“The church still exists. It has not been destroyed. It will build a new temple that will be another new Jerusalem.” — The Rev. Fulgence Koffi, pastor of a United Methodist Church damaged by highway construction.
Worship goes on in Côte d’Ivoire despite destruction
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — Bulldozers took down a fence and half the building at a United Methodist church here to clear a path for highway construction, but hand-clapping and shouts of “Hallelujah” during a recent service showed the community’s spirit was untouched by the destruction. Isaac Broune, communicator for The United Methodist Church in Côte d’Ivoire, reports.
Mission agency prepares long-term response to Ebola
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief are responding to the current Ebola crisis and helping strengthen health-care systems in the region to better prepare for any future crisis.
Clergy arrested in drone-related protest at base
MARYSVILLE, Calif. (UMNS) — Two retired United Methodist clergy members of the California-Nevada Conference, the Revs. John Auer and Sharon Delgado, were among the protesters arrested during two days of peace demonstrations at Beale Air Force Base, the site of the surveillance drone Global Hawk. Delgado said they received a citation and expect to be called to appear in federal court on trespassing charges.
Free ‘FaithLink’ issue offers domestic violence resources
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Oct. 12 issue of FaithLink, a weekly conversation guide to current events, focuses on domestic violence. The United Methodist Publishing House is offering the “Domestic Violence and Faith” issue as a free download. This resource will help individuals, small groups, and congregations engage in meaningful faith-based conversation about a tough subject during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
MTSO’s Seminary Hill Farm video tracks first season
DELAWARE, Ohio (UMNS) — The Methodist Theological School in Ohio has released a four-minute video that traces the first season of Seminary Hill Farm, an organic farm that is part of the seminary’s commitment to sustainability.
Read the press release and view the video
Uniting in prayer for the persecuted church
PARIS, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Islamic State’s attacks on Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq have drawn international attention to the places where people risk their lives for their faith. The Rev. Joe Geary, Paris district superintendent and dean of the cabinet in the Tennessee Conference, invites United Methodist congregations to join in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
Prayer resources from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship
How United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is responding
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-Sunday, Oct. 16-19
“Peg-leg Flamingos: Native American Youth Leadership Training" — The Native American International Caucus of The United Methodist Church will hold a gathering for seventh-graders through high school seniors at Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. $70. Details on PDF.
Friday, Oct. 17
Deadline to submit videos for United Methodist panel on human sexuality — For the panel on Nov. 1, United Methodists can create YouTube video explaining a personal story that pertains to unity and/or human sexuality and pose a question about “Finding Our Way” to one of the bishops or the editor. Videos must be no longer than 2-3 minutes. Tag the video using #cttalks and email a link to [email protected]. Three videos will be selected and shown at the event. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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