"We hope and pray that President Kabila will be an enabler and not a stumbling block of this process." — Thomas Kemper, top executive with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, on hopes for a peaceful election process in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Churches in Congo pray for peace, condemn attacks
BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — United Methodist churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo condemned this week’s deadly attack on anti-government protesters in Kinshasa. Local church leaders asked for prayers for a peaceful election process as fears of violence kept many away from worship services. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
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Memphis Conference
Purchase District responds to school shooting
BENTON, Ky. — Prayers are being lifted for those affected by the Jan. 23 mass shooting at Marshall County High School. The school is located in the Purchase District of the Memphis Conference. Lane Gardner Camp reports.
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Read statement from Bishop Bill McAlilly
NY Times: School shooting is 11th this year
InfoServ
How do you become United Methodist?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (InfoServ) — How does a person from another faith convert to United Methodist? The process begins with a commitment to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ through participation in a local congregation. Find out more in the latest installment of Ask the UMC.
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Ask the UMC
South Carolina Conference
Church first-aid training helps mom save life
GREENWOOD, S.C. — One little boy is alive today thanks to the quick thinking of his mom — and the first-aid training she received at her United Methodist church the week prior. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Higher Education and Ministry
Book explores sustainable mission
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new book aims to help United Methodists cultivate mission that moves beyond “us and them” to “all of us together.” “From Relief to Empowerment: How Your Church Can Cultivate Sustainable Mission” by Laceye and Gaston Warner examines ZOE, a Christian nonprofit and United Methodist Global Ministries’ Advance project. Proceeds of book sales will go to ZOE.
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COMMENTARIES
Taking issue with Wendell Berry
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Rev. Allen T. Stanton has written an essay titled “Why I Hate Wendell Berry.” Stanton, pastor at Merritt’s Chapel United Methodist Church, admires much about the poems, essays and novels of Berry, which are often quoted in sermons. But he thinks Berry’s work can lead others, especially those from the city, to a dangerous idealizing of rural life. Stanton wrote about Berry for Faith & Leadership, a Duke Divinity School website.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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United Methodist sworn in as new president of Liberia
EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, Feb. 12-Friday, Feb. 23
Online workshop: Faith communities' response to domestic violence
Monday, Feb. 12-Saturday, Feb. 24
Online study: Loneliness to Solitude
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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