“I guess one of the biggest connections between the fire service and pastoral ministry is that it is about living in that moment and asking the question: ‘What is God calling us to do right here and right now?’” — The Rev. William “Bill” Elwell, honored as Vermont Firefighter of the Year.
Pastor is firefighter of year in Vermont
BRISTOL, Vt. (UMNS) — A United Methodist licensed local pastor, the Rev. William “Bill” Elwell, has followed both of his callings: to ministry and to the fire service. He was honored this month as the 2016 Vermont Firefighter of the Year by the Vermont State Firefighters’ Association. Beth DiCocco reports for the New England Conference.
Diapers are pollution hazard in Zimbabwe
MUREWA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — An item meant to offer convenience to new parents has turned into an environmental headache in Zimbabwe. As people have adopted the use of disposable diapers as an alternative to cloth ones, used diapers have become an eyesore and environmental hazard, according to Africa University professor Zanele Furusa. Zimbabwe Episcopal Area communicator Taurai Emmanuel Maforo has the story.
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Three churches team up for flood relief
MINDEN, La. (UMNS) — A team of 38 United Methodist volunteers from three churches in Minden and Homer, Louisiana, worked on cleanup at 12 houses in Denham Springs, a town hit hard by floods. One of the people they helped was a man named Jon Wesley.
Read Louisiana Conference story
Bishop Carter reflects on way forward
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — Florida Area Bishop Ken Carter is one of three moderators of the forthcoming Commission on a Way Forward. Carter speaks about plans for the commission in a podcast with the Rev. Michael Rich of the Western North Carolina Conference.
Listen to podcast
Read UMNS coverage on commission
United Theological Seminary names president
DAYTON, Ohio (UMNS) — United Theological Seminary, one of 13 United Methodist seminaries in the United States, has elected the Rev. Kent Millard as its new president. Millard served 18 years at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, and served as United’s interim president.
Read press release
Sierra Leone school relies on Pennsylvania church
EPHRATA, Pa. (UMNS) — The senior pastor of First United Methodist Church Ephrata talks about the church’s partnership with June Hartranft Memorial Primary School for Girls in Sierra Leone. The church provides ongoing support for the feeding program, as well as financing some projects and relief programs. The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference reports.
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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.
Online course "Using the Common English Bible: A Primer” from BeADisciple.com — The Common English Bible is the latest translation that is supported by The United Methodist Church. This course will examine the unique translation features of the Common English Bible and what it means to United Methodists in Bible study, preaching and personal reflection. Students will need a copy of the Common English Bible. 1 CEU will be awarded. $30. Details
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