"We will endeavor to continue improving the quality of our care so that we maintain a zero maternal death." — Dr. Tendai Manyeza said of Old Mutare Mission Hospital’s maternal care improvements.
Old Mutare Hospital combats maternal mortality
OLD MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — In Zimbabwe, being pregnant and giving birth can be life threatening. That’s why the United Methodist Old Mutare Mission Hospital is taking steps to make pregnancies safer. Priscilla Muzerengwa reports.
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Church provides clean water in Flint
FLINT, Mich. (UMNS) — After the water supply here was found to have poisonous levels of lead, United Methodists in the Detroit Conference set up neighborhood water crisis resource centers to provide clean water. Kay DeMoss of the Michigan Area writes about the church at work.
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Agency launches blog series ‘All My Relations’
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race this week has launched a blog series, “All My Relations.” The series, featuring a blog a day by United Methodists from around the globe, is aimed at cultivating unity in the midst of diversity. It honors Human Relations Day on Jan. 17 and the U.S. observance of the Rev. Martin Luther King’s Jr.'s birthday on Jan. 18.
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Discipleship Ministries seeks new top executive
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The search to fill the position of chief executive of Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church is under way. “The ideal candidate will be a true disciple and committed Christian, either lay or clergy, with experience with the local and general church and working knowledge of the Book of Discipline, as well as understanding the needs of local churches throughout the connection,” said Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky, the agency board’s president.
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Read about former executive’s departure
Staff change at Church and Society
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Bill Mefford is leaving the United Methodist Board of Church and Society after nine years with the agency. He was serving as the agency’s director of human and civil rights. John Hill will serve as acting director until the position is filled.
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Commentary: Bridging divisions regarding homosexuality
DENTON, Texas (UMNS) — The Rev. Christy Thomas, a retired United Methodist pastor, writes that there are fine people on both sides of any question and especially this one currently dividing United Methodists. In a commentary for United Methodist Ministry Matters, she says bridging the divide requires assuming “truth in the other as the starting point, no matter how much it troubles you.”
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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.
Monday, Jan. 18
MLK Memorial Vigil — 5 to 6 p.m. CST. Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tennessee, invites participants to join in prayer, meditation and spoken word at Wightman Chapel to commemorate the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. There will be readings from civil rights literature and time for silent reflection. Details.
Monday, Jan. 18-Sunday, Jan. 31
Online course “Biblical Storytelling I” from beadisciple.com — Learning the sacred stories of Scripture by heart and sharing them with others is a powerful spiritual practice. This course uses methods developed by the Network of Biblical Storytellers International. The Rev. Beth Galbreath, the group’s vice president and a United Methodist deacon, teaches the course. $65. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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