Daily Digest - March 12, 2018


NEWS AND FEATURES

Missouri ConferenceAppeals committee to rule on charges against gay elder

INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) — The United Methodist North Central Jurisdiction Committee on Appeals has up to 20 days to rule on charges stemming from the Rev. David Meredith’s 2016 marriage to another man. The committee on March 9 heard arguments from the West Ohio Conference that “egregious” errors were made when some charges against the Cincinnati pastor were dropped. Kathy L. Gilbert reports. 
Read story

United Methodist hospital changes blind boy’s life

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — In a country where opportunities for the blind are limited and many are reduced to begging, 8-year-old Morlai Bangura did not have even a slim prospect of sight or city life, let alone education. He now has all three, thanks to the Sierra Leone Conference’s Lowell and Ruth Gess United Methodist Eye Hospital. Phileas Jusu has the story. 
Read story

World Council of Churches
Women at UN meeting address gender inequality

NEW YORK — In Tanzania, “religious institutions are key to ending gender inequality,” said Esther Ngulwa during a panel discussion organized by Ecumenical Women just before the start of the 62nd session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women. Ecumenical Women, whose membership includes United Methodist Women, also released a statement for the March 12-23 meeting.
Read WCC story
Statement of Ecumenical Women at the United Nations
UMW events at CSW62

Greater New Jersey Conference
Youth in Cuba change lives, leave changed

HADDONFIELD, N.J. — Moselle Jules, 17, talks about her mission trip to Cuba with 13 other United Methodist youth from the Northeastern Jurisdiction. “Our mission was to be in community with the people there,” Jules told reporter Denise Herschel. “The people of Cuba showed me that they were not this government.” Jules told reporter Denise Herschel. 
Read story
Read UMNS series ‘Singing the Spirit in Cuba’

WTVF-Channel 5 
Meharry Medical College holds free dental care days 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — At United Methodist-related Meharry Medical College’s Oral Health Day, more than 600 people without insurance were able to get free cleanings, fillings and extractions. The annual event is organized by the Meharry Chapter of the American Student Dental Association to serve citizens with little or no access to dental care. WTVF reports..
Watch video

First United Methodist-Pasadena

A Black History Month to remember

PASADENA, Calif. — First United Methodist Church here got serious about Black History Month, working up a four-week plan of observance. Each week had a theme, and special care was taken to highlight women’s contributions. The church’s quilting ministry even made a quilt inspired by the Underground Railroad. Yvonne LaRose has written about First Pasadena’s strategy and experience.
Read essay

 

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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, March 19-Friday, March 23

Online class: Using technology in the church worship service

 

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