“As United Methodists, we believe that peace based on justice is at the very core of our prophetic ministry.” — Bishop Rodolfo Juan on ongoing peace talks between the Philippine government and opposing parties.
Prayers for Philippines peace talks
QUEZON CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — As the government of the Philippines begins peace talks with opposition forces, the faith community prays they will be successful. The United Methodist Church in the Philippines joined other religious groups in hosting an ecumenical forum on peace in advance of the formal negotiations. Gladys Mangiduyos has the story.
Sierra Leone pastor defrocked after sex with minor
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — The Sierra Leone Conference’s board of ordained ministry defrocked James Sapato Fornah, former pastor-in-charge at Kambia United Methodist Church, after he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison for having sex with a 13-year-old in his congregation. Phileas Jusu reports.
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Replacement toys ease pain of floods
BATON ROUGE, La. (UMNS) — The flood-related troubles besetting Louisiana have been relieved by acts of kindness and generosity. A member of First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge who is having to gut his flooded home had his spirits lifted when his young daughter got a replacement American Girl doll and his young son got a new set of Lego bricks. Betty Backstrom of the Louisiana Conference reports.
How a Florida church connects with local school
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — St. Andrew United Methodist Church has found an effective way to connect with a nearby elementary school, Oakland Terrace School for the Arts. Collin Breaux of the Panama City News Herald reports how the church provides supplies and a luncheon for teachers and administrators.
Seeking innovative evangelists
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — The Foundation for Evangelism invites clergy and laity to apply to be named 2016 Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church. The distinguished evangelist is invited to train and inspire others to share Christ. The deadline for applications is Thursday, Sept. 15.
Commentary: Learning from being lousy at prayer
WOODINVILLE, Wash. (UMNS) — “Scripture reminds us that when it comes to prayer, none of us really knows what we’re doing,” writes the Rev. Meredith Dodd, pastor of Bear Creek United Methodist Church. She writes for the Pacific Northwest Conference about how she improved her prayer life through writing.
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.
Tuesday, Aug. 30
Webinar “Practical Guidance for Clergy in Teaching Forgiveness” — 2 to 3 p.m. EDT. The National Veterans Affairs Chaplain Center presents a webinar to help clergy as they help people wrestling with forgiveness of themselves and others. The webinar will focus on the REACH Forgiveness model developed by psychologists. REACH stands for recall, empathize, altruism, committing, and holding on. Details
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