 1984 a pastor from Uruguay became the first Latin American to be elected as general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The late Emilio Castro (1927 - 2013) left an unmatched legacy of passionate ecumenism behind him. His book “Pasion y compromise con el Reino de Dios”, first published in 2007, has
- [Methodists Called to Help Indonesia](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/methodists-called-to-help-indonesia/) - Following an earthquake and tsunami that destroyed major parts of Sulawesi, in the Indonesian archipelago the death toll exceeds 1400 with many more injured. This has been followed by a volcano adding to the severe trauma and devastation. Indonesia lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is prone to natural disasters. The General Secretary
- [Bible Month](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/bible-month/) - Bible Month 2019 is being relaunched this September by the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust (LWPT) and the Methodist Church. Bible Month is an opportunity for churches and individuals to spend four weeks engaging with one book of the Bible. For 2019, the renowned theologian and British New Testament scholar James D G Dunn will
- [Asia consultation urges CCA to initiate regional network on child rights advocacy](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/asia-consultation-urges-cca-to-initiate-regional-network-on-child-rights-advocacy/) - A representative group of Asian churches that participated in the Asia regional consultation on upholding the dignity and rights of children proposed that the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) initiate and facilitate an Asia regional ecumenical advocacy network on dignity and rights of Children. In responding to the proposal by the participants to initiate an
- [Camp Meetings: Then & Now](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/camp-meetings-then-now/) - A UMC.org Feature by Joe Iovino* For many United Methodists in the United States, camp meetings are an important part of their summers. These evangelistic gatherings that were part of the early days of the Methodist movement in America, have evolved over the years, but still lead people to revival and renewal today. Early days
- [CCA extends Centennial Greetings to the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/cca-extends-centennial-greetings-to-the-hong-kong-council-of-the-church-of-christ-in-china/) - As the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China (HKCCCC) marks 100 years of its mission and witness at a Thanksgiving Holy Communion service and commemorative event on 29th September, the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) extended centennial greetings and best wishes. The centennial thanksgiving service held at the Asia World Expo
- [New Methodist Church Formally Launched in Cambodia](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/10/new-methodist-church-formally-launched-in-cambodia/) - By Elliott Wright*The Methodist Church of Cambodia officially came into being in early September at a conference in Phnom Penh. It has 140 congregations, 11 districts, 132 clergypersons, 3,171 full members and average Sunday worship attendance of 6,828. “This new church is the culmination of many years of collaborative work among five mission agencies, their
- [Church in Nigeria Opens Modern Hospital](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/09/church-in-nigeria-opens-modern-hospital/) - The Nigeria Episcopal Area has opened one of the best-equipped private hospitals in the region. Unveiled last month, Jalingo United Methodist Hospital, a 30-bed facility, is expected to treat more than 10,000 people annually. General outpatient, surgical, nursing, administrative and pharmaceutical units are stocked with the latest equipment. The hospital has an expanded range of
- [MCCA Elects New Connexional Officers and New District Bishops](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/09/mcca-elects-new-connexional-officers-and-new-district-bishops/) - We celebrate and give God thanks for the work in the MCCA during the past 258 years. The triennium 2018-2021 will see changes in Connexional Officers and six new District Bishops. The three new Connexional officers are Bishop Everald Galbraith - Connexional President, Rev. Glenna Spencer - Connexional Secretary and Mrs. Yonnette Greaves - Connexional
- [70 years World Council of Churches – Celebration in Amsterdam](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/09/70-years-world-council-of-churches-celebration-in-amsterdam/) - August 23 2018 Amongst hundreds of pilgrims celebrating the 70th anniversary of the World Council of Churches were several Methodists, rightly so, since Methodists have been actively engaged in the WCC since the beginning to today. The Prayer Service took place in the Nieuwe Kerk in the centre of Amsterdam, where August 23, 1948 the
- [Korean United Methodists Choose Prayer Over Plans](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/09/korean-united-methodists-choose-prayer-over-plans/) - The Alternative Plan Task Force of the Korean Association of The United Methodist Church and its Central Committee met to discuss the 2019 Special General Conference and the future of the Korean United Methodist Church at the First Korean United Methodist Church in Chicago. General Conference, the ultimate decision-making body of The United Methodist Church, is held
- [Museum receives sculpture made from Korean DMZ materials](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/09/museum-receives-sculpture-made-from-korean-dmz-materials/) - A very special cross, constructed from materials at the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, just arrived at the World Methodist Museum at Lake Junaluska. Presented to Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council, at the recent Council and Steering Committee meetings in Seoul, those attending from around the world were
- [Greeting from President Park](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/09/general-secretary-letter/) - Revival, Reform and Revolution in Global Methodism Dear People called Methodists, sisters and brothers in Christ! I have participated in the 14th Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies from 12th to 19th August 2018 at Pembroke College, Oxford, England. The theme was “Thy Grace Restore, Thy Work Revive: Revival, Reform and Revolution in Global Methodism.
- [Greetings from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/08/greetings-from-the-general-secretary/) - Dear Friends, July started off with an inspiring Council Meeting in Seoul, Korea. I saw young people and adult workers from around the world descend on Johannesburg, for the Fourth Young People’s Convocation of the United Methodist Church (see following summary from Bishop Wenner), followed by a host of events dedicated to preserving the legacy of
- [BGS Announces New Sunday School & Discipleship Director](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/08/bgs-announces-new-sunday-school-discipleship-director/) - By Board of General Superintendents 16 July 2018 The Board of General Superintendents, Church of the Nazarene, is pleased to announce the election of Scott Rainey as global director of Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International (SDMI), effective 1 August 2018. Rainey currently serves as field strategy coordinator for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
- [How A Church Day Care Feeds Bellies, Minds](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/08/how-a-church-day-care-feeds-bellies-minds/) - Story by Heather Hahn, photos by Mike DuBose July 23, 2018 | DABOU DISTRICT, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) Every time you go to the grocery store, you likely see a bit of Côte d’Ivoire. The country is the world’s largest producer of cocoa — supplying 30 percent of the beans that satisfy global chocolate cravings. It’s also a
- [Nazarene Generosity Leads to Key Resources in Russian](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/08/nazarene-generosity-leads-to-key-resources-in-russian/) - Moscow, Russia By NCN News Staff | 13 July 2018 Until only a couple of years ago, there were no Wesleyan academic commentaries available in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a confederation of 15 Eurasian countries part of the former Soviet Union. Now, thanks to the generosity of retired school teacher Chloe Schweitzer and the multitudes
- [CCA’s Month-Long Ecumenical Leadership Development Training Commences](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/08/ccas-month-long-ecumenical-leadership-development-training-commences/) - Posted on July 18th, 2018 The month-long ecumenical formation and leadership development training course, Asian Ecumenical Institute (AEI) 2018, organised by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) was inaugurated on Monday, 16 July 2018 at the CCA headquarters in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The AEI is aimed at training prospective church and ecumenical leaders in Asia.
- [Nazarene's respond after tropical storm hits Dominican Republic](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/08/nazarenes-respond-after-tropical-storm-hits-dominican-republic/) - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic By Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica 19 July 2018 Tropical Storm Beryl swept through the Dominican Republic 10 July with strong winds and torrential rains. The storm affected many areas, including greater Santo Domingo, where floods forced people from their homes. Significant damage was also done to the country’s infrastructure and
- [Camp Offers Migrant Youth Fun and Friendship](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/camp-offers-migrant-youth-fun-and-friendship/) - By Kathy L. Gilbert June 26, 2018 | UMNS For four days in June, United Methodist Camp Colby is a respite for children and teens who traveled a long, dark and dangerous journey. These children, some as young as 8, are known as unaccompanied migrants and they arrive on the border of California alone and
- [European Methodist Festival 2018 – When Dreams Become Reality](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/european-methodist-festival-2018-when-dreams-become-reality/) - By: Klaus Ulrich Ruof (Germany) and Urs Schweizer (Switzerland) It was in 2012. The European Methodist Council had planned to organize a European Methodist Festival in Krakow (Poland). However, due to the fact that not enough people had registered for this event by a certain time, this Festival regretfully had to be cancelled. And the question was: In
- [Florida United Methodists help Puerto Rican refugees](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/florida-united-methodists-help-puerto-rican-refugees/) - By The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez May 17, 2018 | KISSIMMEE, Florida (UMNS) Ask members of First United Methodist Church, “Who is my neighbor?” and by their actions, they answer, “Whomever God sends to us.”After hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated Puerto Rico and plunged its 3.4 million people into a desperate humanitarian crisis late last summer,
- ["Modern Miracles" for Korean Peninsula](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/modern-miracles-for-korean-peninsula/) - Have you ever waited for a miracle? We remember and recognize this situation every Advent time, but often it is not felt deeply and personally. It is a very different thing to pray, and petition, and hope, and dream of a miraculous act breaking into our day-to-day world. For my entire life, I have prayed
- [Methodist Church announces new Director of Evangelism and Growth](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/methodist-church-announces-new-director-of-evangelism-and-growth/) - By Michael Ivatt Lead Media Officer, Methodist Church House June 26 2018 The Revd Trey Hall has been announced as the Methodist Church’s Director of Evangelism and Growth, a new position aimed at supporting the development of these vital areas in Church life. The role is part of the Church’s ongoing work to reaffirm its
- [10th Joint European Areas Seminar Belfast June 2018](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/10th-joint-european-areas-seminar-belfast-june-2018/) - By WFMUCW Webmaster June 18, 2018 The second of eight Area Seminars was almost on my doorstep! I had visited Belfast before as Area President of the Britain and Ireland Area so knew I would find my way without difficulty (but it was still wonderful to be met at the airport!) It was heart-warming to
- [Churches Call on Government to Aid Aleppo](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/12/2452/) - The Methodist Church in Britain has joined other faith leaders in calling on the UK Government to act on the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the war-torn city of Aleppo, to avoid mass starvation. Read the Statement
- [Never Say Again You Did Not Know - from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/never-say-again-you-did-not-know-from-the-general-secretary/) - Dear Friends There has been many commemorations and celebrations the past month. Wesleyans commemorate the 24th of May, as the day that John Wesley, the father of the Methodist Movement received assurance of his salvation. Our President writes an interesting article in this edition of the First Friday Letter. The Methodist Church in Fiji
- [Continued Prayer Requested for Cuba Families, Churches](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/continued-prayer-requested-for-cuba-families-churches/) - By Nazarene Church News Staff 25 May 2018, Havana, Cuba -- Leonel López, president for the Church of the Nazarene in Cuba and superintendent of the Cuba West District, shared an update this week following the 18 May plane crash that claimed the lives of more than 100 people, including 10 Nazarene pastor couples. López was at the airport
- [John Wesley’s Aldersgate Experience in Context](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/john-wesleys-aldersgate-experience-in-context/) - By: Rev. Dr. J. C. Park (President of World Methodist Council) People called Methodists all around the world are celebrating the 280th anniversary of the Aldersgate experience of John Wesley. Strictly speaking, it was not his conversion from his unbelief or atheism but his personal experience of the assurance of faith in Jesus Christ. Wesley
- [Methodists Among Dead in Congo Flooding](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/methodists-among-dead-in-congo-flooding/) - By Philippe Kituka Lolonga May 15, 2018 | UVIRA, Congo (UMNS) Nine people have died and thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed, including five United Methodist schools, two local churches and pastoral homes, after heavy rains and flooding in the Uvira District of Kivu. Among the dead are a United Methodist woman from
- [Church Ready to Welcome Asylum Seekers](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/church-ready-to-welcome-asylum-seekers/) - By Kathy L. Gilbert May 7, 2018 | UMNS The Rev. Bill Jenkins, pastor of the Christ United Methodist Ministry Center in San Diego, and other church leaders are gearing up to offer shelter to hundreds of migrants gathering at the border seeking asylum. The migrants reached the border after a months-long journey, fleeing their
- [Joy and Pain - The United Church of Papua New Guinea](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/06/joy-and-pain-the-united-church-of-papua-new-guinea/) - In January, the Revd Michaela Youngson, President Designate of the Methodist Conference [Methodist Church in Britain], visited the United Church of Papua New Guinea with her husband Sandy, and Steve Pearce, Partnership Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific. The United Church of Papua New Guinea celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in true South Pacific style. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and
- [Global Day of Prayer to End Famine](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/05/global-day-of-prayer-to-end-famine/) - The Global Day of Prayer to End Famine hopes to unite ecumenical partners and faith communities all over the world as a prayerful and spiritual movement to: Encourage prayer, reflection and action with information and suggestions. Bring awareness regarding famine’s impact on the most vulnerable children and families and to help address its root causes.
- [Live Fully, Live Meaningfully - Greeting from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/05/live-fully-live-meaningfully-greeting-from-the-general-secretary/) - What a relief to feel the rain on my face in drought-stricken Cape Town! I trust that this is the start of a long winter. Changing seasons are always a time of melancholy, many people feel happier when the days are longer, warmer, and there is a riot of colors. In the southern hemisphere, the
- [Homegoing for Rev. Kathryn G. Brown](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/05/homegoing-for-rev-dr-kathryn-g-brown/) - (from www.amez.org) An ordained elder, experienced trainer, and innovative leader, Rev. Kathryn Gertrude Brown served as the General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church from 2012 until her death. She was the first female to hold this position. Born and raised in Harlem, NY, Rev. Brown was educated
- [AME Churches Dedicated in Queenstown Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/05/ame-churches-dedicated-in-the-queenstown-annual-conference-of-the-15th-episcopal-district/) - adapted from a story at the www.thechristianrecorder.com Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., reports that three church buildings were dedicated in March in the Queenstown Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Bishop Robert Thomas AME Church congregation in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, had been meeting in a shack
- [Church of South India Moderator Takes Stand Against NDA Government](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/05/church-of-south-india-takes-a-stand-against-government/) - Bishop Thomas K. Oomen, Moderator of the Church of South India, recently published an open letter to the people of the country and many others globally, to stand against the country's National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government's anti-poor, anti-Dalit, anti-tribal policies and practices. The church leader chastised the government for its discriminatory, unconstitutional ideology and called
- [James H. Cone, 79, AME Itinerant Elder and Founder of Black Liberation Theology, Dies](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/05/james-h-cone-79-ame-itinerant-elder-and-founder-of-black-liberation-theology-dies/) - Rev. Dr. James Hal Cone, renowned founder of Black Liberation Theology, award-winning author and Bill & Judith Moyers Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, died on April 28, 2018. He was 79. “In so many ways, James Cone has been Union Theological Seminary for the past
- [EPMB holds its first synod since reunification](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/05/epmb-holds-its-first-synod-since-reunification/) - from www.methodist.org.uk In February, the Eglise Protestante Méthodiste du Benin held its first synod since the Church was reconciled and reunified in 2016. Michael Tettey, a mission partner in Benin, attended the synod on behalf of the Methodist Church in Britain (MCB). In his address to the synod, Michael said: “The MCB rejoices with you today, that after many years of crisis and failed attempts at
- [Me serán testigos… también el 1º de mayo](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/05/me-seran-testigos-tambien-el-1o-de-mayo/) - From iglesiametodista.org.ar El testimonio de un pastor metodista Samuel Fielden nació en Todmorden, Lancashire (Inglaterra) en 1844; pasó su juventud trabajando en los talleres, y entrando en la edad de la razón, se recibió de ministro metodista. Fue después nombrado superintendente de las escuelas dominicales de su país natal. En 1864 se mudó a Nueva York
- [AME Church Third District Makes History](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/ame-church-third-district-make-history/) - By Rev. Lucinda V. Burgess The 187th Session of the Ohio-South Ohio Annual Conference saw a shift in the leadership team when senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and presiding prelate of the 3rd Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young, made history when he reorganized the district and its leadership. It was during the
- [Lessons from Chile](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/lessons-from-chile/) - by the Revd Dr Laurence Graham, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland “It’s a real expression of love that you can share in the work we are doing to welcome others,” said Mariela Correa Montecinos, at the beginning of our meeting on the first day of my visit to the Methodist Church in Chile. I was quickly
- [General Secretary Opens New Exhibit at Epworth Rectory](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/general-secretary-opens-new-exhibit-at-epworth-rectory/) - On the 21st of May, World Methodist Council General Secretary Ivan Abrahams participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open a new exhibit at the Epworth Old Rectory, birthplace of John and Charles Wesley. The exhibit called ‘Over the Rainbow’ relates to the national event held in London in June 1990 organised by British Methodist Women (then
- [Conference Celebrates 30th Anniversary of 1988 Declaration](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/30th-anniversary-of-1988-declaration-churches-of-korea-on-national-reunification-and-peace/) - Communique for “International Conference in Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the 88 Declaration” Cultivating Peace, Proclaiming Hope “For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” (Ephesians 2:14) God’s vision for this world sees swords being
- [Final Meeting of the WMC-Baptist Dialogue](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/final-meeting-of-the-wmc-baptist-dialogue/) - Representatives of the Baptist World Alliance and the World Methodist Council met March 14–21, 2018 at Sarum College, Salisbury, England. The meeting was the last of the rounds of conversations of the international dialogue between Methodists and Baptists which started in 2014. The overall theme of the dialogue has been faith working through love. The
- [Cherish Each Moment - Greeting from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/cherish-each-moment-greeting-from-the-general-secretary/) - Greetings in the name of our Crucified and Risen Lord, Jesus Christ! I trust that you had a wonderful Easter and that your watches have been reset after the equinox. Seasonal changes whether Spring (in the northern hemisphere) or Autumn (in the southern hemisphere) are a reminder that time moves on and that we have
- [Methodist Church of Upper Myanmar Empowered Through Mission Partnerships](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/methodist-church-of-upper-myanmar-active-in-mission-through-partnerships/) - This article appeared in the Methodist Church in Britain's March 2018 World Church News. The Methodist Church of Upper Myanmar (MCUM) and the Myanmar Council of Churches worked under hostile restrictions for many years, and the Church has suffered more than its fair share of splits. There are currently five Methodist denominations, the latest split coming when the ‘Wesleyan’ Methodists formed their own
- [2018 Order of the Flame Recap](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/2018-order-of-the-flame-recap/) - World Methodist Evangelism's Order of the FLAME (Faithful Leaders as Mission Evangelists) is a covenant community within the Methodist Wesleyan family that exists to form, nurture, and encourage young clergy and their spouses. Each year members of the Order of the FLAME gather for four days of inspiration, sharing, learning, and fellowship, and welcome a newly invited class into membership.
- [British Methodist Leaders Issue Statement on Recent Violence on Gaza-Israel Border](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/british-methodist-leaders-issue-statement-on-recent-violence-on-gaza-israel-border/) - The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Loraine N Mellor and Jill Baker, have released the following statement following the recent violence on the Gaza-Israel border. We are horrified by the violence that has taken place on the eastern border of Gaza in the past days, and deeply troubled by what appears
- [Commemorative Plaque Placed in Honor of Saidie Patterson](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/04/commemorative-plaque-placed-in-honor-of-saidie-patterson/) - On Thursday, March 8th, a commemorative blue plaque was unveiled by the Ulster History Circle on the front wall of Shankill Road Methodist Church, Belfast, Northern Ireland in honour of Ms Saidie Patterson. Ms Patterson was the first recipient of the World Methodist Peace Award in 1977, and a faithful member of the congregation. Blue plaques
- [At the Changing of Seasons - Greeting from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/03/at-the-changing-of-seasons-greeting-from-the-general-secretary/) - March is upon us bringing a quilted patchwork of brown and yellow color to the landscape for those in the southern hemisphere. In the north, the snow is melting and people are putting away their winter woolies preparing to welcome Spring, the bridesmaid of Summer. The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes is right, “To everything there is
- [Africa Methodist Council Meets in Nairobi](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/03/african-methodist-council-meets-in-nairobi/) - On February 20-23rd, 2018, The Africa Methodist Council met in Nairobi, Kenya. Representatives, many of which also participate on the World Methodist Council, met to discuss issues and concerns relative to their respective churches, countries and areas of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. WMC General Secretary Ivan Abrahams gave the keynote talk at this summit.
- [Historical Missionaries Lay Foundation for Methodism in India, Mexico](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/03/historical-missionaries-lay-foundation-for-methodism-in-india-mexico/) - By Barby Bowser Executive Assistant and Communications for the World Methodist Council Within the walls of the World Methodist Council Museum, there are many hidden treasures. It's rare that on my daily walks through the building where my office is now located, I don't spot a new tidbit of information or a new historical figure
- [Metodismo Cubano Celebra 50 años de Autonomía](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/03/metodismo-cubano-celebra-50-anos-de-autonomia/) - Por Rev. Gustavo Vasquez * 13 de febrero de 2018 El pueblo metodista cubano está celebrando 50 años de la constitución de la Iglesia Metodista en Cuba, como un cuerpo eclesial autónomo e independiente, que se inició formalmente a comienzos de febrero de 1968, cuando se reunió la Conferencia de Autonomía de la Iglesia Metodista
- [Methodist Church of Chile Elects New Bishop](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/03/methodist-church-of-chile-elects-new-bishop/) - Pastor Jorge Merino Riffo was elected as the new bishop of the Methodist Church of Chile (IMECH) during the church's VII General Assembly that began January 17, in Angol, Chile. Pastor Merino was elected with 154 votes among three candidates, achieving three fifths of the votes in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of
- [Essamuah to Head Global Christian Forum](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/03/essamuah-to-head-global-christian-forum/) - Meeting at the Taize Community in France, the Global Christian Forum Committee chose Dr Casely Essamuah to serve in the central role of its Secretary. Dr Essamuah will take up the position on 1 July 2018, following the retirement of the Rev Dr Larry Miller who has led the GCF for the last six years.
- [CME Bishop Presented with Award](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/02/cme-bishop-presented-with-award/) - Last Thursday, February 8, 2018, Bishop Lawrence Reddick, III, senior bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) was presented with an award from the Operation PUSH Coalition (the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, President). In a recent message to the members of the CME Church, he shared his thoughts. Some things come to people because of
- [Methodists Among Dead in Nigeria Attack](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/02/united-methodists-among-dead-in-nigeria-attack/) - By the Rev. Ande I. Emmanuel Feb. 1, 2018 | LAU, Nigeria (UMNS) A recent attack by herdsmen in Lau has left more than 55 people dead, including 38 United Methodists, according to the Rev. Irmiya Bako, superintendent of the Yugorobi District, where the incident took place.Bako described January as the saddest month in Taraba
- [Faith Groups Put Human Face on Migration](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/02/faith-groups-put-human-face-on-migration/) - By Linda Bloom Jan. 25, 2018 | UNITED NATIONS (UMNS) The head of the United Nations recently called the world’s ability to deal with record levels of global migration a profound test of international cooperation — and religious leaders, including United Methodists, agree.The contributions of faith-based organizations “are critical” for this test, said Ganoune Diop, leader
- [Methodist Church in Cuba - From Glory to Glory](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/02/methodist-church-in-cuba-from-glory-to-glory/) - In Cuba, people learn from an early age not to believe in God. Marxism-Leninism and other philosophies that deny the existence of God are taught in schools, and idolatry, witchcraft and magic are promoted as ‘culture’, stimulating an environment adverse to Christianity. Despite this, la Iglesia Metodista en Cuba (IMC – the Methodist Church in Cuba) has been growing at a rate of
- [Association of Methodist Brigades 2018 Update](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/02/association-of-methodist-brigades-2018-update/) - The Association of Methodist Brigades is the umbrella body for all The Boys’ Brigade Companies and The Girls’ Brigade Companies in the Methodist Church. It was established to enhance the formation of more new Companies, to revive the dormant ones and to ensure the effective participation of both BB and GB in the life of
- [CCA’s Pastoral Solidarity Team observes Human Rights violations in West Papua](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/02/ccas-pastoral-solidarity-team-observes-human-rights-violations-in-west-papua/) - A three-member pastoral solidarity team of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), visited West Papua, heard stories of grave human rights violations and repression against the indigenous West Papuans in their own home land. The visit, organised by the CCA from 4 to 8 December 2017, was part of its pastoral accompaniment to churches and
- [Celebrating the Life of Bishop Matthew Byamungu](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/02/celebrating-the-life-of-bishop-byamungu/) - Bishop Dr. Matthew Peter Byamungu, Presiding Bishop of Tanzania Methodist Church, passed away on 30 December 2017, following health complications. A burial ceremony was held on 4 January 2018, in his native Tanzania. Born in 1954, Matthew Peter Byamugu had a thirst to learn, and in 1981 he joined the Asian Center for Theological
- [Meet Carroll Jacobs – WMC Office Assistant in Cape Town](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/02/meet-carroll-jacobs-cape-town-office-assistant/) - Carroll Jacobs is the newest administrative staff person at The World Methodist Council. She resides in Cape Town, South Africa, the largest city in the Western Cape Province, and the second most populated city in South Africa. Carroll was raised in a mixed-denominational home, her mother being Anglican and her father being from a Congregational
- [Chuuk Nazarenes dedicate new building](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/02/chuuk-nazarenes-dedicate-new-building/) - From NCN News After many years, the Church of the Nazarene on the island of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia has a new home. The Chuuk Church of the Nazarene celebrated its 17th anniversary 19 November 2017. This is a special celebration for the church not only because of its anniversary but also because they
- [An Encounter in Haiti](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/01/an-encounter-in-haiti/) - The ONE Encounter programme gives young people opportunities to encounter a different part of the world, a different way of life, or some other experience to open and broaden their minds. Louise Westoby is one of a group of young British Methodists who went to Haiti in July this year on a trip organised by the ONE
- [New Year's Greetings from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/01/new-years-greetings-from-the-general-secretary-2/) - Dear Friends, On behalf of the Staff and Officers of the World Methodist Council, I wish you a happy and blessed New Year! In many cities around the world, we welcomed 2018 with fireworks or other rituals in rip-roaring style. A new year presents us with new challenges and fresh opportunities for a more meaningful
- [Bishop: Support United Methodist president-elect in Liberia](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/01/bishop-support-united-methodist-president-elect-in-liberia/) - By Julu Swen Jan. 3, 2018 | MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) Liberia Area Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. is calling on all Liberians, especially United Methodists, to support President-elect George Manneh Weah.Weah, a United Methodist and former soccer star, is expected to be sworn in Jan. 22, taking over power from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who
- [2018 World Methodist Peace Award Nominations Open](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/01/2016-world-methodist-peace-award-nominations/) - Nominations for the 2018 World Methodist Peace Award are now being accepted. Presented annually to an individual or group who has worked for peace, justice and reconciliation in their lives and in their ministries, the World Methodist Peace Award is a 30 year tradition of the World Methodist Council. The criteria for the Award are (1) Courage; (2) Creativity; and (3)
- [General Secretary Visit to Johannesburg](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/01/general-secretary-visit-to-johannesburg/) - The General Secretary, Bishop Abrahams gave the keynote address at the Africa Methodist Youth Movement (AMYM), Fourth Assembly in Johannesburg. Young people from 18 countries gathered under the theme, “Transformation of Methodist Youth for the Transformation of Africa.” Abrahams drew attention to the fact that three events in South Africa coincided with the Assembly; namely,
- [Malta Church Ministering to Needy](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/01/wmc-vice-president-visits-malta/) - On a private visit to Malta, the Vice President, Gillian Kingston, and her husband, Tom, visited St Andrew’s Methodist/Church of Scotland Church in the capital, Valetta… It was a great pleasure to attend worship at St Andrew’s Church on Remembrance Sunday (November 12th, 2017) and then to take part in the walk to and time
- [CME Church Celebrates 147th Founder's Day](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/01/cme-church-celebrates-147th-founders-day/) - The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church recently celebrated its 147th Founder's Day on the 16th of December 2017. An archived livestream of the celebration can be viewed at http://www.thecmechurch.org/founders-day-celebration.html.
- [Invitation to a Conversation on Safeguarding the Vulnerable](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2018/01/invitation-to-a-conversation-on-safeguarding-the-vulnerable/) - From The Methodist Church in Britain A Caring Church As Christians, and especially those of Methodist and Wesleyan tradition churches, we are called to care for all of humanity. This is particularly true of those with whom we work closely in our church buildings and as part of our mission and outreach in our communities.
- [Metanoia 2018: Life Changing ~ Faith Shaping](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/11/metanoia-2018-life-changing-faith-shaping/) - From Kimberly D. Reisman ~ World Methodist Evangelism Most of us can look back on our lives and point to an experience that was instrumental in shaping us into the persons we are today. Maybe it was a conversation or encounter with another person that transformed the way we looked at things. Maybe it was an event or incident
- [Advent Resources for Church and Home](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/12/advent-resources-for-church-and-home/) - The World Methodist Council wishes a blessed Advent and Christmas to each of our readers. As a way of highlighting what other Methodists and Wesleyans around the world are using for their Advent celebrations, we share the following resources noted by the World and Liturgy and the Family Life Committees: Advent 2017 WMC Family Life
- [A Light of Peace - for the Korean Peninsula and a world free from nuclear weapons](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/12/a-light-of-peace-for-the-korean-peninsula-and-a-world-free-from-nuclear-weapons/) - In a global campaign, the World Council of Churches invites people across the globe to extend “A Light of Peace” for the Korean Peninsula and for a world free from nuclear weapons. On the first Sunday in Advent - 3 December - the WCC invites the global Christian fellowship to express solidarity for the Korean
- [From Vision to Reality - Reflecting on the Bishop Sarah Davis CWMS Clinic Dedication](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/12/from-vision-to-reality-reflecting-on-the-bishop-sarah-davis-delice-clinic-dedication-service/) - By Dr. Carol T. Taylor Mitchell Delice, Haiti, was the site of the realization of a vision fulfilled in the life of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Senior Bishop McKinley Young, Connectional Women’s Missionary Society International President Dr. Shirley Cason Reed, and many witnesses gathered on top of the mountain and shared testimony to
- [Founder of Wesleyan Missions in Italy Honored](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/12/founder-of-wesleyan-missions-in-italy-honored/) - To commemorate the centenary of the death of Henry James Piggott, British Methodist Minister and founder of Wesleyan Missions in Italy in 1861, Methodists were joined by Catholics, Anglicans and Waldensians in the chapel of the Cimitero acattolico (Protestant Cemetery) in Rome to hear a welcome from Pastor Mirella Manocchio, President of OPCEMI (Methodist
- [Ghana Women's Ministry Starts New Church](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/11/ghana-womens-ministry-starts-new-church/) - Nyinatase, Ghana -- When a group of women on the Ghana Midland District recently organized a women's ministry, they had no idea it would lead to a new church. The women's ministry began with five churches as a way to strengthen their homes and families. This initiative was led by Comfort Akomaning, wife of the district superintendent, Alex Akomaning. Their purpose and vision
- [Committed to Ecumenism - Greetings from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/11/committed-to-ecumenism-greetings-from-the-general-secretary/) - I am still trying to catch my breath after a rollercoaster month! We held our Steering Committee Meeting in Rome, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church and had an audience with Pope Francis. A few days later I was privileged to celebrate 40 years of ministry with family and friends followed by
- [Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists, Reformed and Anglicans “drawn into deeper communion”](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/lutherans-catholics-methodists-reformed-and-anglicans-drawn-into-deeper-communion/) - This article has been re-printed from www.anglicannews.org/news. October 31, 2017 -- An agreement between the Lutheran and Roman Catholic Churches which settled one of the historic disagreement at the centre of the Reformation was the focus of a special service at Westminster Abbey today. On this day 500 years ago, Martin Luther kick-started the Reformation by posting
- [An Interview with Pastor Américo Jara Reyes, Bishop of the Evangélica Methodist Church of Argentina](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/11/an-interview-with-pastor-americo-jara-reyes-bishop-of-the-evangelica-methodist-church-of-argentina/) - This article is re-posted from iglesiametodista.org.ar. An English translation is below the original. 1. EEE: Seguramente estos días han sido de mucha emoción y movilización, tanto personal como familiar. ¿Cómo estás y cómo te sentís? Estos días han sido muy movilizadores y de mucha oración. Hace tiempo que veníamos orando sabiendo que mi nombre era levantado
- [Cambodia District Hosts First Nazarene Youth International Training](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/11/cambodia-district-hosts-first-nazarene-youth-international-training/) - The Church of the Nazarene in Cambodia was reorganized in 2012 after six years of crisis, making it the newest district in Southeast Asia. Nearly 70 percent of Cambodians are under the age of 30 years old, and many of them learn about Jesus through the more than 50 Nazarene churches in the Kampong Thom, Banteay Meanchey,
- [Global Agencies United in Response to Humanitarian Catastrophe in Myanmar](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/global-agencies-united-in-response-to-humanitarian-catastrophe-in-myanmar/) - A Joint Statement from - All We Can, Methodist relief and development (Britain) - United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR, USA) - UnitingWorld (Australia) - Irish Methodist World Development & Relief We are committed to standing together in solidarity as Methodist and affiliated international development and relief agencies bringing urgent emergency assistance to the Rohingya
- [Bishop W. Darin Moore to Preach Opening Worship at Christian Unity Gathering](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/bishop-w-darin-moore-to-preach-opening-worship-at-christian-unity-gathering/) - The National Council of Churches 2017 Christian Unity Gathering will be held in Washington DC 8-9 November. https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/cug/ Council member, Bishop W. Darin Moore, will preach the opening worship service.
- [Brazil District Expands Work, Mission of African Methodist Episcopal Church](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/brazil-district-expands-work-mission-of-african-methodist-episcopal-church/) - By Rev. Shawin Reynolds, 16th Episcopal District When the African Methodist Episcopal Church formed as a denomination they formalized their expansion goals which included Africa, Canada, and the Southern United States (particularly the Carolinas and Florida, West of the Allegheny), and the West Indies. While their vision may not have included Brazil, it was in the
- [Honduras, Guatemala pastors rely on power of prayer](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/honduras-guatemala-pastors-rely-on-power-of-prayer/) - Story and photos by Kathy L. Gilbert Aug. 29, 2017 | TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (UMNS) The Rev. Héctor Mauricio Rodríguez Lainez, pastor at Aposento Alto United Methodist in Fuerzas Unidas, Honduras, often goes walking around his dangerous neighborhood. If he sees young girls and boys, he stops and prays with them. Prayers are especially needed in Fuerzas
- [Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give - Mission Outreach in India](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/09/freely-ye-have-received-freely-give/) - Based on a story submitted by Pastor Ankur Roland Thakor Heal the Sick, Cleanse the Lepers, Raise the Dead, Cast out Devils: Freely ye have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8) The Methodist Church Bhaner Pastorate of Gujarat Regional Conference of the Methodist Church in India is the first ever village-based church to start evangelism and mission
- [Methodist Church in Fiji President Sails on Traditional Voyaging Canoe - Reflects on Climate Change](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/09/methodist-church-in-fiji-president-sails-on-traditional-voyaging-canoe-reflects-on-climate-change/) - Thursday, September 28, 2017 By Padre James Bhagwan SEATED on the deck of Fiji's iconic traditional voyaging canoe, the Uto ni Yalo (Heart of the Spirit), as it clears the reef surrounding Matuku Island, Reverend Dr Tevita Nawadra Banivanua turns his gaze from the island we are leaving to the horizon, where in the distance,
- [A.M.E. Church Response to Las Vegas Shooting](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/a-m-e-church-response-to-las-vegas-shooting/) - At the 2016 Women’s Missionary Society Executive Board Meeting, the AME Council of Supervisors, supported by the AME WMS and AME Social Action Commission renewed their focus on the A.M.E. Church's resolution on gun violence. Sadly, the language still applies today. As AMEs we are still traumatized by the 9 who were killed at Mother Emanuel.
- [Kenyan Church Promotes Peaceful Voting](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/09/kenyan-church-promotes-peaceful-voting/) - By Eveline Chikwanah Sept. 19, 2017 | HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) United Methodist leaders are making plans for the churches to act as a unifying force in Kenya after the country’s Supreme Court on Sept. 1 nullified the results of the Aug. 8 presidential election.“The church will be a bridge for crossing tribal divisions and uniting the nation
- [General Secretary Greetings from Delhi - October 2017](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/general-secretary-greetings-from-delhi-october-2017/) - I write this greeting from Delhi where I am incredibly privileged and blessed to share in the 16th Ordinary Meeting of the Synod of The Church of North India (CNI) from 30th September to 3 October. The CNI is a United and Uniting Church was established in 1970 by six churches, the Council of Baptist
- [Maria’s Wreckage Slows Relief to Puerto Rico](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/marias-wreckage-slows-relief-to-puerto-rico/) - By Linda Bloom Oct. 3, 2017 | UMNS It’s too early to say exactly how the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico has been affected by Hurricane Maria. However, Methodists there — while trying to assess damages and start relief efforts — face the same challenges as everyone else in the U.S. territory: Power and communication
- [Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina Elects New Leadership](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/evangelical-methodist-church-of-argentina-elects-new-leadership/) - Durante la XXV Asamblea General se eligieron los nuevos integrantes de la Junta General, la Comisión de Reglamentos y el Consejo Judicial. Todas estas instancias se renueva por mitades en cada asamblea general. During the XXV General Assembly, the new members of the General Board, the Regulations Committee and the Judicial Council were elected. All
- [European Methodist Council Meets](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/10/european-methodist-council-meets/) - By Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, WMC Geneva Secretary The European Methodist Council met September 9-12, 2017 at High Leigh Conference Centre near London. After having been a delegate of the United Methodist Church in Germany to the European Methodist Council since 2001, I now attended for the first time as the newly installed Geneva Secretary of the
- [Nazarenes Mobilize in Wake of Deadly floods in South Asia](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/09/nazarenes-mobilize-in-wake-of-deadly-floods-in-south-asia/) - Extraordinarily heavy monsoon rains have devastated areas in South Asia recently, including Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. More than 1,200 people have died in the floods — including many children — and more than 40 million people have been affected. Thousands of cities and villages have been completely inundated. Countless homes have been swept away, and buildings are
- [In Memorium - Mr. Walter C. Jeffers](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/in-memorium-mr-walter-c-jeffers/) - Mr. Walter C. Jeffers, World Methodist Council member and Lay President of the Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization for the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church), died unexpectedly last month. Born to Howard Jeffers, Jr. and Marie Ramsey in 1984 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. Walter obtained an Associate’s degree
- [August a Month of Sorrows and Joy - from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/august-a-month-of-sorrows-and-joy-from-the-general-secretary/) - Dear Friends, I appeal to you to remember the many people affected by the devastating land- and mudslides in DR Congo and Sierra-Leone, and the flooding brought by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. It was exactly a year ago that the World Methodist Conference was held in Houston, Texas. During the past month, we witnessed terrorist
- [Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina Elects New Bishop](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/evangelical-methodist-church-of-argentina-elects-new-bishop/) - Pastor Américo Jara Reyes has been elected the new Bishop of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina at its recent General Assembly on the 19th of August.
- [Deaf Ministry Moves Toward Empowerment](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/deaf-ministry-moves-toward-empowerment/) - By Sam Hodges Aug. 3, 2017 | WAXAHACHIE, Texas (UMNS) This week, Michelle Martin is beginning to realize her dream of becoming a recognized leader in The United Methodist Church.She’s joined some 20 other Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people in taking a 10-hour, basic class toward certified lay servant status. Before, obstacles — such as a lack of interpreters — always emerged.
- [Church of the Nazarene Establishes over 100 Churches in DR Congo](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/church-of-the-nazarene-establishes-over-100-churches-in-dr-congo/) - Jacques Balibanga recalls the dire situation when the Church of the Nazarene first entered the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). “In 1990, there were many conflicts in the eastern DRC. Many people ran from the violence in their villages and came to stay here in Goma. There was a big number of kids without
- [Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina Statement on 500 years of the Protestant Evangelical Reformation](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/evangelical-methodist-church-of-argentina-statement-on-500-years-of-the-protestant-evangelical-reformation/) - The XXV General Assembly of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina issued this public statement following the anniversary of 500 years of the Protestant Evangelical Reformation.
- [New EuNC Online Learning reaches students across Eurasia](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/new-eunc-online-learning-reaches-students-across-eurasia/) - Elena Shestakova was taking an online class through European Nazarene College (EuNC) when her pregnancy was stricken with complications. Doctors confined her to a hospital bed for several weeks to protect the health of both her and her child. Fortunately for Shestakova, her class was offered online. This allowed her to remain home when the health crisis
- [First Fijian Ordained in The United Methodist Church](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/first-fijian-ordained-in-the-united-methodist-church/) - Rev. Tikiko Namata Lesuma is the first Fijian person to be ordained an elder in The United Methodist Church (UMC) http://www.cnumc.org/news/8794101
- [In Memoriam](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/in-memoriam/) - The World Methodist Council wishes to extend its condolences to the families and loved ones of individuals who have recently passed on to glory: Ms. Miriam Mwenya Tshibind died on June 22, 2017, in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, after a short illness. Ms. Tshibind was the fiance of Bishop Kasap Owan Tshibang of The South Congo
- [Call to Pray for Peace in Korea - WMC President's Message](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/call-to-pray-for-peace-in-korea-wmc-presidents-message/) - By Rev. Dr. J. C. Park, President of World Methodist Council Dear sisters and brothers in Christ! As I have come back home from the General Council of World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) which took place in Leipzig, Germany from June 29 to July 7 , 2017 , I would like to
- [General Secretary Reflects on Mandela Day](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/general-secretary-reflects-on-mandela-day/) - On 18 July, Nelson Mandela would have been 99 years old. Across the world, people celebrated the iconic statesman's birthday and legacy by volunteering 67 minutes (to honor the 67 years he spent fighting for social justice and democracy) of their time to heed his call to the next generation of leaders to pick
- [Methodist Missions Society in Singapore Celebrates Achievements, Embraces Challenges](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/methodist-missions-society-in-singapore-celebrates-achievements-embraces-challenges/) - from Methodist Message (Singapore) - July 2017 In every aspect of our lives, change is inevitable. The same can be said of missions. People will change and how we do things to achieve our missional objectives may change due to context and circumstances. But what never changes is the message of salvation, God’s faithfulness and
- [Global Digital Library on Theology and Ecumenism (GlobeTheoLib)](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/global-digital-library-on-theology-and-ecumenism-globetheolib/) - For more than five years now, GlobeTheoLib (http://www.globethics.net/web/gtl), the Global Digital Library on Theology and Ecumenism and a joint project of Globethics.net and the World Council of Churches, has been offering a steadily growing wealth of free online resources to theological students, scholars and researchers worldwide. The library currently holds over two million documents for
- [Highlights from Nazarene General Assembly 2017](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/highlights-from-nazarene-general-conference/) - The Church of the Nazarene concluded their 2017 General Assembly on 30 June. See the highlights here.
- [Albanian United Methodist Church Holds National Convention](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/08/albanian-united-methodist-church-holds-national-convention/) - July 14, 2017 | GJINAR, Albania (UMNS) The United Methodist Church in Albania’s first national church convention provided a time of fellowship for about 140 participants from Elbasan, Durrës, Pogradec and Tirana. On July 2, the day after the convention, the first United Methodist worship was held in the first United Methodist church in Durrës.
- [Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina Participates in Week of Prayer for Christian Unity](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/evangelical-methodist-church-in-argentina-participates-in-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity/) - The Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina observed the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with other faith communities in Argentina from 5-11 June. A celebration of what took place can be found at https://iglesiametodista.org.ar/semana-oracion-la-unidad-los-cristianos-2/
- [Greetings from the General Secretary - July 2017](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/greetings-from-the-general-secretary-july-2017/) - Dear Friends, Greetings from Germany, the birthplace of the Reformation! What a joy and a blessing it is to meet up with old acquaintances and forge new friendships at the 26th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches in Leipzig, gathering under the theme, “Living God, Renew and Transform us.” Rev. Dr. J.C. Park, Bishop
- [Former Methodist Church in Britain Vice-President awarded Lambeth Cross for contribution to ecumenism](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/former-methodist-church-in-britain-vice-president-awarded-lambeth-cross-for-contribution-to-ecumenism/) - A former Vice‐President of the Methodist Conference (2002‐2003) and Emeritus Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Leeds, Professor Peter Howdle, has been awarded the Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby (pictured). Professor Howdle received the award for “his outstanding contribution to Anglican‐ Methodist relations” following his dedication to the
- [Methodist Church in Britain Elects New Leadership](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/methodist-church-in-britain-welcome-new-leadership/) - President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference Elected for 2018/19 The Methodist Conference has elected the Revd Michaela Youngson to serve as President, and Bala Gnanapragasam to serve as Vice-President, starting their year of office when the Representative Session of the Methodist Conference meets in Nottingham next year. Michaela has been Chair of the London District since 2012.
- [Global Ministries Welcomes Rev. Dr. Amy Valdez Barker as New Director of Global Mission Connections](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/global-ministries-welcomes-rev-dr-amy-valdez-barker-as-new-director-of-global-mission-connections/) - The General Board of Global Ministries has named Rev. Dr. Amy Valdez Barker the new executive director of Global Mission Connections, the programmatic unit of Global Ministries focused on cultivating new faith communities as well as connecting the local church in mission through regional offices in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the United States, and Africa
- [Crisscrossing Boundaries](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/crisscrossing-boundaries/) - From Revd Dr R.F. Leao-Neto, Chair of the Inter Religious Relationships Committee The Visit The evangelists tell us that Jesus crisscrossed borders bringing his message about God’s love for all, compassion and forgiveness at an individual level, peace and justice in society, good will towards neighbours and attention to the lilies of the fields, birds of
- [Global Christian Forum: Consultation Meets in Ghana and 2018 Global Gathering Planned](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/global-consultation-meets-in-ghana/) - Global Consultation Discusses Issues Concerning the Church’s ‘Call to Mission and Perceptions of Proselytism’ Accra, Ghana, 8-11 June 2017 ‘Go then to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptise them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey all I have commanded you.’ (Matthew 28:19,20) An
- [Geneva Secretary Attends WCC Executive Committee](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/geneva-secretary-attends-wcc-executive-committee/) - Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, appointed Geneva Secretary for the 2016-21 quinquennium, recently attend the World Council of Churches (WCC) Executive Committee on 7-9 June. This was the first meeting she attended representing the World Methodist Council in this role. Also attending the WCC Executive Committee meeting was Bishop Mary Ann Swenson from The United Methodist Church,
- [Bishop Jefferson-Snorton Delivers Stalcup Lecture](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/2926/) - On 11 June, Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton delivered the 14th Stalcup Lecture in Dallas, Texas. Bishop Jefferson-Snorton is the chair of the Family Life Committee of the World Methodist Council. She is the 59th bishop, and the first female bishop elected in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church. In February 2016 she was elected President of
- [Global Methodist Missions Conference of the Deaf](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/global-methodist-missions-conference-of-the-deaf/) - “LOOK, YOUR NAMES ARE ON MY HANDS! This year’s Global Methodist Missions Conference of the Deaf will feature Emmanuel Deaf Ministry, a Brazilian church that is one of the largest Deaf Methodist churches in the world, in an event that will be a United Nations of sign languages of the world. This year, participants --Deaf,
- [Ecumenical Garden Blessing at San Gregorio al Celio Rome](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/07/ecumenical-garden-blessing-at-san-gregorio-al-celio-rome/) - On 23 May, the sun shone in the monastery garden created as a result of praying and planning and digging as over 70 persons gathered for a service of blessing. Rev Dana English of All Saints Rome and fellow ordinands on retreat overlooked a derelict piece of ground and had the vision of a
- [IAMSCU Meets in Puebla, Mexico](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/06/iamscu-meets-in-puebla-mexico/) - By Sam Hodges May 31, 2017 | PUEBLA, Mexico (UMNS) “City of angels” is one of the names this Mexican metropolis goes by.Those attending the International Association of Methodist-related Schools, Colleges and Universities conference here this week could swear they encountered angels in the form of students from Universidad Madero, a Methodist school on Puebla’s
- [Global Christian Forum Committee Meets in Havana, Cuba](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/06/global-christian-forum-committee-meets-in-havana-cuba/) - By Rev. Dr. Tim Macquiban Over 20 members representing the four streams (Catholic, World Council of Churches, World Pentecostal Fellowship and World Evangelical Alliance) and other churches across a spectrum of traditions pre and post Reformation as well as Charismatic, Independent and Pentecostal churches from five continents and 18 different countries gathered at the Casa
- [Live Streaming: Churches Uniting In Christ Pentecost Service](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/06/live-streaming-churches-uniting-in-christ-pentecost-service/) - Sunday, June 4, 2017 4:00 p.m. Christian Chapel Temple of Faith CME Church - Dallas, TX Churches Uniting In Christ (CUIC), an ecumenical partner of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, will be hosting a Pentecost Worship Service of Celebration on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 4:00 pm at the Christian Chapel Temple of Faith CME
- [Delegation from The Methodist Church of Southern Africa Visits Lesotho](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/06/delegation-from-the-methodist-church-of-southern-africa-visits-lesotho/) - The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Rev Ziphozihle Siwa, led a small delegation to pay a courtesy call to His Majesty King Letsie the 3rd of Lesotho during an April mission visit to the country. Lesotho, one of the six countries of [the MCSA] Connexion, forms part of the Northern Free
- [General Secretary Addresses Lutheran World Federation Assembly](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/06/general-secretary-addresses-lutheran-world-federation-assembly/) - On 6 May, 2017, World Methodist council General Secretary Ivan Abrahams addressed the Lutheran World Federation 12th Assembly in Windhoek, Namibia. He addressed participants along with other ecumenical leaders at a huge celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. The President and General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation Distinguished Guests, Sisters and
- [Methodists Feel Rising Tensions on Korean Peninsula, Take Action for Peace](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/05/south-korean-methodists-feel-rising-tensions-take-action-for-peace/) - Methodist Round Table on Peace in the Korean Peninsula Held in Seoul The news headlines have recently shone a spotlight on the rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula, and Christians around the world are mobilizing to encourage peaceful relations and reunification efforts. One such effort was a Round Table for Peace in the Korean Peninsula
- [Celebrating Africa Month in May - Message from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/05/celebrating-africa-month-in-may-message-from-the-general-secretary/) - Greetings in the name of our Crucified and Risen Lord, Jesus Christ! After a punishing April schedule which included Holy Week, Easter Celebrations, meetings in London as well as the rededication of Wesley House Cambridge, I returned to the tranquility and natural beauty of Volmoed (meaning full of courage and hope) Retreat Centre tucked away
- [A.M.E. Church Holds Global Development Council Meeting](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/05/a-m-e-church-holds-global-development-council-meeting/) - From February 22-24 2017, approximately 200 African Methodist Episcopal Church clergy and lay leaders from Districts 14-20 gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa for the 7th Assembly of the Global Development Council (GDC).
- [Baptisms in the Brazil District of the AME Church](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/05/baptisms-in-the-brazil-district-of-the-ame-church/) - The newly establised Brazil District of the A.M.E. Church has performed Baptisms in three churches: Malhada da Areia on the banks of the São Francisco River in Bahia, Fazenda da Bica in Rio de Janeiro, and at the National Headquarters located in Realengo in Rio de Janeiro.
- [Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church Memorial Unveiled at Charleston Airport](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/05/mother-emanuel-a-m-e-church-memorial-unveiled-at-charleston-airport/) - On 15 April 2017, a permanent memorial to the victims of the 2015 church shooting at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church was unveiled at the Charleston International Airport in South Carolina.
- [Celebrating the Life of Pauline Webb](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/05/celebrating-the-life-of-pauline-webb/) - Dr. Pauline Webb, former Vice-President of the British Methodist Conference, and World Methodist Council member, passed away on 27 April 2017, at age 89. Webb was the first woman vice-moderator of the World Council of Churches governing bodies, and was a pioneer for Women's Ministry, raising the issue of women's ordination at the 1959 British
- [Historic Ecumenical Prayer Service Held in Egypt](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/05/historic-ecumenical-prayer-service-held-in-egypt/) - Tim Macquiban, Chair of the Ecumenical Relations Committee, recently shared the news that an ecumenical prayer service for peace an unity was held in Egypt in late April. The service brought together the leaders of the Coptic Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches, Bishop Tawadros II and Pope Francis, respectively. Macquiban wrote, "The visit of
- [Dr. Harold Crowder, Methodist Collector and Museum Supporter, dies](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/04/dr-thomas-harold-crowder-methodist-collector-and-museum-supporter-dies/) - It is with great sadness that we share with you that Dr. Harold Crowder, long-time World Methodist Museum supporter, passed away on 27 March 2017. His daughter Catherine reported the news with great sorrow, adding that "he died peacefully here at home with Mom and three of his children surrounding him." The funeral service was held on
- [Easter Joint North-South Prayer for Peace](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/04/easter-joint-north-south-prayer-for-peace/)
- [Made ONE by the Resurrection: Easter Message from the President of World Methodist Council](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/04/made-one-by-the-resurrection-easter-message-from-the-president-of-world-methodist-council/) - Dear people called Methodists! Sisters and brothers in the one family of God! Grace and peace to you from Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead! When I was visiting Gothenburg, Sweden, last month, the officers of WMC fell into deep sorrow because of a terror at Westminster, London.
- [Ecumenical Activities and Resources](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/04/ecumenical-activities-and-resources/) - Receptive Ecumenism Conference The 4th International Conference on Receptive Ecumenism will be held at University house, Australian National University, Canberra, from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 November, 2017. The context, in terms of both place and time, will make the Fourth International Conference on Receptive Ecumenism an extremely significant event. It will be the first
- [Easter Sunrise Service Broadcast from Sydney Opera House](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/04/easter-sunrise-service-broadcast-from-sydney-opera-house/) - Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, 16 April Sydney Opera House As the sun rises on Easter Day, songs of praise from the iconic Sydney Opera House will echo across Sydney Harbour. Hundreds of people from all walks of life will join together to celebrate the power of Jesus’ resurrection. The service will be led by Wesley
- [Harald Rückert Elected Incoming Bishop for Germany Central Conference of the UMC](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/04/harald-ruckert-elected-incoming-bishop-for-germany-central-conference-of-the-umc/) - The soon retiring German UMC Bishop Rosemarie Wenner will be succeeded by Harald Rückert. The 58-year-old theologian who was elected as bishop for the Germany Central Conference of the United Methodist Church in Hamburg this Wednesday [15 March 2017] after reaching the required two-thirds majority in the fourth round. "We are a church together”, said the newly elected
- [GlobeTheoLib Releases 2016 Annual Report](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/04/globetheolib-releases-2016-annual-report/) - GlobeTheoLib is a project of Globethics.net and the World Council of Churches. It is an online digital library for Theology and Ecumenism. In 2016, the GlobeTheoLib projected celebrated its 5th anniversary when the consortium met in September. During that time, a major publication and global digital collection on Ecotheology, Climate Justice and Food Security was
- [East Africa Famine Appeal - A Race Against Time](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/04/east-africa-famine-appeal-a-race-against-time/) - More than 7 million people are at serious risk of starvation in Yemen, and millions more are severely malnourished in Somalia and South Sudan - chronic food insecurity across these nations has led to the grim reality that a huge number of people are at serious risk of dying of hunger. All We Can and
- [AllWeCan Appeals for Response to East Africa Famine](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/03/allwecan-appeals-for-support-to-respond-to-east-africa-famine/) - South Sudan is the first nation in six years to declare a famine, but the UN have issued a stark warning that other countries face extreme food-shortages across East Africa. All We Can and the World Church Relationships Team of the Methodist Church in Britain are calling for support for an urgent appeal to respond
- [Don't be an "Almost Christian," Greetings from the General Secretary - March 2017](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/03/dont-be-an-almost-christian-greeting-from-the-general-secretary/) - For those living in the Northern Hemisphere, Lent means springtime. It is a time of hope and great anticipation as we watch bulbs pushing through the soil, new buds appearing on trees and birds returning from their southern migration. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, it is a time to prepare for the winter .
- [Need Lenten Resources?](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/03/need-lenten-resources/) - Member Churches and affiliated organizations listed below have produced wonderful personal and group resources for the Lenten season. Share yours using the hashtag #LentWMC via Facebook (@World Methodist Council) or Twitter (@WMCouncil), or email to us at communications@worldmethodistcouncil.org. Christian Methodist Episcopal Church - www.thecmechurch.org/lenten-resources.html Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem - methodistliaisonjerusalem.wordpress.com/ Methodist Church in Britain www.methodist.org.uk/prayer-and-worship/lent-and-easter/more-lent-and-easter-resources Lenten Photo a Day Practice - www.rethinkchurch.org/articles/spirituality/2017-lenten-photo-a-day-practice
- [Bishop Darryl Starnes Installed as President of Board of Bishops, AMEZ Church](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/03/bishop-darryl-starnes-installed-as-president-of-board-of-bishops-amez-church/) - Re-posted from the A.M.E. Zion Church website - http://www.amez.org/news-mainmenu-2/1341-board-of-bishop-president. Bishop Darryl Starnes serves as a regional officer for North America on the World Methodist Council 2016-21 Steering Committee. ATLANTA, GA - It has been six months since the historic 50 Quadrennial General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church which propelled our beloved Zion into a
- [Migrants find help from Italian Methodists](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/03/migrants-find-help-from-italian-methodists/) - By Linda Bloom Feb. 24, 2017 | NEW YORK (UMNS) A small Methodist congregation in Italy is teaming up with others to address one of the country’s biggest challenges — the overwhelming influx of migrants and refugees over the past five years.Methodist church members in Scicli (pronounced sheek-ly), a historic Baroque town in southeast Sicily,
- [A.M.E. Church Celebrates Founder's Day, Bishop Richard Allen's Birthday](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/03/a-m-e-church-celebrates-founders-day-bishop-richard-allens-birthday/) - Founder’s Day 2017 “Let’s Not Forget” An Extraordinary History – An Incredible Future The African Methodist Episcopal Church: The oldest traditionally Black Protestant denomination founded on American Soil! As we reflect and celebrate Founder’s Day 2017, we cannot afford to have a memory lapse about our extraordinary beginning. Will and Ariel Durant wrote, “We are
- [Baptists, Methodists Meet in Jamaica for Dialouge](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/03/baptists-methodists-meet-in-jamaica-for-dialouge/) - Members of the Baptist World Alliance and the World Methodist Council met February 1 to 8 at Runaway Bay Jamaica. The meeting was the fourth round of conversations of the international dialogue between Baptists and Methodists. The overall theme of the dialogue is faith working through love. The theme of the conversations this time centered
- [Museum Unveils New Exhibits](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/03/museum-unveils-new-exhibits/) - The World Methodist Museum, at Lake Junaluska, N.C. USA, has unveiled two new exhibits this winter. An 18th century pulpit from High Town Methodist Church in Luton, England, has been loaned to the museum. It was from this very pulpit that the early founders and shapers of Methodism preached. It is the only pulpit in
- ["God Rules the Nations, Earth," Greeting from the General Secretary - February 2017](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/02/god-rules-the-nations-earth-greeting-from-the-general-secretary-february-2017/) - Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Three-in-One and One-in -Three living in perfect unity! We are living in challenging times that demands bold and prophetic leadership. In his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Chinese President Xi Jin-ping warned Western populist’s
- [Bishop Paulo Lockmann Retires](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/01/bishop-paulo-lockmann-retires/) - The World Methodist Council wishes to extend its thanks and well-wishes to Bishop Paulo Lockmann, past President of the World Methodist Council and a Bishop in the Methodist Church in Brazil. Bishop Lockmann celebrated his retirement from Episcopal leadership recently at meetings of the Methodist Church in Brazil in late November and December. Expositor Cristão,
- [Happy Epiphany Day from WMC Inter-Religious Relationships Committee](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/01/happy-epiphany-day-from-wmc-inter-religious-relationships-committee/) - On Epiphany Day, the celebration of the visit of the wise figures from the East to the Christ-Child, I share with you - on behalf of the Inter-Religious Relationships Standing Committee of the World Methodist Council - an Epiphany good-wishes. The painting above (dated 1820) is of Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke, as he is engaging in
- [HKCC focus on Refugees & Asylum Seekers](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/01/hkcc-focus-on-refugees-asylum-seekers/)
- [A Hope-Filled New Year - January 2017](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/01/a-hope-filled-new-year-january-2017/) - On behalf of the Officers and Staff of the World Methodist Council, I wish to thank you for the beautiful Christmas cards and messages of goodwill during the festive season. As we flick the calendar to a new year and move to the first Sunday of Epiphany, I am sure that the Christmas decorations are
- [Evangelical Methodist Church in Argentina Celebrates 180 years](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/01/evangelical-methodist-church-in-argentina-celebrates-180-years/)
- [Anglican-United Church dialogue in Canada recommends more collaboration in mission](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2017/01/anglican-united-church-dialogue-in-canada-recommends-more-collaboration-in-mission/)
- [Methodist and Wesleyan Studies Collection Available in Global Digital Library](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/12/methodist-and-wesleyan-studies-collection-available-in-global-digital-library/) - The Methodist e-Academy would like to inform all scholars of Methodist and Wesleyan studies of the Methodist and Wesleyan Studies Collection at the Global Digital Library for Theology and Ecumenism (GlobeTheoLib). This is a joint project of the GlobeTheoLib and the Methodist e-Academy with the support of the World Methodist Council and is an online
- [Methodist Message in Singapore Celebrates 125 Years](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/12/methodist-church-in-singapore-publication-celebrates-125-years/) - Methodist Message, the official publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore, celebrated 125 years this year. A special celebration was held on 1 October.
- [Argentine Bishop Participates in Latin American Ecumenical Conference](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/12/argentine-bishop-participates-in-latin-american-ecumenical-conference/) - During an ecumenical conference of faith leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean held in San Miguel, Argentina, on 16-18 November, Bishop Frank de Nully Brown said that peace cannot be built from violent relations that imply dominance over others, between families, rich and poor, powerful and weak nations. He also exalted the love
- [Christian Alsted re-elected United Methodist bishop](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/12/christian-alsted-re-elected-united-methodist-bishop/) - (UMNS story) - http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/christian-alsted-re-elected-united-methodist-bishop By Karl Anders Ellingsen Oct. 21, 2016 | FREDRIKSTAD, Norway (UMNS) Bishop Christian Alsted has been re-elected as a United Methodist episcopal leader by delegates at the Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference.Alsted, 54, was re-elected Oct. 21 at the central conference’s quadrennial meeting in Fredrikstad. There were no other candidates.
- [Nascimento Receives promotion at GBHEM](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/12/2473/) - The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) today announced the promotion of Amos Nascimento, Ph.D., as associate general secretary for global education and new initiatives. Nascimento’s promotion is effective immediately. In his new role, Nascimento leads the global connectional strategy for education and ministry at GBHEM. Nascimento oversees and coordinates the development of
- [New Advent Resources for 2016](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/12/new-advent-resources-for-2016/) - These are just a few of the 2016 Advent resources that member churches have published. Have a resource you would like to share? Send it to us at communications@worldmethodistcouncil.org or share on social media using the hashtag #2016WMCAdvent. The African Methodist Episcopal Church http://www.iamame.org/ The United Methodist Church Discipleship http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/advent-2016-worship-series-overview (home worship) http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/2016-advent-home-worship (worship resources) http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/leadership-resources/advent-and-christmas-leadership-resources The
- [Methodist Church in Brazil Bishops Issue Statement to Families of Victims of Deadly Plane Crash](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/12/methodist-church-in-brazil-bishops-issue-statement-to-families-of-victims-of-deadly-plane-crash/) - Following the deadly plane crash in Medellin, Columbia on 29 November, which killed 71 people including members of Futebol Chapacoense, journalists, and the flight crew, the College of Bishops of the Methodist Church in Brazil have issued a statement to the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragic accident.
- [Festival of Faiths Promotes Understanding, Peace](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/12/festival-of-faiths-promotes-understanding-peace/) - A unique festival of faiths was held earlier this month in Victoria, Australia with support from the Uniting Church in Australia’s Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. The festival seeks to bring together those of different faiths to help build understanding, relationship, and combat all forms of discrimination. Read more at
- [Greetings from the General Secretary - November 2016](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/11/greetings-from-the-general-secretary-november-2016/) - Since the World Methodist Conference in Houston, I’ve had a punishing travel schedule visiting churches and attending meetings in Nigeria, South Africa, Italy, England and Sweden. I had the rare privilege of meeting with leaders of the ecumenical family and Pope Francis twice in one month (in Rome at the meeting of Secretaries of World
- [A Firsthand Glimpse of the “Ecumenical World”](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/11/a-firsthand-glimpse-of-the-ecumenical-world/) - Former WMC Staff Reflects on AME Church's Ecumenical Legacy By Mr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder The World Methodist Council (WMC) is composed of 80 denominations in 132 countries who trace their theological lineage to John Wesley and the Methodist movement. The WMC headquarters is located in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. From August
- [A.M.E. Church Representative Reflects on 21st World Methodist Council](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/11/a-m-e-church-representative-reflects-on-21st-world-methodist-council/) - by Presiding Elder Albert D. Tyson III, Columnist for The Christian Recorder The 21st World Methodist Conference and World Methodist Council (WMC) met in Houston, Texas, from August 30 to September 5, 2016 at the Hilton Americas-Houston. Since 1881, the WMC has brought together representatives from most major religious denominations claiming a Wesleyan heritage. Every
- [Methodist Church in Fiji and WWF-Pacific focus on strengthening environmental awareness](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/11/methodist-church-in-fiji-and-wwf-pacific-focus-on-strengthening-environmental-awareness/) - Preparatory works on strengthening environmental awareness through the identification of various tools of communication for the Methodist Church of Fiji and WWF-Pacific is expected to strengthen over the coming months. The commitment comes after WWF-Pacific had organized a one day consultation with the Methodist Church secretariat on the need to create general awareness on Sustainable
- [Methodist Church in Peru Takes Steps Toward Climate Justice](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/11/methodist-church-in-peru-takes-steps-toward-climate-justice/)
- [Ecumenical Relationships a Focal Point at World Methodist Conference](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/10/ecumenical-relationships-a-focal-point-at-world-methodist-conference/) - Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue Report Launched at World Methodist Conference The Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue Report was recently presented at the 21st World Methodist Conference during the workshop The Call to Holiness: Methodists and Roman Catholics in Dialogue. The report, titled The Call to Holiness: From Glory to Glory is the culmination of nearly 50 years of dialogue
- [Interfaith September - Tough Questions Over Strong Coffee](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/10/interfaith-september-tough-questions-over-strong-coffee/)
- [Jo Anne Lyon Named 2015 World Methodist Peace Award Recipient](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/10/jo-anne-lyon-name-2015-world-methodist-peace-award-recipient/) - On the final day of the 21st World Methodist Conference, Rev. Dr. Jo Anne Lyon was presented with the 2015 World Methodist Peace Award. Although Dr. Lyon is the former general superintendent of The Wesleyan Church denomination, the award recognized her as founder and longtime leader of World Hope International, a ministry that she started in her
- [Churches Mobilize for Recovery Following Hurricane Matthew](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/10/churches-mobilize-for-recovery-following-hurricane-matthew/) - Leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, Hurricane Matthew made landfall on Tuesday, October 4, overwhelming Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and causing extensive damage and flooding in Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Florida. As the massive hurricane makes its way up the east coast of the United S, many of our member churches
- [Freedom Sunday is October 16 - End human trafficking](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/10/freedom-sunday-is-october-16/) - You can raise awareness about modern slavery / human trafficking this month on Freedom Sunday, October 16. A helpful resource packet has been developed for Christian communities which provides resources for information, worship services, and action. The main resource packet may be downloaded at http://www.stopthetraffik.org/download.php?type=resource&id=1087. It was developed by an organization in the United Kingdom, but
- [Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Urges Peaceful Dialogue](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/10/methodist-church-in-zimbabwe-urges-peaceful-dialogue-between-government-and-citizens/) - Committed to the biblical call to prayer, peace loving and humility as shown in 2 Chronicles 7:14 which reads; “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and
- [Building Momentum Toward a Successful Conference](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/07/building-momentum-toward-a-successful-conference/) - In the light of the increased interest expressed in the 21st World Methodist Conference in Houston, August 31- September 3, 2016, we publish a Special edition of the First Friday Letter to share something of the work and witness of the World Methodist Council. This year marks the 131st birthday of the Council. When the
- [JUNE UPDATE: 21st World Methodist Conference](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/07/june-update-21st-world-methodist-conference/) - Planning to attend the 21st World Methodist Conference? Still trying to decide? Here is some information about what the Conference is, and a bit about its history and organizers. Download the PDF
- [African Methodist Episcopal Church works to establish a presence in Brazil](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/07/african-methodist-episcopal-church-works-to-establish-a-presence-in-brazil/) - By Mr. John Thomas III, Ph.D. Student, Department of Political Science, University of Chicago From July 11-13, 2016 a delegation from the African Methodist Episcopal Church visited the 2 Comunidade Cristã Metodista (CCM) - Christian Methodist Community - in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ‘The Comunidade Cristã Metodista (Christian Methodist Community – CCM) is pastored by
- [Federico Pagura of Argentina Passes](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/07/federico-pagura-of-argentina-passes/) - It is with great sadness that WMC received the news that Bishop Emeritus Federico J Pagura passed away on 6 June, 2016, in Argentina. The former bishop of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Argentina was an advocate for peace and human rights. He was the WCCPresident from 1998-2006. He also served for 17 years as president of the Latin
- [Memories of Past World Methodist Conferences](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/06/memories-of-past-world-methodist-conferences/) - In 1956 ... the World Methodist Conference met at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. During the Conference, The World Methodist Council building was dedicated at the 9th World Methodist Conference. From left to right: The Rev. Oscar Thomas Olson of Cleveland, Ohio (chair of the then American Section of the World Methodist Council; Rev. Lalomilo Kamu, delegate
- [Churches Uniting in Christ’s Statement on the Mass Shooting at  Pulse Nightclub, Orlando, FL](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/06/churches-uniting-in-christs-cuic-statement-on-the-mass-shooting-at-pulse-nightclub-orlando-fl/) - On this, the anniversary of the mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC, once again, our Nation and the World hear the names of the slain from another mass shooting. And once again, the Body of Christ weeps over another evil act that has taken lives of 49 souls, as well as
- [Ida and Keith Waddel - Mission Partners in Zambia](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/06/ida-and-keith-waddel-mission-partners-in-zambia/) - This blog post was shared with us by the Waddel's. You can follow them at http://idaandkeith.blogspot.com/. MOVING...... It has been some time since the flitting and that was the last time we posted, over a month ago. Much has happened nationally, locally and in our lives and work in Lusaka. Nationally the economy is still in
- [Finding a Safe Space in Jordan](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/06/finding-a-safe-space-in-jordan/) - By Laura Cook, Communications Manager for All We Can “To get to the border on one day we had to walk for seven hours continuously. We had many fears. At any moment we might be killed.” In 2010, with four young children, Amana made the long journey on foot from Der’a in Syria across the
- [MCSA Women in Ministry Holds Consultation in August](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/05/mcsa-women-in-ministry-holds-consultation-in-august/)
- [Meet The World Methodist Council: Kirby Hickey](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/05/working-behind-the-scenes-the-world-methodist-conference/) - Leading up to the 21st World Methodist Conference, we'd like to introduce you to some of the people who are helping to make it happen. The first in our series of profiles is Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the World Methodist Council, Kirby Hickey. When Kirby Hickey retired from a successful business career in 2005,
- [From the General Secretary - May 2016](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/05/from-the-general-secretary-may-2016/) - Sister and Brothers in Christ, This year we mark the 130th anniversary of May Day or International Workers Day. It is officially celebrated in 66 countries and recognised in much more, but ironically it is not celebrated in the country which led the workers revolution. On May 1, 1886, thousands of workers across the United
- [Methodist Church in Fiji President Addresses Ecumenical Deliberative Forum](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/05/opening-address-at-the-ecumenical-deliberative-forum-by-president-of-the-methodist-church-in-fiji/) - On April 13, 2016, Rev. Dr. Tevita Banivanua gave the following address at the opening of the ECREA/WACC-Pacific/UNDP Deliberative Forum: "A Better Fiji Is Possible: Rethinking and Reclaiming the Commons for Our Common Home." Working Together For the Oikos Opening Address at the Ecumenical Deliberative Forum (April 13, 2016) By Rev. Dr. Tevita Nawadra Banivanua,
- [Jahana Hayes (CME) Honored as 2016 (U.S.A.) National Teacher of the Year](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/05/jahana-hayes-cme-honored-as-2016-national-teacher-of-the-year/) - Mrs. Jahana Hayes was announced as the (U.S.) National Teacher of the Year for 2016 on 28 April. In addition to her work as a teacher, Mrs. Hayes is a passionate [member of the] Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, a dedicated Missionary and Christian Educator. She is a member of Christ CME Church in Waterbury, CT (USA). and a tremendous speaker. In
- [Bishop Sundy Onuoha honored with prestigious NRB international award](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/05/bishop-sundy-onuoha-honored-with-prestigious-nrb-international-award/) - Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha, founder and president of Vision Africa, was recently honored by National Religious Broadcasters with the prestigious NRB Award for International Individual Achievement for his leadership of Vision Africa Radio in southeast Nigeria. The award, based on a thorough review by a panel of NRB International Committee judges, is presented annually to
- [Church celebrates Congo dissident’s release](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/05/church-celebrates-congo-dissidents-release/) - By Heather Hahn May 9, 2016 | PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) A political dissident who led a prison revival is now free in his native Democratic Republic of Congo after 16 months behind bars — the past four in a military prison. Vano Kalembe Kiboko — a United Methodist lay evangelist, businessman and former congressman in
- [Methodist Church in Fiji Forms Disaster Response Committee](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/03/methodist-church-fiji-forms-disaster-response-committee/) - Cyclone Winston,the worst storm recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, hit the Islands of Fiji on 22 February, causing widespread devastation. Thousands remain homeless in the wake of the "monster storm." World Methodist Council received this message from the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji. 24th February, 2016 Dear Partners in Christ, You would have heard of
- [New Commissioning Editor for HOLINESS Journal](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/03/new-commissioning-editor-for-holiness-journal/) - Wesley House Cambridge is pleased to announce the appointment of a new commissioning editor for the online Journal: HOLINESS (www.wesley.cam.ac.uk/holiness) The Revd Dr Andrew J Stobart is a Presbyter in the Methodist Church of Great Britain. He holds degrees in theology from the University of Aberdeen, the University of Durham and the London School of
- [Lent and Easter Resources - Updated](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/03/lent-and-easter-resources/) - During these 40 days before Easter, Christians often focus on the "giving up" rather than focusing on what God infuses into their lives and spirits during this period of devotion. Many of our Member Churches have provided links to Lenten and Easter resources to help enrich this time. We share a few of those with you
- [Message from the General Secretary - March 2016](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/03/message-from-the-general-secretary-march-2016/) - Sisters and Brothers in Christ, There is great excitement as we watch the registrations increase for the 21st World Methodist Conference that will gather under the theme; “ONE” in Houston Texas from August 31- September 3. We have come a long way and achieved many milestones since the launch of the first Ecumenical Conference
- [Bandmaster Course offered by Association of Methodist Brigades](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/03/bandmaster-course-offered-by-association-of-methodist-brigades/) - The Association of Methodist Brigades will offer a certificate course in bandmastership beginning April 4th at Methodist University College in Dansoman, Accra, Ghana. Details are below.
- [2016 World Methodist Conference Update](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/02/2016-world-methodist-conference-update/) - Hotel Reservation Link Available We are happy to announce that the hotel reservation link is now available for those registering for the 21st World Methodist Conference and related Pre-Events! After registering for the conference, you will be directed to the reservation website, or you may go directly to www.worldmethodistconference.com/lodging. Bible Study Leader Highlight Bishop João Carlos
- [Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome Director Reflects on The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2016](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/02/methodist-ecumenical-office-reflects-on-the-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2016/) - By Rev Dr Tim Macquiban Director, Methodist Ecumenical Office in Rome The Rev Dr Tim Macquiban, Director of the Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome, writes at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity his reflections on a momentous week. "This has been another significant week for us in Rome as Methodists and other
- [Africa Methodist Council is Born](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/02/africa-methodist-council-is-born/) - By The Very Rev Opeyemi Awe Interim General Secretary, AMC Contagious is the best word to express the feeling with which Heads of Methodist Churches across Africa, representing Methodist families in the Sub regions received the proposal for the ratification of the proposal for the formation of Africa Methodist Council at the Heads of Churches Summit which
- [Lenten Greeting from the General Secretary - February 2016](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/02/lenten-greeting-from-the-general-secretary-february-2016/) - Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ As we enter the second month of the year and count down to the 21st World Methodist Conference in Houston, the common expressions; “time flies” and “so much to do, so little time” takes on new meaning for the Programme Committee and staff at Lake Junaluska. I am glad
- [AME Church Founder Honored with U.S. Postage Stamp](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/02/ame-church-founder-honored-with-u-s-postage-stamp/) - On 2 February 2016, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Richard Allen, was honored with a United States Postal Service stamp. The unveiling ceremony was held at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, Penn., the church founded by Allen. Attending the ceremony were church and local leaders including Bishop John R. Bryant, senior
- [Mapping Migration Publication Released](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/02/mapping-migration-publication-released/) - This is a joint press release from the Conference of European Churches, Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe, and the World Council of Churches. The Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) have published a revised and updated edition of their joint study, Mapping Migration: Mapping Churches’ Responses
- [New Ebola Death Shocks Sierra Leone](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/02/new-ebola-death-shocks-sierra-leone/) - By Phileas Jusu Shock, apprehension and confusion gripped the city of Magburaka in northern Sierra Leone when a 22-year-old resident’s positive Ebola test result was made public nearly three days after she died and was given normal burial, including washing of the corpse. The news came less than 24 hours after the World Health Organization
- [Garrett-Evangelical Announces New Center for Music and Worship in the Black Church](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/02/2030/) - 12 January 2016 Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the founding of The Center for Music and Worship in the Black Church Experience (CMWBCE), a one-of-a-kind in North America. The mission of the center is to provide training in the sacred music of the Black church and beyond to musicians and worship leaders for
- [CNI General Secretary Calls on the Church to Help End Human Trafficking](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/02/cni-general-secretary-calls-on-the-church-to-help-end-human-trafficking/) - From Alwan Masih General Secretary, Synod of the Church of North India Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We have just received the blessings of celebrating Christmas – the birth of Jesus, who brought to us the message of ‘love of God’ and
- [AME Zion Church Board of Bishops Issues Statement on Police Shooting](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/01/ame-zion-church-board-of-bishops-issues-statement-on-police-shooting/)
- [New Year's Greetings from the General Secretary](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/01/new-years-greetings-from-the-general-secretary/) - Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ I trust that you had a joyful Christmas with family and friends and that the New Year will be filled with rich blessings. The Advent season was about expectation, watching and waiting while Epiphany, commemorated on 6 January, concludes the twelve days of the Christmas season. Epiphany is about
- [Hundreds Attend Mission Conference in Philippines](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/01/hundreds-attend-mission-conference-in-philippines/) - Three hundred eleven lay, clergy and guests from the eight annual conferences of the Baguio Episcopal Area, Philippines Central Conference of The United Methodist Church gathered on January 2-4 for this year’s Aldersgate Mission Conference themed, “Confirmation and Membership Anchored on Discipleship and Evangelism” at Venus Parkview Hotel, Baguio City. The three-day conference consisted mainly of discussions about the theology of grace, confirmation, and membership. Rev. Dr.
- [3Generate Event Gathers Hundreds of Young People](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/01/3generate-event-gathers-hundreds-of-young-people/) - This year’s 3Generate took place in November at PGL Liddington Adventure Centre, Swindon, [England, UK] where nearly 600 young Methodists aged 8-23 gathered together to worship, learn and make decisions that will affect the life of the wider Methodist Church [in Britain]. This year’s event was a sold-out success, which saw more than double the
- [EMUCI Celebrates National Day of Laity](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/01/emuci-celebrates-national-day-of-laity/) - The United Methodist Church in Côte d’Ivoire concluded celebrations for the National Week of Laity on October 18, 2015 with a worship service at Temple Galilée du Plateau. The National President of the Laity, Prof. Louis ABOUA, spoke to the local Methodist Radio Program "Voice of Hope" about the celebrations and highlights from the week including
- [CME Church Celebrates 145 Years](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/01/cme-church-celebrates-145-years/) - The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church celebrated a major birthday in 2015! Organized by 41 former slaves on December 16, 1870, the CME Church, as it is familiarly known, came into being amidst the aftermath of the American Civil War and Reconstruction. History enthusiasts will enjoy reading details of the church's beginnings on the CME website. On the day
- [AMEZ Releases Resource for Invovling Young Adults](https://firstfridayletter.worldmethodistcouncil.org/2016/01/amez-relases-resource-for-invovling-young-people/) - The African Methodist Episcopal Church Young Adult Christian Ministries has prepared a packet filled with resources and ideas for involving young adults in ministry. You may view or download the packet at http://www.amez.org/images/forms/yacmresourcepacket2015.pdf. Some of the ideas include: How to Begin a Young Adult Ministry Litany for a Young Adult-Led Worship Service A list of recommended

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