"Africa University is going to be a solution to the problems in Africa." — The Rev. Lloyd Nyarota, a graduate of the United Methodist university.
Africa University graduates are changing the continent
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — As 694 Africa University graduates prepare for their June 13 commencement, some of the more than 5,500 alumni of the United Methodist university are already fulfilling the church’s vision. In the first story of a two-part series, Vicki Brown interviewed graduates from Liberia, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe about their work.
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Next: Graduates in agriculture, education, elections, and business.
UMTV: Fish fry nets disciples
MOUNT JULIET, Tenn. (UMNS) — “God works in mysterious ways. He’s worked through fish before, hasn’t he?” Members of Grace United Methodist Church have discovered the secret ingredient to attracting new faces at church: fried catfish.
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Alabama teens learn about service
GADSDEN, Ala. — About 140 United Methodist teens from six church groups across Etowah County bought meals for strangers in restaurants, helped out at homeless shelters and picked up trash during a service week that also raised money and awareness for well-building projects in the Zambezia Province of Mozambique. Lisa Savage of The Gadsden Times reports.
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Western Jurisdiction discusses transforming ministries
GLENDALE, Calif. (UMNS) — Clergy and laity from across the Western Jurisdiction gathered for the Transforming Ministries 4 workshop, the fourth annual session of a program intended to provide leadership development that is deeply transformational. Participants gathered with the five active bishops to learn their thoughts on the church’s future, and visited DreamWorks Studios to learn storytelling. The California-Pacific Conference has the story.
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The secret of faith in high school? Parents
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Many young adults fall away from church once they graduate from high school. But research shows parents can turn this around. Joe Iovino of UMC.org talked to youth ministry leaders about how parents can help their children grow as disciples.
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History quiz: What is the Methodist link to ‘We Shall Overcome’?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The anthem of the civil rights movement, “We Shall Overcome,” has a connection with the Methodist movement. Do you know what that connection is?
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History of Hymns: ‘See How Great a Flame Aspires’
DALLAS (UMNS) — While John Wesley’s Aldersgate spiritual awakening is widely known and celebrated, his brother Charles also went through his own conversion experience in 1738 on Whitsunday (Pentecost). Donté Ford of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology argues that Charles Wesley’s own spiritual revival may have inspired him to write this hymn.
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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.
"Day 1" 70th anniversary series begins — “Day 1,” the nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Peter Wallace, will present a special series celebrating 70 years of weekly broadcasts as the Protestant Hour (1945-2002) and “Day 1” (2002 onward). The programs will air for five weeks beginning June 28. The series will kick off with a look at the history of the Protestant Hour featuring the Rev. Louis Schueddig. Details
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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