"Creating grassroots programs that meet the needs of the society makes the church relevant and meaningful to the community." – Robert Kaisi on the Chenogaose Day Care Relief Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Seminar sparks care for disabled children
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) – Dorcas Muranda started the Chengaose Day Care Relief Centre to help families with disabled children. She was inspired by training she received from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. Priscilla Muzerengwa reports. Read story and post a comment
Michigan pastor pitches protest tent in Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) ─ Pitching his tent at the entrance of the Indiana United Methodist Conference Center, a West Michigan pastor has taken his plea for the equality of those with different sexual orientations within The United Methodist Church beyond Michigan. Daniel R. Gangler reports for the Indiana Conference. Read story
Bishop appeals for help in Flint water crisis
FLINT, Michigan (UMNS) – Michigan Area Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey has appealed to all United Methodists in the state to respond to the Flint water crisis. Church efforts already underway include the hiring of a district emergency water crisis coordinator and $100,000 from the United Methodist Committee on Relief to help fund water resource centers started by eight churches. But Kiesey said more is needed and she asked for prayer, donations and hands-on assistance. Read appeal
Core values report: Bishops
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Members of a United Methodist Council of Bishops task force are committing themselves to a list of seven core values and encouraging their colleagues to join them. Read press release
Vital Conversations: Intersections of oppression in Ferguson
WASHINGTON (UMNS) —The Rev. Pamela Lightsey will explore the intersections of oppression in Ferguson, Missouri, Jan. 28 at 9 p.m. EST as part of the "Vital Conversations" series hosted by the Commission on Religion and Race. Learn more | Register
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-Wednesday, Feb. 1-2
Perkins Ministers Week ─ The event, focusing on the theme "Reach Deep," is a series of lectures, workshops and worship for clergy and church leaders. It will be at Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology. Details
Tuesday. Feb. 9
Early-bird-registration for "Optimizing Annual Financial Campaigns" conference and live stream ─ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 5. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership in Washington will teach best practices for financial campaigns. $35 per person; $50 after Feb. 9. $25 per live stream; $35 after Feb. 9. Details
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