"Europe is becoming a fortress where desperate people fleeing from war, hunger and persecution are being turned away, even if that means death and risk for their lives." — The Rev. Susanne Nießner-Brose, a United Methodist pastor in Germany.
NEWS AND FEATURES
A less welcoming place for refugees
BREMEN, Germany (UM News) — The United Methodist Church of the Redeemer has offered a host of services to refugees and migrants in recent years. But the coronavirus pandemic has put a temporary halt to such ministries, and Europe is turning more people away as the migration crisis continues. Linda Bloom reports.
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North Macedonia ministry provides hope
STRUMICA, North Macedonia (UM News) — Though COVID-19 has changed the lives of many, leaders of the Miss Stone Center, a United Methodist diaconal facility, have been able to care for more than 200 people without interruption. Urs Schweizer has the story.
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South Georgia Conference
Pastor survives severe COVID-19 case
DUBLIN, Ga. — The Rev. Wes Moye, pastor of Pine Forest United Methodist Church, is recovering at home after more than 100 days in the hospital with COVID-19, including 38 days on a ventilator. He credits "incredible" support from his congregation and other United Methodists. Kara Witherow reports.
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Kenya-Ethiopia Conference
Bikes extend evangelism during pandemic
RIRUTA, Kenya — Thirty student pastors at Wesleyan United Methodist Training College have new bikes to help them carry out their mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bikes were gifted through The United Methodist Church's Bikes and Bibles program. "This will allow me to give more time to ministry, and less time walking," said Pastor Joseph Nanyanga. Gad Maiga has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
Living with faith and doubt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Does being faithful mean being doubtless? The Rev. Brian McLaren talks on the Compass Podcast about his new book "Faith After Doubt." The podcast is a ministry of United Methodist Communications aimed at reaching spiritual seekers.
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No Daily Digest Jan. 20
In observation of U.S. Inauguration Day, there will be no UM News Daily Digest on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The digest will resume on Thursday, Jan. 21.
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
The Arkansas United Methodist
Clergy should advocate for vaccination
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Rev. Chase Green calls on fellow United Methodist clergy to be cheerleaders for the COVID-19 vaccines rolling out. His essay notes the keen interest of John Wesley, Methodism's founder, in health and remedies.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Easter outreach resources available for churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Many people in your community will be searching for a place to find renewal and hope this Easter. United Methodist Communications sells a wide variety of customizable outreach resources to invite people to church, including postcards, banners and digital tools. Use code UMCEA21 to receive $150 off an order.
To order
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Monday, Jan. 25-Friday, Feb. 12
Online book study: "Grace Sufficient: A History of Women in American Methodism"
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