"The discussions were comprehensive because we did not just focus on one area, but looked at the total picture of our central conferences and episcopal areas." — Zimbabwe Area Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa on the work of adding five more African bishops.
Task force considers placement for new bishops
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — New episcopal areas, new central conference boundaries and various ways of increasing the central conferences’ capacities were all part of the initial discussion about where to add bishops in Africa. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Rio Texas churches assess Harvey damage
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Several churches in the Rio Texas Conference are just beginning cleanup and repairs after Hurricane Harvey tore through parts of the Coastal Bend area. So far, 15 churches in Rio Texas have reported damage related to Harvey. Will Rice has the story.
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'God moments' spur pastor's Harvey relief efforts
BEAUMONT, Texas (UMNS) — The desire to make sure Hurricane Harvey relief teams had enough water last week provided timely help for the thirsty town of Beaumont, Texas, where floodwaters shut down the water system. What happened goes past coincidence into “Oh. This is one of those God moments," said the Rev. Scott Moore. Maggie Hillery reports.
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Indian dentist dies in fire at mission station
GANTA, Liberia (UMNS) — The 25-year-old worked at Ganta United Methodist Hospital in Liberia and served as an instructor at the nursing college of United Methodist University. Julu Swen reports.
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Group looking at apportionments
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Church Apportionment Sustainability Task Force, which includes representatives from all five U.S. jurisdictions, is looking at the structure and impact of the requested giving that supports ministry across the denomination. The group recently met at the General Council of Finance and Administration office.
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Read about last year’s denominational giving
Hurricane Matthew recovery continues in S.C.
ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. — Even as South Carolina braces for Hurricane Irma, recovery efforts are still underway to repair damage from Hurricane Matthew. The South Carolina Conference’s long-term disaster recovery team recently repaired four homes damaged by the 2016 storm. Jessica Brodie reports for the conference.
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5 lessons from contemporary-worship spoof
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCOM) — A large church’s parody movie trailer that pokes fun at the typical contemporary worship service offers some lessons about worship and where it can fall short. Darby Jones and the Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards write about the truth behind the humor.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, Oct. 23-Friday, Nov. 3
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Teach Adults — This two-week interactive, Discipleship Ministries-approved Lay Servant course from BeADisciple.com aims to help teachers guide adult learners through faith development. Students need to read the book “Start Here” by Barbara Bruce before the course begins. Cost: $65. Details
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