"We strongly believe that the prison is not the final destination for them." — Finda Quiwa, a United Methodist Women missionary and co-founder of a prison ministry for women in Sierra Leone.
Prison ministry helps women find faith, skills
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — A United Methodist prison ministry in this west African country has baptized women and helped them get the work and life skills they’ll need once their incarceration ends. Phileas Jusu reports.
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Mission agency joins Syrian humanitarian appeal
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Humanitarian organizations – including United Methodist Global Ministries – have appealed for a diplomatic end to the war in Syria and care for those suffering from the war. “The compassion of humanity cannot allow the carnage, displacement, starvation, and human rights violations to continue,” said Thomas Kemper, top executive of The United Methodist Church’s mission agency, in announcing he had signed the appeal urging a ceasefire.
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How to recruit volunteers without begging
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Churches need volunteers, and lots of them. But how can you convince someone to sacrifice time, energy and sometimes even their own money, to do something for free? Tricia Brown, a writer for United Methodist Communications, offers ideas.
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Financial help available for Wesley Pilgrimage
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History has joined two other denomination agencies in sponsoring the annual Wesley Pilgrimage in England. That will result in financial help for United Methodist lay leaders who want to immerse themselves in the Christ-centered leadership of John and Charles Wesley. The history agency joins Discipleship Ministries and the Board of Higher Education and Ministry as sponsors of the July 11-21 pilgrimage.
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Follow United Methodist news on Facebook and Twitter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Want to follow developments as the 2016 General Conference approaches? You can find the latest news on the UMNS Facebook page and Twitter feed.
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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.
Monday, Jan. 25-Friday, Feb. 5
Online course “Connecting and Leading Lay Volunteers in Ministry” from beadisciple.com — Participants will explore the Scriptural and Methodist foundations of the priesthood of all believers. They will discover their own spiritual gifts and learn how to help others discover and use their gifts. $50. Details.
Online course “Organizing Your Ministry” from beadisciple.com — This workshop will provide practical guides on how to get your ministry organized and keep it that way. The course will emphasize skills for youth ministry organization, but the ideas and concepts can be adapted and applied to any ministry setting. $65. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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