"Our partner has researched carefully just how ordinary people most often get hurt in this conflict situation — and the blast film will clearly support our basic mission to alleviate human suffering." — Francesco Paganini, UMCOR, on window protection in Ukraine.
Bridge provides lifeline for Chitora community
CHITORA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Octogenarian Keresia Muzaruwetu from Nyamana village carefully minced her steps toward the newly completed Chitora-Gwarada Bridge — a bridge that had been gone since 2000. Dedicated last month, it is the first bridge project completed under The United Methodist Church’s Chabadza Community Development Program. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo, Zimbabwe East Conference communicator, has the story.
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UMCOR help prevents injury in Ukraine
NEW YORK (UMNS) — To help keep the most vulnerable populations in Ukraine safer from serious injury and death caused by bomb blasts, the United Methodist Committee on Relief has teamed up with GlobalMedic, which is installing special protection for hospital and school windows. David Tereshchuk reports for UMCOR.
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Amis House designated as historic site
ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. — The Amis House, where Bishop Francis Asbury visited as he pushed the western expansion of Methodism in the late 18th century, recently achieved United Methodist Historical Site status. Holston Conference Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor and the Rev. Alfred Day, top executive for the General Commission on Archives and History, attended the dedication ceremony. Jeff Bobo reports for the Kingsport Time-News.
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Sunday: Pray for peace in South Sudan
GENEVA (WCC) — Churches are invited to observe Sunday, May 10, as a special day of prayer for those affected by the conflict in South Sudan, for the revival of fruitful peace talks, and for new ways ahead. The invitation comes from the World Council of Churches, which has accompanied the churches in South Sudan for more than 40 years. In a recent visit there, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged both sides to honor a ceasefire.
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Kerry’s visit to South Sudan
Positive adoption language celebrates families
MOUNT AIRY, Md. (UMNS) — Our culture and The United Methodist Church have a blind spot about how harmful the language we use about adoption might be, writes the Rev. Angela Flanagan. Flanagan, who has adopted children, offers suggestions for ways to communicate in a more positive way about adoption.
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Language to avoid
Call for proposals for campus ministry dialogue
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — May 18 is the deadline for proposals for a scholarly dialogue on campus ministry scheduled for Aug. 9-15 at Syracuse University. The Collegiate Ministries office of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is accepting the proposals. Authors selected will be expected to write a scholarly research paper to present at the conference.
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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.
Friday-Saturday, May 8-9
Workshop "From Membership to Discipleship" — 6:30-8:30 p.m. CDT Friday, May 8, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Killeen First United Methodist Church, 3501 E. Elms Road, Killeen, Texas. Dr. Phil Maynard, director of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries' Path 1 Coaching Network and director of Church Leadership Training Institute, will lead this workshop to help teams from local churches gain clarity around what it means for people to mature in faith as disciples. $198 for a team of up to four. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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