Daily Digest - January 8, 2016

“This time I did not want to risk losing my baby so I came and stayed at the shelter where I was closely monitored by specialist staff.” — Mary Chimunda on her stay at Mutumbara Mission Hospital’s shelter for expectant mothers.

‘Baby-friendly’ Zimbabwe hospital wins awards, gratitude

MUTAMBARA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — United Methodist Mutambara Mission Hospital offers a shelter for expectant mothers in need. The hospital’s “baby-friendly” policy has won an award and is now being used as a role model for the whole country. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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Bishop decries immigration raids

WASHINGTON (CWS) — United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcaño is decrying planned federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids against Central Americans who have crossed into the United States. Current immigration laws “discourage us from living out our faith imperative to love and help our neighbor,” she said.
Read Church World Service release

‘Chicks Know Church’ connects women in ministry

BILLINGS, Mont. (UMNS) — In response to the popular Discipleship Ministries series “Chuck Knows Church,” four clergywomen in the Yellowstone Conference have come together to offer “Chicks Know Church,” an online forum to share inspiration and insight on ministry from a female perspective. Charmaine Robledo of the Mountain Sky Area reports.
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See Chicks Know Church website
See the group’s Facebook page

Nigerian Muslims and Christians say no to violence

JALINGO, Nigeria (UMNS) — Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, leader of United Methodists in Nigeria, joined with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society to host interfaith dialogue in a country ravaged by the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram (which has killed more people than ISIS). The Revs. Ande Emmanuel and Dauda Uzajja report on the state of Muslim-Christian relations in the country.
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Forum on church’s worldwide nature

CHICAGO (UMNS) — The Connectional Table, a coordinating body in The United Methodist Church, is launching the newest topic in the #CTTalks online forum. The forum is a series of videos and social media conversations around key topics related to the 2016 General Conference. January features a month-long series on the worldwide nature of The United Methodist Church.
Read press release
Join forum

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.

Saturday, Jan. 9

Deadline to register for Young Clergy Leadership Forum — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society will host the gathering 8 a.m. EST Monday, Jan. 25 to 4 p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 27 in Washington. New Monasticism pioneer Shane Claiborne will be among the speakers. Space is limited to 70 ordained elders or deacons age 35 and younger who have not previously attended. Costs range from $80 to $200, depending on accommodations. Details.

Monday, Jan. 11

Human Trafficking Awareness Day — United Methodist Women offers both information and resources to take action against modern-day slavery. Details.

You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.