NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop Nhanala manages multiple crises
MAPUTO, Mozambique (UM News) — In July 2008, Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala made history by becoming the first woman elected to the United Methodist episcopacy in Africa. In honor of Women's History Month, Nhanala reflects on United Methodism in Mozambique — its challenges and achievements — and how she has managed the crises that confront her episcopal area today. The Rev. João Sambo has the story.
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Missouri Conference
Connecting the Stations of the Cross to today
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Asbury United Methodist Church has put up cards across its city marking an outdoor Stations of the Cross. The displays aim to help people see how Christ's walk connects to local events. Each card has a QR code with Scripture, an audio file about how that Scripture connects to the location, and discussion questions. Fred Koenig has the story.
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North Georgia Conference
Responding to Georgia tornado damage
NEWNAN, Ga. — After deadly storms crossed the Southeast, the North Georgia Conference is working recovery, especially in the Newnan area where a tornado caused significant damage. The conference has set up a fund to help and has received support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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Northern Virginia Daily, Virginia Conference
Former pastor arrested on sexual battery charge
EDINBURG, Va. — The Rev. Stan Thompson, who retired as pastor of Toms Brook United Methodist Church on March 18, has been arrested and faces a charge of aggravated sexual battery of a minor. "Toms Brook UMC is fully cooperating with law enforcement on this important matter. The church urges anyone with knowledge about this situation to immediately contact law enforcement," said Paul Steidler, spokesperson for the church. "Our fervent prayers are with the child and the child's family."
Read Northern Virginia Daily story
Read announcement on church website
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
'That's just the way it is'
MALCOLM, Iowa (UM News) — The Rev. Carolyn L. R. Bittner said she learned about segregation at an early age when she wanted to invite her entire class to her grade-school birthday pool party. She reflects on the conversation she had with her mother and what she wishes had happened.
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Read more Personal Encounters with Racism
RESOURCES
Council of Bishops
Dismantling Racism: 'The Fierce Urgency of Now'
CARMEL, Ind. — Bishop Julius Trimble, Indiana Episcopal Area, continues the Council of Bishops' series of Lenten devotions with a message based on John 12:20-36, titled "The Fierce Urgency of Now." The series is themed to the churchwide Dismantling Racism initiative. The 15-minute recorded devotions continue every day during Holy Week.
Watch devotionals
World Council of Churches
Easter studies explore where Jesus walked
GENEVA — The ecumenical Easter initiative of the World Council of Churches is offering Bible studies to help people follow the footsteps of Jesus and spotlight what is happening in Israel and Palestine today.
See resources
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EVENTS
Friday, April 2
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