"We could see what was around us, the misery, the poverty, so we discussed amongst ourselves, ‘What can we do to help these women?’" — Dorcas Adou, president of United Methodist Women in the Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire ) District.
United Methodist Women helping women in Cote d’Ivoire
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — Eugenie Sowan Erse N’Ghessan is one of 48 women who received a micro-loan from United Methodist Women in the Côte d’Ivoire Conference. That loan started her business. N’Ghessan’s success is exactly what Dorcas Adou was praying for when she approached the international UMW office in New York three years ago and asked for $20,000 U.S. to start a program to help women become independent business owners. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Brock and Kim honored as retiring Women of Color mentors
EVANSTON, Ill. (UMNS) — Rita Nakashima Brock and Jung Ha Kim were honored as retiring mentors of the Women of Color scholarship program at the Pacific, Asian and North American Asian Women in Theology and Ministry Conference earlier this month at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Nikole Burdakin has the story.
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Kid power fuels mission mania
SILVER SPRING, Md. (UMTV) — One United Methodist church in Maryland sets aside a Sunday each month to let the little ones take charge and participate in outreach programs they choose. The results have been powerful, say church members.
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Churches offer free formal wear, God’s love, to teens
LEE’S CHAPEL, Mo. (UMNS) — Several United Methodist churches want to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to feel like a prom queen. No crowns or sashes are necessary — just the knowledge that someone cares about you. Susan Passi-Klaus has the story on how churches are turning prom preparations into a ministry.
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Young pastor finds inspiration at clergy forum
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. (UMNS) — “Ministry can be isolating at times, especially being a young person,” said the Rev. Kaleigh Corbett. That’s why she said she really appreciated the Young Clergy Leadership Forum hosted by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. She discussed the experience with Jeff Wolfe of the Greater New Jersey Conference.
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3 new church starts succeed in multiplying ministry
HOUSTON (UMNS) — In the last two years, the Texas Conference has launched 11 new churches by multiplying existing ministries in new locations. The conference provides an update on these new faith communities that stretch from Galveston to the Woodlands.
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Former staffer agrees to repay church agency
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A former United Methodist staff member at the Board of Discipleship, now Discipleship Ministries, has agreed to repay $37,000 in a case of misused funds. The Davidson County District Attorney General’s office recommended restitution. Sungnam Choi, former director of Korean, Asian American and Pacific Islander Ministries, acknowledged misusing funds destined for grants for ministry projects during his employment from 2006-2010. A UMNS call to Choi was not returned.
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Details about case
Lent Quiz: Jesus instituted communion during what celebration?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — When Jesus took the bread and cup and instituted our Sacrament of Holy Communion, he was celebrating a holiday with his disciples. Do you know which one?
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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, April 2
Deadline to submit Culture of Call Award nominations — The Foundation for Evangelism gives the award annually to one local United Methodist congregation that encourages the next generation of leaders with a passion for evangelism to enter full-time Christian service. Details
Sunday, April 5
Easter — Worship resources from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and Cokesbury.com.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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