“I feel proud that the whole country will be listening to animations from The United Methodist Church done through the voices of my children.” — Phileas Jusu, communicator in Sierra Leone.
Church agency uses animation to battle Ebola
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — An animated video created for use in West Africa attempts to dispel myths about how Ebola is spread and promote prevention of the disease. United Methodist Communications collaborated with Chocolate Moose Media and iHeed to create the video, which will be produced in different languages. The World Bank of West Africa has offered to pay to air the video a minimum of three times a day in every country affected by Ebola. Kathy Gilbert and Joey Butler report.
United Methodist missionary shares her story of Ebola
PLANO, Texas (UMNS) — Beatrice Gbanga, a United Methodist missionary and medical coordinator for the Sierra Leone Conference, talked about the Ebola epidemic to some 50 clergy and laity at the North Texas Conference headquarters. The North Texas Conference shared this video of her remarks and her answers to questions from UMNS reporter Sam Hodges.
Finance agency partnership seeks to expand electronic giving
MINNEAPOLIS (UMNS) — Vanco Services, a provider of electronic payment solutions, has expanded its partnership with the General Council on Finance and Administration, The United Methodist Church’s finance agency. The partnership’s goal is to accelerate the adoption of electronic giving in United Methodist congregations.
What does The United Methodist Church say about Halloween?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church does not have an official statement or position regarding Halloween. But many local churches offer safe alternatives to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Others turn the focus to giving rather than receiving. Collecting for UNICEF or giving fair-trade chocolate are ideas for using the occasion to give to others.
Adrian College gets grant for fair trade internship
ADRIAN, Mich. (UMNS) — The newly established Adrian College Fair Trade Committee has won a grant to support an internship for the 2014-15 academic year. The intern will research fair-trade products, organize efforts to make them available on campus and conduct outreach and education. United Methodist-related Adrian College has made a commitment to fight human trafficking in all its forms, including labor.
History of Hymns: ‘Mountains Are All Aglow’
DALLAS (UMNS) — A season of harvest unites people around the world. “Mountains Are All Aglow” is the Asian equivalent of a favorite harvest hymn for Euro-North American Christians, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” by British Anglican, Henry Alford. C. Michael Hawn of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology has the 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.
Thursday, Oct. 16
World Food Day — United Methodist congregations are committed to fighting hunger. Rethink Church, part of United Methodist Communications, highlights these efforts and the work yet to be done in alleviating hunger. Resources.
Free webcast "The God We Can Know"— 6:30 p.m. CT. Meet pastor and author the Rev. Rob Fuquay and learn about The Upper Room's new churchwide seven-week worship and study series, "The God We Can Know: Exploring the I Am Sayings of Jesus." Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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