Daily Digest - March 24, 2015

"It means so much that we have a vice chancellor that cares so much about us and our social welfare." — Africa University student Rangarira Pashapa at the inauguration of the school’s new leader.

Africa University’s new leader: ‘Right kind of role model’

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Africa University’s new vice chancellor has “a rags-to-riches story” as a first-generation college graduate, said the keynote speaker at Munashe Furusa’s inauguration as the university’s new leader. Furusa also is ready to take on the United Methodist school’s many challenges. Vicki Brown has the story.
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'Bloody Sunday' 50th: Sights and Sounds

SELMA, Ala. (UMNS) — On the weekend of March 7-8, tens of thousands converged on Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” where civil rights workers were severely beaten by state and local police as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965. United Methodist News Service photographer Mike DuBose was there to document the experience.
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Zimbabwe United Methodist revival ‘unrivaled’ in district

MAHUSEKWA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — The weekend of March 13–15 will remain firmly entrenched in the minds of villagers in the Mahusekwa area as the weekend the Chitungwiza-Marondera District of The United Methodist Church brought to town a revival unrivaled by any they had seen. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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WCC delegation hears the ‘call’ in Ukraine

GENEVA (WCC) — A 10-person delegation organized by the World Council of Churches visited Ukraine March 17-20 and heard “a consistent call” for the ecumenical movement to inform the international community about the situation in Ukraine, to promote a more adequate humanitarian response and to support and strengthen the peace efforts of Ukraine’s churches and faith communities.
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Can collaboration revitalize theological education?

NASHVILLE. Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Russell E. Richey, author and scholar of Methodist church history, urged the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry to help United Methodist seminaries work together to become more collaborative and cooperative as they serve their students and the church. Tom Gillem has the story.
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Use Wesley’s playbook, UMM presidents urged

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — To carry their goal of making disciples of Jesus Christ, United Methodist Men should use the playbook established by John Wesley — with the help of modern technology and terminology. That's what Gil Hanke, top executive of the Commission on United Methodist Men, advises. Rich Peck reports.
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United Methodists and Episcopalians draw closer

NEW YORK (UMNS) — In celebration of the ecumenical bonds developing between two denominations, members of the United Methodist and Episcopal churches came together to share in Holy Communion early this month at the John Street United Methodist Church in New York City. Joanne S. Utley of the New York Conference has the story on the growing ties between the two denominations.
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Lent Quiz: What are the Stations of the Cross?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Many churches feature Stations of the Cross during Lent. What does this phrase refer to? Test your knowledge of the season with today’s quiz.
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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.

Saturday, March 28
Human Trafficking: It’s Closer Than You Think — 10 a.m.-Noon, Global Learning Center, Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina. Africana Women’s Studies program at Bennett College in partnership with the Northern Piedmont District of the United Methodist Women will host this free workshop. Details.

Monday, March 30-Saturday, April 4
Holy Week — United Methodist Discipleship Ministries has worship and devotional resources for anytime during Holy Week, for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and for Easter vigils.

Tuesday, March 31
Deadline to register for online course "United Methodism 101" offered by United Methodist Communications — The course on April 1-May 13 gives an overview of the denomination's history, structure, beliefs and challenges. $9.99. Details.

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