"The call of duty requires us to be there for our flock during their time of grieving. Yet, the threat of being infected and endangering your life and the lives of your loved ones is very real." — The Rev. Agbeth Mutanho, Seke South United Methodist Church, on conducting funerals in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NEWS AND FEATURES
COVID-19 deaths complicate pastors' calling
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — With COVID-19 deaths on the rise in Zimbabwe, pastors are trying to balance conducting funerals with the ever-present danger of contracting the virus. "This new wave of the pandemic has brought fear and discomfort to the life and ministry of pastors," said the Rev. Oscar Mukahanana, Harare East District superintendent. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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West Ohio Conference
Retirement leads clergy spouse to ministry
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — After her pastor husband retired, Kathy Moore became a certified lay minister and now leads workshops and serves as liturgist at least once a month at local churches. She believes God set aside this season of her life for service.
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The Baltimore Sun
Cleaning up African American graves
DEALE, Md. — Elinor Thompson has started cleaning a cemetery and marking possible unmarked graves along the way. The African American cemetery is owned by Franklin United Methodist Church, and tombstones have dates ranging from 1842 to 1982. Donovan Conaway reports on efforts to salvage the cemetery and preserve a bit of U.S. and Methodist history.
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PRESS RELEASES
Global Ministries
Call for solidarity with Mozambique
ATLANTA — Cyclones, flooding and civil unrest are destabilizing the African nation of Mozambique, and the top executive of United Methodist Global Ministries is calling for prayers and other signs of solidarity. Thousands of citizens have been displaced, said Roland Fernandes, who also heads the United Methodist Committee on Relief, in a statement.
Read statement
Donate to UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery
World Council of Churches
Denouncing the military coup in Myanmar
GENEVA — In a pastoral letter to the churches and people of Myanmar, the World Council of Churches and Christian Conference of Asia expressed alarm and great sadness after the country's military seized power in a coup. "We urge a swift and peaceful return to the path of democracy, and appeal for the human rights and freedoms," the letter says.
Read letter (PDF)
RESOURCES
Council of Bishops
Ecumenical Lent, Easter resources available
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Churches Uniting in Christ is offering ecumenical resources for local congregations to use during Lent and Easter. The group brings together 10 Christian communions, including The United Methodist Church, to express unity in Christ and combat racism.
Read press release
See resources
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