Male emperor penguins
Male emperor penguins incubate a single egg for months, surviving on fat reserves to bring new life into the world. (Pexels/Pixabay Image)
A United Methodist Insight Column
Here's some encouragement for fathers: yes, it really is worth making that Bethlehem manger backdrop for the church Christmas pageant, followed by staying up all night to put together that bicycle or swing set on Christmas Eve. Just consider the awesome example of male emperor penguins.
According to Earth/Sky.com, emperor penguin males make terrific dads. Says the website's newsletter: "They gather in colonies near Antarctica’s coast, tightly huddling together to stay warm in temperatures that can dip as low as -40 F (-40 C), and strong winds up to 90 miles per hour (144 km/ hour). Each penguin dad will incubate a single egg and care for the chick when it first hatches. They do all this while surviving only on fat reserves from the previous summer. Read more about penguin dads."
Earth/Sky continues: "Now the fragile balance that lets these animals survive in Antarctica is threatened, and penguins have been listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act."
So, dads, save the planet for the sake of emperor penguins and all other males who take their parenting duties seriously.
Good works around the connection
Even as we continue to struggle through the wreckage of The United Methodist Church's splintering, there are plenty of good works – and opportunities to help – happening around U.S. annual conferences. Here's a round-up courtesy of UM News and Insight collection.
California-Pacific Church unveils affordable housing plan
COMPTON, Calif. — Crossroads United Methodist Church marked its 30th anniversary by unveiling its vision for “Blake at Crossroads Compton,” an affordable housing complex and worship center. “This is God’s party,” said newly elected Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, who previously served the congregation. Larry R. Hygh Jr. has the story. Read story
Minnesota Conference supplies going to Haiti, Ukraine
MINNEAPOLIS — Nearly 11,000 pounds of supplies were collected by 23 United Methodist churches during a statewide effort. The supplies went to the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which will distribute them in Haiti and parts of the U.S. to assist with Hurricane Ian relief, and to help those navigating the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The supplies include cleaning kits, detergent, soap, household cleaner, rakes, shovels, tools, blankets and electric sewing machines. Christa Meland reports. Read story
Pennsylvania church interior is total loss after fire
STAHLSTOWN, Pa. — Firefighters were able to save the structural integrity of Trinity United Methodist Church after it went up in flames, but the interior is a total loss. The congregation will be holding Advent, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services in a nearby United Methodist church. Amy Hudak has the story for WPXI-NBC. Read story and watch video. To donate to rebuilding
Rockford CROP Walk
Participants present a check for this year's Rockford (IL) CROP Hunger Walk to the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition. (Photo Courtesy of Northern Illinois Conference)
Northern Illinois CROP Hunger Walk raises funds
This year’s Rockford Area CROP Hunger Walk raised over $28,000 which helps local and world hunger in Rockford and the world. The Rockford area CROP Hunger Walk occurs every third Sunday in October. Rockford has raised over $240,000 thousand dollars for local hunger relief since 1986. One-quarter of the money returns to Rockford, and is distributed to the Food Pantry Coalition, made up of 16 area food pantries, including the Rock River Food Pantry. This year a check in the amount of $8,034.23 was presented to the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition. Learn More about the Crop Walk here.
Media Mentions as of Dec. 14, 2022
Local pastor reacts to United Methodist Church split - WBRC
Vote for full inclusion anniversary celebrated by Milford United Methodist Church – The Pike County Courier
United Methodist churches address affiliation issues - The Blount Countian
Alabama's United Methodist organization loses 198 congregations - The Anniston Star
W. Richard Turner: Schism within Methodist denomination certainly nothing new – Waco Tribune-Herald
Church of England bishops head for showdown on marriage for same-sex couples – Religion News Service
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. Email the Editor for permission to reproduce this content elsewhere.