Daily Digest - December 13, 2012

"God works his will through people like you and me, and when we work together we make God happy." - Bishop Scott Jones speaking to a gathering at Biriiri District Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Malaria-fighting partnership all about nets

CHIMANIMANI, Zimbabwe (UMNS) - Bishop Scott Jones will attempt 1,000 free throws on Feb. 23 for "Shoot for No Malaria," a fundraising venture for the Great Plains (Kansas East and West and Nebraska) Annual (regional) Conference sparked by the partnership between the U.S. conferences and the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference.
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Church outreach up despite fewer funds

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Despite budget cuts, program agencies say "thanks" for the support, recall accomplishments and look ahead to 2013-16. Agency representatives report highlights of 2012.
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UIndy, senator announce new Lugar Academy

INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) - U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar joined University of Indianapolis president Robert Manuel Dec. 7 in announcing the formation of the Richard G. Lugar Academy, a sweeping expansion of the university's existing Lugar Center for Tomorrow's Leaders. The university will add a branch office and a full-time staff position in Washington to support its new internship program as well as conferences, symposia, policy studies and other activities of the academy.
Lugar, a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, is a former faculty member and longtime trustee of the United Methodist-related university.
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New certification: Ministry with people with disabilities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Many churches want to do a better job of ministry with children and adults with disabilities, but often simply don't know how. United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, now offers classes that can help laity and clergy serve an underserved population.
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