Daily Digest - August 14, 2023

“This time, the church went beyond Zimbabwean borders to prove that it is global in scope though local in thrust. The church acted the same way as the Macedonian generosity (2 Corinthians 8), in which they gave beyond expectations.” — The Rev. John Makaniko, on churches in Zimbabwe collecting donations for cyclone survivors in Malawi.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Zimbabweans help neighbors after cyclone
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Still reeling from the impact of Cyclone Freddy earlier this year, survivors in Malawi received $35,000 in cash and supplies from United Methodists in Zimbabwe. Stanley Dawa, Board of Church and Society chairperson, said church members felt called to act after the disaster. “The support was overwhelming,” he said. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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Louisiana Conference
Church keeps faith after hurricane
DESTRAHAN, La. — After nearly two years, the congregation of St. Charles United Methodist Church returned to worship in its sanctuary, which was devastated by Hurricane Ida in 2021. On Aug. 13, church members marched in true Louisiana style from the fellowship hall to the newly renovated sanctuary. "For 717 (days), we may not have been in this building, but that doesn't mean church stopped,” said the Rev. Michelle Harris. The Rev. Todd Rossnagel reports.
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UM News: Louisiana’s long road to recovery

Iowa Conference
United Methodists join Great Bike Ride
DES MOINES, Iowa — Thirty bike-riding United Methodists joined thousands of bicyclists from all over the world July 22-29 for the Des Moines Register’s annual 500-mile Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. The Rev. Craig Ferguson, pastor of Johnston River of Life and Hopkins Grove United Methodist churches, hoped the riders would demonstrate the denomination’s connection, serve the needs of riders and local communities and offer an experience of the sacred and the common merging. Liz Winders and Courtney Levin have the story.
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Read commentary: Love, inclusion and encouragement made bike ride possible

New Mexico Conference
Conference provost suspended
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico Conference Bishop Robert Schnase announced Aug. 11 that he has suspended the Rev. Randall Partin, who is facing a complaint of alleged misconduct under church law. Partin is the conference’s provost and a district superintendent. The bishop has initiated a supervisory response, the first step in the denomination’s complaint process. While under suspension, clergy receive pay and benefits. Partin did not immediately respond to UM News’ request for comment. 
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Greater New Jersey Conference
Lifelong United Methodist celebrates 100 years
NETCONG, N.J. — Many attribute longevity to proper diet and exercise, but Betty Curnow, a lifelong member of Stanhope United Methodist Church, said her secret is to “mind my own business.” At a June 3 celebration, she received a proclamation from the Netcong Borough town council and a joint resolution from New Jersey’s Senate and General Assembly recognizing her 100 years. Elsie Walker has her story.
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WMTW News 8 
Woman honors daughter by helping ‘angels’
PORTLAND, Maine — Every Sunday, Micky Taylor wakes up at 6 a.m. and drives for three hours to attend worship at Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, but it’s OK — she travels with angels. Micky’s Angels are a group of adults living with disabilities and for the past 28 years, Taylor has taken the group to church, out to dinner, to Special Olympics events and minor league baseball games. She does so to honor her late daughter, who had Down syndrome. Cate McCusker reports.
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