“Women will no longer risk their lives by delivering babies at home since we now have an attractive health facility.” — The Rev. Elias Mutasa on the United Methodist clinic at Nyahuku, Zimbabwe.
United to propose new hybrid Course of StudyDAYTON, Ohio (UMNS) — United Theological Seminary has announced plans for a “self-sustaining, non-jurisdictional, non-geographic, nationwide hybrid Course of Study program,” beginning Jan. 1, 2017. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is charged with administering the study program for licensed local pastors and will need to approve United’s program before it can begin. The proposal comes after the board discontinued the current hybrid Course of Study as of December. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Satellite clinics for remote areas of ZimbabweNYAHUKU, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — In a community so rural that elephants are frequently seen and the only access to the country’s mobile phone network can be found under a single tree, The United Methodist Church is providing quality medical care. The Nyadire Mission Hospital’s satellite clinics in six remote Zimbabwe communities are being expanded and upgraded with the help of United Methodists from Pennsylvania. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
Religious Americans happier, more engagedWASHINGTON — A Pew Research Center study of the ways religion influences the daily lives of Americans finds that people who are highly religious are more engaged with their extended families, more likely to volunteer, more involved in their communities and generally happier with the way things are going in their lives.
Sowing beans and hope in HaitiPORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (UMNS) — Through an agricultural program supported by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, Marylyn Wesley, a mother of five from a village near Haiti’s capital, is learning to cultivate beans. Azim Akhtar, head of mission for UMCOR’s country office in Haiti, reports.
GC2016 host committee welcomes global churchPORTLAND, Ore. (UMC.org) — Oregon resident Bill Haden looks forward to the United Methodist General Conference coming to Portland in May of 2016. He’s the chair of the host committee and also serves on the commission that plans the event. Beginning with greeting United Methodists at the airport, the host committee rolls out the welcome mat and remains available throughout the delegates’ two-week stay.
2016 candidacy guidebook availableNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A new guidebook for candidates for ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church has been released by The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The book, “Answering the Call: Candidacy Guidebook,” is designed for group candidacy mentoring.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday, April 21
Workshop “Navigating Healthy Change” — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT. Nationally recognized consultant and church leader Mike Bonem will be featured at the ninth Leadership Institute at Central Methodist University, Inman Student and Community Center. He works with congregations, denominational bodies and other organizations to conduct in-depth assessments, discern God’s vision and initiate healthy change. The Missouri United Methodist Foundation is sponsoring the event. $35. Details
Friday, April 22
Earth Day — The observance of Earth Day celebrates God's gift of the earth. To celebrate, United Methodist Discipleship Ministries offers worship resources.
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