“Looking at the situation now, there is a high likelihood that there will be an outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases.” — Dr. Omar Lamin, United Methodist Kissy Hospital.
Church providing emergency health services after mudslide
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — The Sierra Leone Conference of The United Methodist Church is providing emergency health services for people affected by the landslide and flood. Phileas Jusu has the story and photos.
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Texas Conference braces for tropical storm, flooding
HOUSTON — The Texas Conference is encouraging residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Harvey, which is in the Gulf of Mexico and could hit the upper Texas coast Aug. 25 at hurricane strength. Meteorologists are warning of catastrophic flooding if the storm lingers. The conference notes in an online message that it is standing by to receive reports of damage and preparing to deploy relief resources.
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Nonprofit led by pastor builds tiny houses
DETROIT — On Aug. 22, PBS Newshour interviewed the Rev. Faith Fowler, pastor of Cass Community United Methodist Church and executive director of Cass Community Social Services. Under Fowler, the latter is building tiny houses for homeless and low-income residents of Detroit.
Watch report
Why Water Matters summit planned
MINNEAPOLIS — Registration has begun for Why Water Matters, an ecumenical summit on Nov. 16-18 in Minneapolis. The gathering, which aims to provide a theological foundation for environmental action, will include workshops, worship and keynote presentations from United Methodist bishops, Native American activists, professors and ecumenical faith leaders.
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To register
Sports event connects church, police
DALLAS — The Rev. Junius B. Dotson, top executive of Discipleship Ministries, will join leaders of St. Paul United Methodist Church and other churches and ministries for a sporting event to help build better community relationships with residents, police and local leaders in Dallas. The third annual Together We Ball basketball game on Aug. 27 is expected to draw more than 1,000 spectators.
Read press release
Read UMNS story about St. Paul
Is time of death predetermined?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (InfoServ) — Some people say that when a person is born, the day of their death is written in the book. What does that mean? In the latest installment of Ask the UMC, United Methodist Communications’ InfoServ tackles that question, with a look at several Scriptures that talk about a time to die and our days being numbered.
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Ask the UMC
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Tuesday, Sept. 5-Friday, Sept. 22
Communicating with those who are grieving — This online course addresses how to help someone who is experiencing hurt or grief. The course covers phrases and actions that actually do make a positive difference to those who are suffering and examines why some of the usual phrases aren’t as useful. This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU. Price: $45. Register
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