“A ceasefire doesn’t make the news, but, in fact, it makes the difference for people’s lives in that village.” — David Wildman, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, on the partial ceasefire in Syria.
Ceasefire grants reprieve, but refugees still in need
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The latest partial ceasefire in Syria was showing signs of collapse this week, but not before the country’s besieged civilians were granted a reprieve. United Methodists and religious partners respond as the crisis continues for Syrians and others seeking refuge in the Middle East and Europe. Linda Bloom reports.
Read story and post a comment
Water shortage threatens Zimbabwe clinic
MUREWA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Dindi Mission is grappling with an acute water shortage as the lone borehole fails to cope with demand from the United Methodist center and the neighboring community. A Maryland church is spearheading efforts to raise funds for two new boreholes. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
Read story and post a comment
Duke professor named Perkins dean
DALLAS (UMNS) — Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University has named the Rev. Craig C. Hill as dean, effective July 1. Hill, a United Methodist ordained elder, taught at Wesley Theological Seminary and since 2010 has been executive director of the Doctor of Ministry and Master of Christian Practice programs at Duke Divinity School.
Read press release
Immigrant men find help in Michigan
CHELSEA, Mich. (UMNS) — When Samil, an immigrant from Bangladesh, fled from religious persecution, he ended up in Michigan. Volunteers at the Southeastern Michigan Justice for Our Neighbors helped him connect with an attorney who has filed for political asylum on his behalf. Barbara Dunlap-Berg reports on the program supported by a grant through Peace with Justice Sunday.
Read story and post a comment
Get resources for Peace with Justice Sunday
Boosting memory with music
MACON, Ga. (UMNS) — Rufus Jones, a musician who played with James Brown and Otis Redding among others, came alive as soon as he listened to an iPod shuffle. The gift of a music player was part of Centenary United Methodist Church’s Music and Memory Project. The church provides music players with 20 free songs to residents of a senior-living center. Kara Witherow of the South Georgia Conference reports how the ministry brings smiles and refreshes memories.
Read story
Coaching transforms ministry
NEPTUNE, N.J. (UMNS) — More than 150 clergy in the Greater New Jersey Conference have signed up for coaching and many say the eight-month coaching experience has been nothing short of transformational. Paige Chant reports for the conference.
Read story
Quiz: Test your knowledge of General Conference
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMC.org) — Just how much do you know about The United Methodist Church’s big legislative gathering that sets church policy? This 10-question quiz lets you check what you know.
Take quiz
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.
Monday-Wednesday, April 25-27
North Carolina Preaching Festival — St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Raleigh, North Carolina. The second annual North Carolina Preaching Festival will highlight the diverse styles of preachers from around the country. The Revs. Nadia Bolz-Weber, Tiffany Knowlin, Tom Berlin, Audrey Warren, Brian Combs, Eric Huffman and Juan Huertas will be preaching on the topic of “Text to Context.” Workshops and plenary sessions round out this three-day event presented by the Academy for Leadership Excellence. Register
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.