Churches continue attempts to separate from National Methodist organization
The separation of conservative churches from the now more liberal Methodist church continues to be determined through lawsuits. A Florida circuit court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by churches in Florida and Pennsylvania. The lawsuit was part of an attempt to have the churches officially separated quickly from the national Methodist organization. The justice in the case says he has no right to rule in the case because the court has no jurisdiction. The justice did leave the opportunity for appeals by the Plaintiffs in the case. The church recently faced a lawsuit from over 30 churches here in North Carolina; that case was also dismissed by justices. The lawsuits against the national Methodist Church organization span across the US as several conservative churches are suing to distance themselves from the group. Methodist churches across the US are attempting to leave the organization quickly; the national organization claims they need to delay the process for at least the next year as they sort out property and final legal matters to formally separate the churches leaving the organization.
US Speaker of House visits Israel / addresses Israeli government
US Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy addresses Israel’s Parliament this week. This is the first time in 25 years that the US Speaker of the House has spoken at the Knesset. McCarthy spoke on the deep ties between the US and Israel. The speech came just days after the 75th anniversary of Israel as a modern nation. McCarthy spoke about continued unity and solidarity with Israel. The speaker also spoke on the need for taking a stand against Iran. McCarthy later expressed frustration over the estranged relationship between the Biden Administration and Israel’s government. The Biden Administration has not extended an invitation to Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Washington. McCarthy say he will extend the invitation to the US Capitol the Prime Minister is not invited to Washington soon. Tension between the US and Israel has continued following the breakdown of peace negotiations. The current administration is pushing for more leniency against Iran. Israeli officials have refused to agree to these demands.
Student organizes Christian event at University of Oklahoma
A student in Oklahoma says he followed the voice of the Lord leading to a major outpouring of His spirit. Joshua Robinson, a senior at the University of Oklahoma says he simply asked God to use him in the next stage of his life after graduation. This prayer led to an event called, “Fill the Stadium”. The event was a service held on Saturday at the University of Oklahoma’s football stadium and featured worship, ministry, and prayer during the day’s events. Organizers for the event did not give numbers concerning those who may have been prayed for or accepted Christ. The event did fill the stadium attracting 60-thousand participants. The group says they plan on creating a follow-up website to continue helping college students spread the gospel on their college campuses.
SNBC Health Report: How dental health can affect your heart
According to researchers’ dental health in particular flossing can have benefits for your heart. According to research by Dr. Sasha Ross for Cleveland Clinic it is important to consider dental health as a part of our overall health regimen. Dr. Ross says gum disease caused by not properly caring for dental health can contribute to various issues. Research shows the gum disease can lead to inflammation and bacteria which can directly affect the heart. Dr. Ross claims patients who have periodontal disease issues have a greater risk of heart disease. According to the CDC 43 percent of adults aged 30 and older have some type of gum disease. Flossing is also important because it helps keep minimize such as bleeding, swollen gums, and plaque buildup. Doctors advise the use of special brushes, a water pick, or dental floss in addition to brushing as a part of a consistent dental health regimen.