Youth volunteers unloaded pumpkins for Davidson United Methodist Church's Pumpkin Patch fund-raiser Wednesday. More photos below. (David Boraks photo)

A couple of dozen youth volunteers helped unload hundreds of pumpkins Wednesday at the McKay Youth House at Davidson United Methodist Church, on South Main Street. The Pumpkin Patch is a fall tradition at the church, raising money for church missions. It opened Read the full story

Marty Price

The American justice system is based on retribution and punishment, but for many younger and first-time offenders, that approach has negative long-term effects. The Social Justice Committee of Davidson United Methodist Church has taken an interest in a new tactic called “restorative justice,” which uses mediation techniques to reconcile offenders, victims and the community.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, the committee is sponsoring a day-long forum in Davidson to introduce the idea, and organizers hope it will lead to establishment of the Charlotte region’s first restorative justice program. Marty Price, a lawyer and pioneer in the emerging field of restorative justice, will facilitate the program, Read the full story

Davidson United Methodist Church press release

Has the blessing of adoption touched your family? Davidson United Methodist Church (DUMC) will host a new adoption support group beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the church, 233 S. Main St. The group will meet twice a month to offer education, fellowship, support, and family fun for those considering, in the process of, or already at home with their adopted children. Register and request childcare by calling the church office, 704-892-8277. For more information, contact Cheryl Mahoney at 704-895-8043.

What’s that phrase about “something old, something new; something borrowed, something blue…”

We have a little of all that this week, but not as part of any wedding tradition!  “New” is Dr. Susan Heafner-Heun on the staff of the local Methodist church, though she’ll be “borrowed” by the Methodist Conference to focus on adult education.  Meanwhile, an “old” friendship sent Lacy Woods Dick and Rosa Shand Cumming to a college reunion, where they were a little bit “blue” when they saw up close that their alma-mater is now co-ed!

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Jill Rios, director of NC Interfaith Power & Light, will speak at an upcoming DCPC program.

News from Davidson churches this week includes a two-night series on faith and the environment that will be held at  Davidson College Presbyterian Church Aug. 10-11 (registration ends Thursday, Aug. 6), a study series in advance of a visit to Charlotte by the noted Christian theologian John Shelby Spong, and a new adoption support group forming this fall at Davidson United Methodist Church.

See below for all the details. Read the full story

These are hard times financially for many in our community and neighboring towns.  Individually, many of us are contributing money to the charities of our choice.  But what are we doing collectively? At Davidson United Methodist Church (DUMC), members this week undertook two projects in hopes of making a difference: A food collection and the start of a new community garden. Associate Minister Jeff Hassel calls it “good news in the midst of bad.”

Also below, news about a food drive at Davidson College Presbyterian Church for Loaves & Fishes food pantry, which has seen an increase in clients it serves. Read the full story

Davidson-Cornelius Day Care on Gamble Street on Davidson’s West Side has always been a unique place, bringing together preschoolers from diverse backgrounds and income levels. This year, the kids have had a new activity to look forward to – weekly visits by Liz Hickey, Kindermusik instructor from Davidson United Methodist Church. The church’s music ministry raised money to pay for the program, which Ms. Hickey says will return in September.

To watch a multimedia report about the program, read on.

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Davidson United Methodist Church will host a free discussion and screening of “Crossroads,” a film that offers four views of our region’s future in 2015, on Wednesday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m., in the church fellowship hall, 233 S. Main St. Read the full story