"A big selling point for everyone who gets into a relationship with Africa University is the potential impact to a continent. What you are investing in is not bound by national borders." — Munashe Furusa, Africa University’s vice chancellor.
Africa University gets boost from partnerships
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Africa University’s influence is spreading across the continent and around the globe through about 50 partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits and corporations — nearly 25 years after The United Methodist Church founded the university in Zimbabwe. Jeff Wolfe reports.
Read story
Agency report: Religion and Race
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race worked to increase understanding of cultural differences in 2016, by providing more than 1,000 hours of training to church leaders and creating new resources for healthier cross-racial/cross-cultural appointments. Part of a series of reports on the work each general agency accomplished in 2016.
Vital conversation: Mission in a global church
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Thomas Kemper, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, will talk about “What it Means to be a Mission Worker in a Worldwide Church” at 9 p.m. EST Dec. 7. His talk is part of the vital conversation series organized by the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race.
Keeping churches safe and welcoming
BOISE, Idaho (UMC.org) — How can churches be both a safe place and welcoming to strangers? Cathedral of the Rockies First United Methodist Church held a Safe Church Summit that offered tips for staying secure in a sinful, violent world.
ShareChurch offers sermon series, curriculum, tips
LEAWOOD, Kan. (UMNS) — The Church of the Resurrection has developed a website to share resources aimed at helping renew local churches and expand ministries. The Kansas church is the U.S. United Methodist church with the highest attendance, with more than 20,000 members worshipping on four campuses. Resources include sermon series, curriculum for small groups and Sunday school classes, tips for preparing for mission trips and more.
Read story
Wilson to head Leadership Ministries at Discipleship
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Cynthia A. Wilson, assistant vice president of student life and dean of students at Garrett–Evangelical Theological Seminary, has been named associate general secretary of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries. She will head the agency’s Leadership Ministries.
Read press release
Take the Advent and Christmas quiz
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — So you think you know Advent? OK, is the season of Advent a fixed number of days like the 40 days of Lent or something else? Readers can test their knowledge of the season with this year’s 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.
Saturday, Dec. 24
Christmas Eve — United Methodist Discipleship Ministries offers ideas for a service of lessons and carols as well as ways to welcome Christmas guests. Resources
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.