“Two nurses have died of Ebola. I am a nurse. I can see the risk. We must be prepared.” — Beatrice Gbanga, a United Methodist missionary in Sierra Leone.
Health care workers on front lines of Ebola outbreak
BO, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — United Methodist leaders, health care workers and the Sierra Leone government are working to inform Sierra Leone about the danger of a deadly Ebola outbreak. Here is how health officials, including those at a United Methodist hospital, are trying to stop the contagion.
2014 Africa University grads express thanks
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — More than 450 students received undergraduate and graduate degrees at Africa University during a June 7 ceremony. Gloria Alitubeera, a Ugandan who earned a degree in business, spoke for many. “To those who granted me the scholarship that enabled me to study and get this degree, I dedicate it to you.”
United Methodists invited to discuss church’s worldwide nature
CHICAGO (UMNS) — In an effort to foster ongoing dialogue about topics of interest to the broader church, The Connectional Table, which coordinate the denomination’s ministry and resources, and the Commission on General Conference are inviting members to join them in conversation about the worldwide nature of the church. Downloadable resources for discussion and an online survey about the worldwide issues affecting the denomination are available at a new website at www.umc.org/worldwide-nature.
Campus ministers ponder how to curb sexual assault
PARRISH, Fla. (UMNS) — As federal officials pass legislation and launch investigations regarding what some term a “silent epidemic” of sexual assaults on college campuses, studies show freshmen women face the highest risk. Eleven Florida campus ministers, with help from the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women, are discussing prevention and response. Susan Green of the Florida Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
Graduate work helps Liberian pastor serve community
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — As part of his preparation for the doctor of ministry degree that he recently earned from United Methodist-related Wesley Theological Seminary, the Rev. James Labala studied particular cultural practices of ethnic groups in northern Liberia in relation to Christian practices. That will help the United Methodist pastor serve his Liberian community.
Young clergy meet with the Rev. Adam Hamilton
LEAWOOD, Kan. (UMNS) — “The key to the future of the church is leadership. The people aren’t going to the promised land without Moses. Remind them that Jesus is calling the church to take the hard road,” the Rev. Adam Hamilton told a gathering of young clergy from the Missouri Annual (regional) Conference. He is the senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and a popular Christian writer. Fred Koenig of the Missouri Conference shares Hamilton’s advice and the pastor’s own struggles in his ministry.
TV station asks retiring Tampa pastor 10 questions
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) — The Rev. Jim Harnish, senior pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church, is retiring after more than 40 years in pastoral ministry and 21 years at Hyde Park. ABC Action News, as it does for local newsmakers and national celebrities, asked Harnish 10 question ranging from his favorite smartphone app to what he considers his greatest success.
History of Hymns: ‘Filled with the Spirit’s Power’
DALLAS (UMNS) — This hymn — No. 537 in the United Methodist Hymnal — reflects a vision for the church that is inclusive, vibrant and ecumenical, writes C. Michael Hawn in his weekly column for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. The hymn’s author, John R. Peacey, was an Anglican who had hopes of union between the Anglican and Methodist movements.
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