“Every day, I collect about 80 bags, and I am making money. My life has changed, and I can now feed my family.” — Nomnikelo Satshi, on working at a recycling center started by a United Methodist in Durban, South Africa.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church member’s passion for recycling pays off
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (UM News) — A United Methodist woman is combining her passion for recycling with her faith to empower youth and women in her community. Thozeka Letuka opened Big Start Recycling and Buy Centre to help combat illegal dumping in her area and to provide her neighbors opportunities to transform discarded items into valuable resources. Alvin Makunike has the story.
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Dakotas Conference
Pastor hits road for prison ministry
DICKINSON, N.D. — The Rev. Rita Ennen preaches at two extra worship services each week in addition to her regular job at Dickinson United Methodist Church. On Saturdays, she leads two groups of women at the Dakota Women’s Correctional Rehab Center in New England, North Dakota. “As I sit with these women, I see things happen when Jesus gets a hold of people’s hearts,” Ennen said. Doreen Gosmire reports.
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The Tennessean
Historian helps church wrestle with racism
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Prominent religion historian Jemar Tisby addressed an audience of hundreds at Brentwood United Methodist Church for a Black History Month event. The Rev. Stephen Handy, who leads McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville, also spoke. The Brentwood congregation has formed a race and faith team at a time when race has been at the center of fierce debate in its county. Liam Adams has the story.
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Lincoln Journal Star
Church makes statement with landscaping
LINCOLN, Neb. — Aldersgate United Methodist Church is reducing its traditional lawn in favor of Buffalo grass and other native plants that require less water and favor pollinators. Steven Schafer, chair of the trustee board, leads the church’s long-term, comprehensive effort to make its landscaping environmentally friendly. Marjie Ducey reports.
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RESOURCES
Strengthening the Black Church
Celebrating Black History Month
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The significance of Black History Month and the rich legacy of historically Black colleges and universities will be explored during a free lunch-and-learn Zoom event at 1 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on Feb. 15. The Rev. Kevin Kosh will be the presenter.
Learn more and register
United Methodist Communications
Online course explores General Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — General Conference is the top legislative assembly of The United Methodist Church. United Methodist Communications is offering a free online course, “Exploring General Conference,” to learn more about the historical roots, legislative processes and happenings that make General Conference an important function of the church.
Learn more and register
UM News: A beginner’s guide to General Conference
Baltimore-Washington Conference
Event encourages legislative advocacy
FULTON, Md. — The Baltimore-Washington Conference will host the 2024 Legislative Advocacy Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on Feb. 21 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Annapolis. The event allows Maryland United Methodists to meet their representatives and advocate for United Methodist values. It also allows the voices of United Methodists to be heard and considered when representatives make important decisions that impact communities.
Learn more and register
RECENT HEADLINES
Living up to the Sojourner Truth moniker
Filipino effort promotes United Methodism globally
EVENTS
Monday, Feb. 12-Sunday, Feb. 25
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Monday, Feb. 12-Monday, Feb. 26
Online course: Developing a Dynamic Praise & Worship Experience
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