"We have done this not only for the church, but the Scripture also says righteousness exalts a nation. If we are all righteous ... and we are satisfied with what is happening around us, the country also will develop. We pray that the future will be bright." — The Rev. Solomon Rogers on a final settlement of a land dispute.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Sierra Leone church celebrates end of land dispute
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UM News) — The Sierra Leone Ministry of Lands has closed the door on a land dispute between The United Methodist Church and the Masantigie community, but not before issuing a stern warning about keeping the peace. Last year, the Sierra Leone Conference agreed to give 60 acres of its 443-acre Pa Loko land to the village community. Phileas Jusu reports.
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Discipleship Ministries
Concern for children helps church grow
MENDOTA, Ill. — The Rev. Hogun Kim encouraged his congregation of Zion United Methodist Church to spend time with God. That led to the church holding its first vacation Bible school in more than 20 years, and in turn, led to several new families joining the church. The Rev. Jeff Campbell has the story.
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United Methodist Men
Methodist Scouting celebrates 100th birthday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Methodist Episcopal Church officially recognized Scouting in February 1920. This month, as the 100th anniversary is celebrated, 3,111 United Methodist congregations charter 9,611 Scout units. Those serve 309,739 young people. United Methodist churches provide home base for more Scouts than any other denomination in America.
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PRESS RELEASES
Global Ministries
Mission agency CEO will not stand for reelection
ATLANTA — Thomas Kemper will not stand for reelection as chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Kemper — who has led the worldwide mission and humanitarian service agency for the last 10 years — said in a memo to staff that he and his wife Barbara planned to relocate to their native Germany. Elliott Wright reports.
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Global Ministries
UMCOR joins coronavirus fight
ATLANTA — Working to support the efforts of local partners in China dealing with the coronavirus crisis, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is sending an emergency grant to Amity Foundation in Nanjing, China. The grant will immediately enable infection, prevention and control measures to limit the spread of respiratory diseases such as the new virus.
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The Church in China: Focus on disaster relief
World Council of Churches
Feb. 6 event marks new prayer campaign for Korea
GENEVA — A Feb. 6 livestreamed event hosted by the World Council of Churches will launch a March 1-Aug. 15 global prayer campaign for peace on the Korean Peninsula, with corresponding events the same day in Washington and Seoul. The 70 days of prayer correspond with a commemoration of 70 years since the Korean War. A toolkit of resource materials, including prayers and Bible studies, will be available.
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RECENT HEADLINES
United Methodist women plan school in Harare
EVENTS
Monday, Feb. 24-Friday, March 6
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