“My heart is filled with fear, but also with hope and courage that God can and will help prevent such horrible acts from happening again in Brussels and the country at large, including other parts of the world.” — Nicodemus “Nick” T. Doe, a Global Mission Fellow from Liberia serving in Brussels.
After Brussels attack, ‘missioning with fear’
NEW YORK (UMNS) — For one young adult serving as a United Methodist mission volunteer in Brussels, the deadly terrorist attacks on the city’s airport and subway system have led to a new description of his ministry: “missioning in fear.” He and religious leaders around the world reflect on fear that terrorism inflicts, but also on God’s hope for peace. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Read earlier UMNS coverage
Commentary: Who really has a say at General Conference?
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — The Rev. Darryl W. Stephens, director of United Methodist studies at Lancaster Theological Seminary, doesn’t buy the argument that Europe and the Philippines have more than their fair share of power at General Conference.
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Norwegian scholarships aid Ebola orphans, others
LUNGI, MOYAMBA, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — Orphans of Ebola and HIV as well as other disadvantaged children in four United Methodist primary schools in Sierra Leone are benefiting from Norwegian scholarships that provide fees and learning materials. Phileas Jusu reports.
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Restoring the Sacred Circle with Nez Perce
MOSCOW, Idaho (UMNS) — Two Idaho United Methodist churches in the Pacific Northwest Conference are trying to make the conference’s Act of Repentance to Native Americans mean more than saying, “I’m sorry.” The Rev. Sue Ostrom of Moscow First United Methodist Church tells how her congregation is building relationships with Lapwai United Methodist Church, where many members are Nez Perce.
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Downtown church is ‘messy … grace-filled’
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) — The Church of the Reconciler is “messy, disorganized and grace-filled,” according to its pastor, the Rev. Matt Lacey. This United Methodist church in downtown Birmingham seeks to meet the needs of the homeless, offering a weekday meal and other services.
Read the North Alabama Conference report
Film festival to show pastor’s documentary
OCEAN GROVE, N.J. (UMNS) — The documentary “From Selma to Stonewall: Are We There Yet?” – co-produced by the Rev. Gil Caldwell, a retired United Methodist pastor, and Marilyn Bennett, an activist and author – will be shown at QFest film festival on April 2.
Learn more about film project
The church’s official teachings on homosexuality
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, March 31
Beginning of 60 Days of Prayer for General Conference — The Upper Room has created resources for 60 Days of Prayer to help every local congregation pray with the delegates and church leaders for the 2016 General Conference. The 60 days of prayer begin March 31 and extend through May 29. The denomination's legislative assembly is May 10-20 in Portland, Oregon. Details
Deadline to register early for Proclamation 2016 leadership training conference —Friday-Saturday, April 8-9. Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century will sponsor this training conference for clergy and laity at United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, 1908 Grand Ave., Nashville, Tennessee. Speakers include the Revs. Emanuel Cleaver III of Kansas City, Mo., and Rudy Rasmus of Houston. $20. Details
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