“Thanks to the research carried out on site at Tunda, it's easy to help save lives and protect people from the disease.” — Dr. Damas Lushima, health coordinator for The United Methodist Church in East Congo, on a new monkeypox research lab housed at the church’s Tunda Hospital.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church, government unite to fight monkeypox
TUNDA, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in Eastern Congo has strengthened its health system with the help of the Congolese government. The church’s Tunda General Hospital is housing a monkeypox research laboratory for the government to help combat the monkeypox epidemic that has been raging in the region since 2021. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
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South Carolina Conference
Surprise kidney transplant answers prayers
COLUMBIA, S.C. — On the final day of the South Carolina Annual Conference, as United Methodists were gearing up for a new year in the life of the church, Stephanie Ponds Henry was waking up in a hospital bed, thanking God for a new lease on life. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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North Texas Conference
Church celebrates 150 years of faith, resilience
DALLAS — What began under a brush arbor where formerly enslaved people gathered for worship in the original Freedman’s Town of Dallas has flourished into a vibrant community that planted the seeds for six other United Methodist churches. St. Paul United Methodist celebrated its 150th anniversary over the weekend. The conference has the story.
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Oklahoma Conference
Oklahoma church named historic site
NORMAN, Okla. — McFarlin United Methodist Church, built in 1923-24 by oil tycoon Robert McFarlin as a memorial to his infant son, has been named a United Methodist Historic Site (#574). The United Methodist Commission on Archives and History shared the news with the church in July. The church’s neo-gothic sanctuary is considered one of Oklahoma’s jewels of church architecture.
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See list of United Methodist Historic Sites
Dakotas Conference
Retreat helps clergy thrive
MITCHELL, S.D. — Pastors report that a weeklong retreat through the new Higher Ground Initiative was “a tremendous gift for renewal and re-creation.” The program is financed through a $925,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving in Ministry program. The nine participants enjoyed time to read, rest and journal. They also met with a spiritual director, mental health counselor, physical wellness coach and financial planner. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
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New 2023 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2023 annual conference reports. New this week are the Iowa and Oklahoma Indian Missionary conferences.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Finance board votes on bishop, agency pay
Summer programs nourish bodies and soles
EVENTS
Monday, Sept. 11-Friday, Sept. 22
Online course: Preaching on Fractured Ground
Sunday, Oct. 1
World Communion Sunday
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