“I knew it wasn’t going to be rosy, but why did I decide to choose this job? I firmly believe God wanted me to do it.” — Dr. Martin Salia, a United Methodist doctor from Sierra Leone who now has Ebola.
Sierra Leone surgeon with Ebola arrives in US
OMAHA, Neb. (UMNS) — Dr. Martin Salia, chief medical officer and surgeon at United Methodist Kissy Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, remained in "extremely critical" condition Sunday at Nebraska Medical Center where he was airlifted for treatment for Ebola. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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View video of Dr. Salia
World owes gratitude to doctors like Salia
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Dr. Martin Salia is a key figure at Kissy United Methodist Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, a country that has three doctors for every 100,000 people. Salia and Kissy serve those who cannot afford to pay for medical care. The world owes a debt of gratitude to them and other health care workers who are putting themselves in harm’s way in West Africa, writes the Rev. Larry Hollon, top executive for United Methodist Communications.
Tax break for clergy housing allowance stands
CHICAGO (UMNS) — A longstanding tax exemption for clergy housing allowances will stand, thanks to a 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. United Methodist leaders welcomed the decision but warned the issue of constitutionality likely will resurface. Heather Hahn and Sam Hodges report.
Young adults gather to ‘Imagine What’s NEXT’
DENVER (UMNS) — More than 680 United Methodist college students and young adults gathered to look at vocational discernment in a creative way through spaces where the church and the world and the present and the future meet. Nicole Burdakin reports for the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Using ‘Pecha Kucha’ as discussion tool
GCFA OKs mission agency move to Atlanta
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A planned move by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries from its New York headquarters to a primary location in Atlanta was approved by directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, during a Nov. 14 called meeting.
Read UMNS story about the move
Nov. 17 panel discussion on Ferguson open to public
ST. LOUIS (UMNS) — The Rev. Willis Johnson, a United Methodist pastor in Ferguson, Missouri, will be part of a panel discussion on the response of the faith community to the shooting of Michael Brown and the events that have occurred since then. The discussion, sponsored by the National Council of Churches and open to the public, will be at 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 613 N. Garrison Ave.
Johnson commentary on Ferguson
There’s an atheist in the house
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — So what are parents to do when a son or daughter is an atheist? Susan Passi-Klaus writes about how she and her husband debated her daughter, preached to her and reasoned with her. “In the end, if there is an end, we simply decided to love her and support her life journey into herself,” Passi-Klaus writes.
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. 18
Free webinar "What to Preach — iKids: Parenting in the Digital Age" — 10 a.m. CT. "iKids: Parenting in the Digital Age" by Craig Kennet Miller takes a close look at the culture of this generation and raises critical questions about the effects of technology on children's brains, physical health, educational experiences, relationships and faith formation. Details.
Free webinar "Expansive Language for God: Biblical Names You Never Learned in Sunday School" — 6:30 to 8 p.m. CT. This training from the United Methodist Commission on Status and Role of Women will re-examine the issues of "inclusive" language in relationship to gender and humanity for planning worship, sermons, liturgy, song and prayer. To learn more, email Audrey Krumbach at [email protected]. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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