"Our emergency response planning had to be sensitive to long-term development needs, given the history of development in Haiti and the role of other humanitarian actors." — Sharad Aggarwal, director of international programs, United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Five years after earthquake: recovery to development
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Five years after the devastating earthquake that left more than 200,000 dead and displaced 1.2 million, United Methodists, together with church and nongovernmental partners, continue to work with Haitian communities toward sustainable development. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Photo essay: Haiti’s journey to recovery
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Haiti: Finding power in partnerships
CABARET, Haiti (UMNS) — A development project 15 miles outside of Port-au-Prince that is changing lives daily shows the power of a partnership between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Laura Wise reports for UMCOR.
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See UMCOR overview of Haiti earthquake work
Ire, joy follow resolution of bishop complaint
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The end of the complaint process against retired Bishop Melvin Talbert for officiating at a same-sex union has brought comfort to some United Methodists and consternation to others. General Conference in 2016 will likely see proposed changes to church law to make sure that clergy who officiate at same-gender unions face penalties. Heather Hahn reports.
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Churches offer alternative to payday lenders
RICHMOND, Va. (UMNS) — The Washington Post reports on Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church’s Jubilee Assistance Fund, which parishioners are using as an alternative to high-interest commercial lending.
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Welcome to members of Congress
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — As members of the 114th U.S. Congress convened to begin the new term, representatives of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society ventured out in freezing rain and snow to welcome them. The executives for the denomination’s advocacy agency met with both Republicans and Democrats, some United Methodist and some not.
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History of Hymns: ‘I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light’
DALLAS (UMNS) — “In singing this hymn, we feel the spirit of Epiphany unfold,” writes C. Michael Hawn in his overview of this sacred song, which is No. 206 in the United Methodist hymnal. Kathleen Armstrong Thomerson, who formerly directed music at University United Methodist Church in St. Louis in a musical career that crossed denominational lines, is the hymn writer.
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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.
Sunday-Saturday, Jan. 18-24
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity — The Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships, part of the Council of Bishops, urges United Methodists to participate. Resources, including posters, daily Scripture, prayer guides, bulletins, pulpit announcements and prayer cards, are available online from the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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