Daily Digest - May 20, 2015

“Food security is about to be a problem. We will feel a lot of hunger in this country.” — Denis Ngotho Lansana, a United Methodist in Sierra Leone referring
to the lasting effects of the Ebola crisis.

Who can put Sierra Leone
together again?

KENEMA, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — The Ebola epidemic caused an economic crisis, as well as a public health crisis, in Sierra Leone. Farming and commerce slowed, as did infrastructure projects. Recovery is posing a big challenge for the country and for The United Methodist Church, which may have to retrench here after rapid expansion. Jan Snider continues her reports on Ebola’s consequences.
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See more Ebola coverage

Supplying basic needs to families
in Syria and Iraq

NEW YORK (UMNS) — As civil war in Syria staggers into a fifth year, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is responding to basic, often-overlooked needs both in Syria and in neighboring Iraq, as both countries also face the challenge of persistent attacks by the Islamic State. David Tereshchuk reports for UMCOR.
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Candler students to visit South Korea

ATLANTA (UMNS) — Robert Franklin, the James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership at United Methodist Candler School of Theology, will lead students on a study trip to South Korea May 20-30. The Candler group will meet with leaders and discuss such issues as normalization of relations with North Korea.
Read press release

United Methodist’s journey shows how to ‘live while dying’

HOPKINS, Minn. (UMNS) — When Bruce Kramer learned in 2010 that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, he decided to share his journey publically. The United Methodist and former dean at the University of St. Thomas did a series of interviews with Minnesota Public Radio News and collaborated with MPR reporter Cathy Wurzer on a book of reflections on the disease, vocation, faith and relationships. Kramer, 59, died March 23, just days after publication of “We Know How This Ends.”
Listen to the show

Quiz Yourself: United Methodist history

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Ever heard of the Christmas Conference? Do you know where this landmark General Conference took place? Test your knowledge of all things Methodist with our weekday quiz running now until June 17, John Wesley’s birthday.
Take quiz

Perkins offers new degree

DALLAS (UMNS) — Perkins School of Theology, a United Methodist seminary at Southern Methodist University, will offer a Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree beginning this fall. The degree can be preparatory to Ph.D. studies, and students can focus in such areas as “The Biblical Witness” and “The Theology and Practice of Ministry.”
For more information

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.

Saturday, May 23
Methodist Theological School in Ohio commencement — 11 a.m. EDT in Dickinson Courtyard on the MTSO campus, 3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio. Bishop Gregory V. Palmer of the West Ohio Conference will be the speaker. Details.

You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.

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