"The more serious concern is in the rural areas, where communication and relief support are sparse. No one knows the extent of the loss of life and the hardship out there." — Dr. Mark Zimmerman, a United Methodist missionary and medical doctor serving in Nepal.
Responding with prayer, aid after Nepal earthquake
NEW YORK (UMNS) — United Methodists are joining Christians around the world in a prayerful response to the earthquake that has claimed some 4,000 lives in Nepal and neighboring China and India. Five missionaries working in Nepal for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries were reported safe. Linda Bloom reports.
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Gay marriage opponents protest at United Methodist church
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Same sex marriage opponents carried signs and shouted through bullhorns outside Foundry United Methodist Church on April 26. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on gay marriage Tuesday. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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General Conferences planned for Asia, Africa
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Plans are underway for the first United Methodist General Conference gatherings outside the United States — in the Philippines in 2024 and in Zimbabwe in 2028. But the commission that plans the legislative assembly has concerns about the Zimbabwean government's treatment of gay people. Heather Hahn reports.
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United Methodist churches, leaders pray for Freddie Gray
BALTIMORE (UMNS) — Churches throughout the Baltimore-Washington Conference observed a moment of prayer for Freddie Gray during their April 26 morning worship services. Gray died April 19, one week after he suffered injuries while in the custody of the Baltimore police. While his family and the city are now confronting the circumstances of his death, church leaders are also calling on the faith community to allow Gray’s legacy to spark change. Melissa Lauber and Eric Alsgaard report for the conference.
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CNN has the story
South Carolina pilgrimage to ease pain of racism
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A United Methodist racial reconciliation pilgrimage centers on the 1968 police shooting of unarmed black students during a segregation protest. But since the May 15-16 pilgrimage comes just weeks after a North Charleston police shooting left an unarmed man dead, organizers say it is even more critical for people to attend and work together as a church body for healing. Jessica Brodie reports for the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate.
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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.
Friday, May 1
Deadline to apply to Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology — The deadline for prospective degree and non-degree students interested in attending Fall 2015 classes at United Methodist Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. Details.
Sunday, May 3
The Rev. Juan Huertas preaches on "Day 1" — The Rev. Juan Huertas, lead pastor of Grace Community United Methodist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, will be the featured preacher on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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