“Immanuel UMC is truly a vital congregation. They learned to ask: ‘What can we offer to the community?’ ” — Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, describing a thriving church in a formerly Communist region.
How a church overcomes hostility to Christianity
EBERSWALDE, Germany (UMNS) — While United Methodists in the United States frequently face indifference to their faith, reactions to Christianity in formerly Communist eastern Germany can veer toward outright hostility. But Immanuel United Methodist Church is defying the odds by welcoming newcomers, including recent asylum-seekers. Heather Hahn has the story.
Help for those displaced by Boko Haram
ABUJA, Nigeria (UMNS) — A United Methodist congregation in Nigeria is providing refuge for some of the thousands escaping the Boko Haram war in northern Nigeria. That assistance is happening despite the scarce resources of the Don Peter Dabale Memorial United Methodist Church in Abuja, which has been trying to complete a church building project since 2009. E. Julu Swen reports.
Publishing House board names next president
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Brian K. Milford has been selected to be the next president and chief executive officer of the United Methodist Publishing House. Milford is the Publishing House’s United Methodist Church book editor and chief content officer. He will officially assume office in October after Neil Alexander retires as president and publisher.
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Alabama-West Florida hosts prayer breakfast
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (UMNS) — Alabama Supreme Court Justice Lyn Stuart and several other state officials, along with state representatives and many United Methodists, attended the annual prayer breakfast Feb. 11 hosted by the denomination’s Alabama-West Florida Conference and its Board of Church and Society.
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Church care for crime victims
ATLANTA (UMC.org) — Many churches are involved with the nearly 9,000 prison ministries operating in the U.S. correctional system. The Rev. Bruce Cook says working with victims of violent crime is equally important but often overlooked.
UMCOR in Serbia: Reducing risk
KRALJEVO, Serbia (UMNS) — Almost two years ago, floods in Serbia further devastated communities that had been left vulnerable by an earlier earthquake. The United Methodist Committee on Relief has provided help since the early days of that emergency. David Tereshchuk has the story for UMCOR.
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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.
Tuesday, Feb. 23
Webinar from United Methodist Men on using web technology to start class meetings ─ 7 p.m. CST. Gil Hanke, top executive of United Methodist Men, will lead the class based on “Wesley’s Class Meeting” by the Rev. Kevin Watson. To register, email Martha Davis at [email protected].
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 27-28
Black History concerts and celebration of Richard Allen stamp – The Western Jurisdiction United Methodist Men and Black Methodists for Church Renewal have planned two gospel concerts, which will feature a celebration of the new Black Heritage Stamp from the U.S. Postal Service that honors Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The first concert will be at 5 p.m. PST Feb. 27 at Thousand Oaks United Methodist Church, 1000 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, California. The second will be at 4 p.m. PST at Hope United Methodist Church, 3405 Artesia Blvd., Torrance, California. Details.
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