“The plan will listen to all voices on the continent and serve the long-term mission of the church in Africa.” — Bishop Patrick Streiff, on the need for a comprehensive plan before adding United Methodist bishops in Africa.
GC2016: When does Africa get more bishops?
DALLAS (UMNS) — Wide agreement on the need for more United Methodist bishops in Africa is evident; however, a key committee wants a comprehensive plan in place to establish more effective episcopal area boundaries and to make sure funding is in place. Others say the needs are too pressing to wait. The opposing viewpoints could make for lively debate at General Conference 2016. Sam Hodges reports.
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Church members hurt after building collapse
NAIROBI, Kenya (UMNS) — Four members of Huruma United Methodist Church in Nairobi were hurt when a seven-story residential building collapsed during heavy rains and flooding. Ten church families, rescued with minor injuries, lost all of their belongings in the rubble. Wilton T.A. Odongo reports.
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'Changing the game' for Zimbabwe school
DUNKIRK, Maryland (UMCOM) — After attending the 2015 Game Changers Summit, Smithville United Methodist Church member Dave Bonney came home with new ideas and communication strategies. In a commentary, he shares how lessons learned at Game Changers helped his church's mission to improve education at a small rural school in Zimbabwe.
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Denomination’s seminaries yield more clergy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Nearly two-thirds of The United Methodist Church’s deacon and elder ordinands in 2015 received their seminary degree from a United Methodist-affiliated school. That continues an upward trend started in 2009. The Board of Higher Education and Ministry reports.
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Looking toward sustainable development
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The Rev. Liberato Bautista spoke about the power of information and communication technology in developing countries at the InfoPoverty World Conference at the United Nations. Bautista cited examples from United Methodist Communications' ICT4D Church Initiatives. The Rev. Neelley Hicks has the story.
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New time set for GC2016 prayer event
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Organizers have announced a time change for the Prayer Room dedication and Prayer Walk on Monday, May 9, at the Oregon Convention Center. The new time will be 11 a.m. in Oregon Ballroom 204. The event will precede the May 10 opening of the 2016 General Conference.
More about prayer at GC2016
General Conference: Livestream and photos
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Not traveling to Portland for General Conference? Watch events live beginning Tuesday at umc.org/live. Photos are available for use with proper credit. United Methodist News Service will provide up-to-the-minute coverage that you can follow through the free Daily Digest.
Watch live beginning May 10
Subscribe to the UMNS Digest
Get photos
MTSO: New ecology, justice, ministry degree
DELAWARE, Ohio (UMNS) — The Doctor of Ministry program at Methodist Theological School in Ohio will offer a new specialization in Ecology, Justice and Ministry. The application deadline is May 31; classes begin July 25.
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Apply here
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.
Tuesday, May 10 to Friday, May 20
2016 General Conference — The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking body will meet at the Oregon Convention Center. Details
Sunday, May 15
Pentecost — Celebrate the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of Christ’s church with worship resources from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries.
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