"I leave an old parish with a feeling of satisfaction that I have worked to the best of my ability." - The Rev. Winnet Mupara, speaking at pastors' school in Zimbabwe
Encouragement, advice for Zimbabwe pastors
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) - Moving from old to new congregations results in mixed emotions for both outgoing and incoming United Methodist pastors in Zimbabwe. Participants explored that and other topics and found inspiration during the recent 2013 pastors' school at Africa University.
Bishop urges pastors to 'hunt' disciples
African clergy advised on itinerancy
African pastors urged to 'endure hardships'
Making the extra effort with college students
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Faculty members who make an extra effort to engage students at United Methodist-related colleges and universities are being recognized through the Exemplary Teacher Award given by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry's Division of Higher Education. Tita Parham reports.
Read story
A different reaction to a killing
NEW ORLEANS (UMNS) - When Marguerite La Joy Washington, a freshman at Dillard University, was gunned down in New Orleans, it had all the appearance of business as usual. Thousands of young blacks are killed in America each year. But if you had attended Marguerite's funeral at First Grace United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, you would have realized that something was different, writes Oliver Thomas in USA Today.
Read USA Today column
Read UMNS story on First Grace
History of Hymns: 'Nothing but the Blood'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Popular 19th-century hymn writer Robert Lowry, composer of "Nothing but the Blood," also contributed such favorites as "Shall we gather at the river," "Up from the grave he arose," "Marching to Zion" and "How can I keep from singing." C. Michael Hawn discusses the theology and history of the blood hymns in congregational singing.
Read Hawn's column
Shoebox Christmas is coming
SHEYENNE, N.D. (UMNS) - Soon treat-filled shoeboxes will begin arriving at the Spirit Lake Ministry Centerhere. But these are not ordinary shoeboxes. To children living on impoverished reservations in South Dakota and North Dakota, these treasure chests may be the only Christmas gift they receive. Last year, Dakotas Annual (regional) Conference missionaries Mike and Libby Flowers gave away 5,215 shoeboxes. "We would really like to break the 5,500 mark," Mike said. "We would need upwards of 30,000 to reach every Native American child on reservations in the Dakotas."
Read story
To give
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.