"The experience of people here is scary. There are days we lose to Ebola loved ones we just joked with the previous day. Hence God becomes our only source of hope and consolation." — The Rev. Andrew Forbie, district superintendent in Kenema, Sierra Leone.
United Methodists fill churches during Ebola outbreak
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — Since the beginning of the Ebola outbreak in March, people have had to adapt to the new ABC rule—Avoid Body Contact. The Rev. Sahr Fallah says this is especially hard during worship. Kathy L. Gilbert and Phileas Jusu have a report.
Letter urges compassion, not stigmatization in Ebola crisis
OKLAHOMA CITY (UMNS) — Representatives of the Council of Bishops and the General Board of Global Ministries issued a letter to the people of The United Methodist Church in response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The letter calls on United Methodists to “offer compassion to our sisters and brothers who are suffering, and support to those who walk with them.”
Native Americans share struggles, hopes
OKLAHOMA CITY (UMNS) — Save a language, and you can save a people. United Methodist bishops and other guests heard that message at a service of repentance that blended worship of God and education about the challenges Native American still face. Heather Hahn reports.
Bishops: Pray for us amid sexuality debate
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (UMNS) — After hours of closed-door sessions throughout the week, the United Methodist Council of Bishops released a statement regarding human sexuality. The bishops asked United Methodists to be in prayer. They also said they are “united in our commitment to be in ministry for and with all people.” Heather Hahn has the story.
Brooklyn church to pay for answers on U.S. economy
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Bay Ridge United Methodist Church in Brooklyn took out a half-page ad in the New York Times last month to seek applicants for a $33,000 award it has created. It’s called “The Economic Well-Being Award.” Vivian Yee reports for the Times.
Honoring, helping heroes on Veterans Day
PHILADELPHIA (UMNS) — The Rev. Dave Ryan, a Vietnam veteran, reminds us of the costs veterans and their families pay, and invites us to pray for the day we can “stop making veterans and mourning heroes.”
42 conferences take part in Imagine No Malaria
DES MOINES, Iowa (UMNS) — People continue to give to Imagine No Malaria even after their conference goals have been meet, the Rev. Gary Henderson said in an interview with the Rev. Arthur McClanahan, Iowa Conference communicator. Henderson, head of the denomination's Global Health Initiative, said 42 annual conferences have been engaged in the initiative and 31 of those are still currently active.
Wisconsin bishop, wife pledge $10,000 to Imagine No Malaria
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, Nov. 11
Window on Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, full-day event for prospective students include a campus tour, discussion of degree programs and the chance to attend a class. Details.
Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 11-13
"Advocacy 201" Workshop on Advocacy — Sponsored by Associates in Advocacy at the O’Hare Super 8 Motel, Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Trainers include two bishops, representatives of three agencies, and a lawyer for a church insurance company. The training is for anyone asked to be an advocate for a pastor or lay person facing complaints. Registration is limited. Learn more. You can also email the Rev. Jerry Eckert at [email protected]
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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