"Reaching them with the word of God frequently will strengthen their faith continually. And this is more important to me than any other because the church loses members to other denominations when we don’t visit them frequently." — Hindowa Simbo says of the new motorbike he received to travel around his remote circuit in Sierra Leone.
Motorbikes, bikes revitalize ministry in Sierra Leone
BO, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — Motorbikes and bicycles mean pastors can stay connected to their churches in remote areas of Sierra Leone. Phileas Jusu reports from that country, a stronghold of United Methodism in West Africa.
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Creating a culture of call in the Korean-American community
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — How can The United Methodist Church assist Korean-American young clergy candidates for ordained ministry? Twenty-four Korean American clergy candidates — most in their 20s and 30s — gathered from all around the United States to explore this question. The Rev. HiRho Park of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry has the story.
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Church property becomes urban village
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UMNS) — After 20 years of declining membership, Sharon United Methodist Church is proposing to tear down its building and redevelop its 7-acre site as an urban village. The development will leave room for the church, which plans to build new worship space and other facilities. Faith and Leadership, an online magazine of Duke Divinity School, interviewed the Rev. Kyle Thompson about the church’s plans.
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Banning boredom in children’s ministries
TULSA, Okla. (UMNS) — At Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, children might well cook meal a meal, conduct a science experiment and watch a movie while munching popcorn — all to understand Bible stories better. Innovation has been the byword for the Rev. EvaMarie Campbell, a Saint Paul School of Theology grad who has worked in children’s ministries at Boston Avenue for 24 years.
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Quiz: Test your knowledge of United Methodist History
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Do you know what the Central Jurisdiction was? Test your knowledge of church history with the latest question in our quiz.
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20 ideas to welcome children with disabilities
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) — Deb Wade of the North Alabama Conference suggests 20 practical things pastors and churches can do to welcome a family whose child has a disability. This article originally appeared in New World Outlook magazine.
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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.
Thursday, June 4
Webinar “Spiritual Refreshment for Busy Sunday School Teachers and Leaders” — 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. This webinar discusses ways to incorporate rest and renewal through spiritual practices, creative spiritual activities and self-directed mini-retreats. Debbie Kolacki, a certified Christian educator and certified United Methodist lay servant, will lead. Details.
Wednesday, June 17
“Window on Wesley Theological Seminary” — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. Opportunity for prospective students to get to know the Wesley community in Washington and to experience a day in the life of a Wesley seminarian. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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