“Our bishop is a very active man who travels a lot in his region. It's not always easy for him to get to places of worship. I'm relieved to know that he will be able to travel more easily and safely to fulfill his pastoral responsibilities.” — Philippe Okonda, lay leader of the Eastern Congo Conference, on new vehicles donated to United Methodist bishops in Congo.
NEWS AND FEATURES
New vehicles ease bishops’ travel in Congo
KINDU, Congo (UM News) — Bishops of the Congo Central Conference recently received sport utility vehicles, thanks to financial support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. The vehicles will make it easier for the bishops to travel around their regions, many of which have dirt roads that are impassable during the rainy season. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
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Mississippi Conference
Church outreach takes Jesus to state fair
JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Conference office of Faith Community Formation took advantage of an excellent outreach opportunity — setting up a booth inside the Trade Mart during the 165th Mississippi State Fair. The two-week duration of the fair allowed staff and volunteers to inform fairgoers of the missions and ministries of the Mississippi United Methodist Conference. Matthew Johnson has the story.
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Dakotas Conference
Changes make church more welcoming
JAMESTOWN, N.D. — Two guys “and a nudge from God” have made the sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church more welcoming to people with disabilities. Although the church is already on one level, the pew setup previously allowed people in wheelchairs to sit in the back only. Two members shortened some pews closer to the front so people with mobility issues could sit closer. "God led them to do this and created that stir in their soul," said the Rev. Jennifer McDonald, pastor of St. Paul’s. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
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Upper New York Conference
Utilizing mandalas in prayer
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — Everyone has a creative nature. Artistic expression can be a form of prayer and has extensive roots. In the “Spiritual Practices” podcast, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius dives into art as a form of prayer using mandalas, which are a geometric configuration of symbols used in some spiritual traditions for focusing attention.
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NOTE: There will be no Daily Digest on Thursday, Oct. 26. The digest will resume on Friday, Oct. 27.
PRESS RELEASES
Global Ministries Board meeting concludes in Asia
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries will move forward to create a physical presence in Africa, an intention dating back to 2018 that was delayed by COVID-19. At its fall board meeting, it also was announced that the United Methodist Committee on Relief approved nearly $4 million in grants, committing funds to international and U.S. disaster response, the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, Environmental Sustainability, Global Migration and Global Health. Susan Clark reports.
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Arkansas Conference
Theressa Hoover to be celebrated during history series
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Janet Allured, Ph.D., will present “Theressa Hoover, Fayetteville’s Most Famous Black Female Leader” at 7 p.m. U.S. Central time on Oct. 26, at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History as part of the museum’s Not Strictly History series. Hoover’s many accomplishments include being the only woman for whom a Methodist church has been named. Registration to attend this event via Zoom remains available.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends
Online conference highlights inclusive church
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — The United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and Friends will hold its seventh annual inclusiveness conference online from 8:30 a.m. to noon U.S. Mountain time Nov. 18. The theme of the conference is “Empowering United Methodists for Inclusive Mission and Ministry.” Speakers include United Methodist Bishops Daniel Schweren and Karen Oliveto as well as Randall Miller, a well-known lay leader in the denomination.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Bishop Stockton remembered for joyful spirit
Pastor shared stage with E. Stanley Jones
EVENTS
Thursday, Nov. 9
Coffee Chat: Caretaker, Pastor, Chauffeur — Who Is Caring for You?
Friday, Nov. 10-Saturday, Nov. 11
Level UP! New Places. New People.