"The only way I am coping is by trying to accept that Mariatu is gone forever and that she will never come again. That is the reality of my situation but it is difficult to accept." — Mohamed Dumbuya, of Makeni, Sierra Leone, on the death of his wife to Ebola.
United Methodists provide food, consolation to Ebola victims
MAKENI, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — Ebola cases are rising sharply in Sierra Leone with 111 new cases reported Sunday, Nov. 9. The United Methodist Ebola Response Team based, in Freetown, is responding with spiritual and physical nourishment in the north and west areas of the country where the disease is spreading rapidly.
Berlin Wall: Call for freedom everywhere
FRANKFURT, Germany (UMNS) — Bishop Rosemarie Wenner recalls the joy and thanksgiving that accompanied the fall of the Berlin Wall 25 years ago this month. “For me, God’s gift of the unification of my nation is also a call. There are far too many walls in our world that seem to be too big and strong to pull them down, countless people longing for a life of freedom and dignity,” writes Wenner, leader of The United Methodist Church in Germany.
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Honoring veterans, caring for those with disabilities
PHILADELPHIA (UMNS) — Philadelphia Area Bishop Peggy A. Johnson notes that wars have one thing in common: They all have people in their ranks who have suffered disabilities. For Veterans (or Remembrance) Day, Johnson offers tips for how churches can reach out to veterans.
Students say Claremont mirrors society’s diversity
CLAREMONT, Calif. (UMNS) — Future United Methodist leaders say it is Claremont School of Theology’s focus on interreligious education that has called them to study there. Students say a campus that mirrors the diversity of society not only prepares them for effective leadership, but also strengthens their personal faith as United Methodists. Natalie Bannon writes for United Methodist Communications.
Small Utah church nurtures homeless families
KEARNS, Utah (UMNS) — Many members of Trinity United Methodist Church know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck. Now the congregation is helping others lacking economic resources by hosting homeless families in a newly remodeled space as part of a partnership with Family Promise of Salt Lake. Marjorie Cortez of the Deseret News reports.
Read more about United Methodists and Family Promise
History of Hymns: ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’
DALLAS (UMNS) — Folliot Sandford Pierpont, the hymn’s author, initially wrote these words for the celebration of Eucharist. C. Michael Hawn of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology shares the development of the beloved hymn.
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, Nov. 13
Free webinar on domestic violence "Men's Role in Ending Violence" — 2 to 3 p.m. ET (11 a.m. to noon PT). Because most offenders are men and most victims are women, men have a particular role in ending domestic violence. This webinar sponsored by United Methodist Women and FaithTrust Institute will explore the ways in which men can educate others in their families and communities in order to join the movement to end domestic violence. Details.
Free webinar "Seize the Day: Making the Most of Your 'Special' Sundays" — 6: 30 p.m. CT. Every church has some days when it knows its attendance will be good, but also when people’s hearts will be ready to give generously. This webinar offers ways for churches, especially those with smaller membership, to make the most of those days. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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