Earth Month
Welcome to April, the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. April is also known as “the cruelest month” in North America because it can swing from balmy sunshine to storms in moments.
UMC Creation Justice kicks off April, which it tags as “Earth Month,” with the following suggestions from its newsletter:
- Sign up for the next Global Ministries EarthKeeper Training by April 12.
- Check out Earth Month resources to use in your churches.
- View the latest Faith Advocacy webinar.
- Take the Creation Care Network Bingo Challenge to get more connected.
- Join UMW’s April 14th Climate Justice Federal Legislative Day.
- Stand in solidarity with the many UMC responses to Anti-Asian American racism.
North Georgians recover from tornadoes
Newnan tornado tree down
Photo of storm damage in Newnan, Ga., from Rev. Yolanda Jones-Colton.
United Methodists in the North Georgia Annual Conference are mobilizing recovery efforts after tornadoes hit the region March 25. According to the conference website, “Newnan Chapel UMC sustained damage in the storm, losing part of its roof and windows shattered. Damage to the property in the community around the church is great. Yet the church members and pastor Rev. Terri Lemons still worshipped Palm Sunday and got to work serving their neighbors.
“March 30 through April 3 Newnan First UMC is serving as an emergency shelter for storm victims. They, along with several other Newnan churches, will open their building from 4 pm to 8 am.
“Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson has requested, and UMCOR granted, a solidarity grant to the North Georgia Conference for emergency response in the Newnan area. The funds will be used on response efforts in coordination with Coweta County Emergency Management.
NGA Tornado Damagee
A Newnan, Ga., home destroyed by March 25's nighttime tornado. (Photo from Rev. Yolanda Jones-Colton)
“The North Georgia Conference has established a fund (Fund #3752) for Newnan Area Tornadoes. These funds will be used for North Georgia Conference Disaster Response efforts. Give through any North Georgia Conference United Methodist Church by indicating that your gift is for ‘Fund 3752’ or ‘Newnan Area Tornadoes.’ Donations may also be made to UMCOR US Disaster Response #901670. Please do not collect unsolicited items such as water or clothing.”
Additional information on tornado recovery will be shared by email, at www.ngumc.org, and www.facebook.com/ngaumc.
Media Mentions as of April 1, 2021
Holy days arrive for the faithful as pandemic eases in U.S. – The Associated Press
Churches cautiously open for Easter services – Elkin Jonesville Tribune
Churches plan Easter services – Omak Okanogan County Chronicle
A drone’s eye view of the Holy Land as Christians look to Easter – Reuters
Holy Week ceremonies in Jerusalem to proceed in limited format – The Jerusalem Post*
Religious leaders work to build trust in COVID-19 vaccine in communities of colorABC News
St. Luke United Methodist to host free COVID-19 vaccination event in South Dallas – The Dallas Morning News
Minnesota churches’ suit over COVID restrictions can go forward, judge rules – Reuters
Panel advances Connecticut bills ending religious exemption for vaccines – The Associated Press
Tennessee bill allowing religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccines advances in Senate – The Tennessean*
Pink cake on canals: Amsterdam celebrates same-sex weddings – The Associated Press
Black religious leaders, stand with our LGBTQ family – Religion News Service
Members of Athens LGBTQ community turn to churches in time of crisis – Red and Black
UN condemns Palm Sunday ‘terrorist act’ on Indonesian church – The Associated Press
Why parts of Good Friday worship have been controversial – The Conversation
Georgia faith leaders to leave water bottles around Capitol in protest of new voter laws – Religion News Service
Despair and hope in Holy Week – Religion News Service
* Paid subscription required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.