“We are people who believe in Christ. ... He has blessed those who make peace. This shall model our answer to the terrible attacks in Paris.” — Bishop Patrick Streiff, Central and Southern Europe Conference.
Shock, solidarity after Paris attacks
NEW YORK (UMNS) — United Methodists and other religious leaders are expressing shock over the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris and feelings of solidarity with the French people. They also caution against condemnations of Muslims or a dangerous escalation of military action. Equally disturbing attacks are occurring elsewhere, including Beirut, Lebanon. Linda Bloom has the story.
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After Ebola, doctor’s dedication recalled
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — One year ago, Dr. Martin Salia, chief medical officer and the only surgeon at United Methodist Kissy Hospital, died of Ebola. The hospital staff remembers a doctor committed to serving the poor as they struggle to fulfill his dreams. Jan Snider reports.
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Read about the church's response to Ebola
Austrian Protestants aid refugees
VIENNA (UMNS) — The refugees who have streamed into Austria from Syria and elsewhere are finding unusual accommodations, including a former bank. And they’re getting important help from Die Johanniter, a humanitarian aid group that is part of the Austrian Protestant relief organization Diakonie. Linda Unger of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries reports and Paul Jeffrey provides the photographs.
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Imagine No Malaria at 90 percent of goal
HARRISBURG, Pa. (UMNS) — The three Pennsylvania bishops of The United Methodist Church announced that the denomination has surpassed 90 percent of its $75 million goal for Imagine No Malaria. Bishop Jeremiah Park of the Harrisburg Episcopal Area announced that he, in partnership with his conference, has pledged $1 million, the gift that pushes the global campaign to the fundraising milestone.
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Visit Imagine No Malaria website
Vital Conversation: Acts of Repentance
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race will hold its next “Vital Conversation” at 9 p.m. EST Thursday, Nov. 19, with the Rev. Glen Chebon Kernell Jr. He oversees Native American and indigenous ministries for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. He will explore the need for ongoing acts of repentance while challenging the church to improve relationships with indigenous people globally.
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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.
Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 17-19
Children's Ministry Forum: Rock On — The United Methodist Children’s Ministry Forum is for children’s ministries leaders in large-membership congregations (with at least 300 in worship). The gathering will be at First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, the United Methodist Publishing House and the Large Church Initiative are event sponsors. Details.
Thursday, Nov. 26
U.S. Thanksgiving — Whether you're going over the river and through the woods or to a community Thanksgiving service, United Methodist Discipleship Ministries offers devotional and worship resources to mark the day. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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