“(Pastors) are all involved in the fight against this disease, (urging) faithful to wash their hands each time and not to keep a sick person who is already affected by this cholera epidemic at home.”
— The Rev. Dumas Balaganire, Congo, Uvira District superintendent.
Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga
NEWS AND FEATURES
Congo churches react to cholera epidemic
BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — Five months after a cholera epidemic was declared in the South Kivu Province, United Methodists there continue to help with prevention efforts. The church is distributing water purification tablets in areas with unsafe drinking water and talking with members about safety precautions. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
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South Carolina Conference
Pastor’s weight loss provides walking example
COLUMBIA, S.C. — What the Rev. Robert Walker considered an unflattering but accurate photo led him to get on his feet. His long walks not only helped him lose 40 pounds but also boosted his spirituality. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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Oklahoma Conference
Young adults work for racial reconciliation
OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma group is among the first recipients of Young People’s Ministries grants for projects by United Methodist young adults who have a passion for racial justice. The conference reports on how four United Methodist communities — two primarily African-American and two primarily Caucasian — plan to use the $2,500 grant to work toward racial reconciliation.
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South Georgia Conference
Efforts to fight crime have a prayer
BEIJING — The World Council of Churches is starting its 70th anniversary by visiting Christians in China. The Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, the WCC’s top executive, preached Jan. 7 at Chongwenmen Church, founded by American Methodists in 1870.
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RESOURCES
UM Disability Blog
Preparing Deaf-friendly worship
BALTIMORE — As many congregations and annual conferences prepare to observe Disability Awareness Sunday, the Rev. Leo Yates Jr. offers tips and resources for Deaf-friendly worship services.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, Jan. 15
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