“What you have done … proves that young Africans can create things that can change the world.” — United Methodist Bishop Benjamin Boni of Côte d’Ivoire, speaking of Pubcell CI’s founders.
African women earn money via cellphone subscription
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — Cellphone subscriptions are generating income that women of The United Methodist Church in Côte d’Ivoire hope to use to start small businesses. The Côte d’Ivoire United Methodist Women received a check this month for $1,000 U.S., earnings on a social media network. Isaac Broune reports.
Police shooting: What do you tell the kids?
ST. LOUIS (UMNS) — What do you tell the kids? United Methodist children and youth workers in the St. Louis area took up the topic of the police shooting of an unarmed teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. Most hadn’t been asked about the situation in Ferguson directly, but they know it is an issue the children and youth are facing. Fred Koenig of the Missouri Conference has the story.
In Jamaica, PAPA’S faithful do hard work of mission
KINGSTON, Jamaica (UMNS) — Last year, United Methodists donated more than $15,000 to Pastors and Priests Available for Service (PAPA’S) Ministries, Advance #3021286, on UMC #Giving Tuesday. Those gifts helped support the work of local preachers and lay speakers in Jamaica who have been funding ministries out of their own pockets. Sandra Brands has the story.
Religious groups support EPA rules on carbon pollution
WASHINGTON, D.C. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society was among the 17 religious organizations whose representatives met Nov. 18 with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy to show support of the EPA’s proposed rules to address carbon pollution from power plants. Wayne Rhodes has the story.
Advocacy group calls for boycott of settlement products
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — United Methodist Kairos Response, an unofficial advocacy group, has announced its global boycott of six product lines produced in Israeli settlements of the West Bank. The United States has criticized such settlements in the Occupied Territories as an obstacle to peace, the group said.
History of Hymns: ‘Let All Things Now Living’
DALLAS (UMNS) — Katherine Kennicott Davis is best known for the Christmas carol “The Little Drummer Boy.” But in 1939, she also wrote the words of the anthem “Let All Things Now Living” and set it to a buoyant Welsh tune. The result is a Thanksgiving tradition at many churches. C. Michael Hawn of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology shares Davis’ story.
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.
Sunday, Nov. 30
"Day 1" — The Rev. Sue Haupert-Johnson, North Central District superintendent in the Florida Conference, will be the featured preacher on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org.
Sunday, Nov. 30-Saturday, Dec. 27
“Taste and See: Experiencing the Stories of Advent and Christmas" — Upper Room eRetreat on rethinking the Christmas story. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.