“In a time of violent chaos, the church is called to claim its true purpose: to be a sanctuary, a safe place.” — Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr. in response to shootings at Florida State University.
Campus ministry offers support, prayers after FSU shootings
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (UMNS) — The shootings at a Florida State University library early on Nov. 20 had United Methodists on that campus gathering for prayer and mutual support. “Everyone’s pretty emotionally shaken,” said the Rev. Mike Toluba, pastor of the Wesley Foundation at FSU. Sam Hodges reports.
Light and Life Church rises from typhoon wreckage
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — Life is moving on for members of a United Methodist church destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda, also known as Typhoon Haiyan. Many have returned to work, but others are still living in bunkhouses built for disaster victims. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
Iowa clergyman faces complaint for same-sex wedding
DES MOINES, Iowa (UMNS) — The Iowa Conference cabinet filed a formal complaint against the Rev. Larry Sonner for officiating at a same-sex wedding. “I invite you to a season of prayer as the supervisory response to Rev. Sonner’s action is directed toward a just resolution,” Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble wrote in a pastoral letter to the conference.
Meharry gets grant to improve health and reduce health disparities
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Meharry Medical College has been awarded a $451,430 Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health grant to launch Nashville REACH 2020, a program to increase the consumption of healthy foods and beverages among African-American residents living in some areas of Nashville. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will administer the grant which runs for three years subject to availability of funds.
Cokesbury will donate part of sales Dec. 2
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Publishing House’s Cokesbury.com will donate 10 percent of all its website sales on Dec. 2, #GivingTuesday, to charity. Specifically, the website’s contributions will benefit the Christmas Room at Red Bird Mission, a ministry and services provider in Appalachia, and the Ebola response of the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
WCC welcomes United Methodist interns
GENEVA (UMNS) — Two new interns at the World Council of Churches aspire to use their personal and professional experiences from Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ecumenical organization’s work for gender justice and health issues. Sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the young women will be based at the council’s headquarters for the next 18 months.
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.
November
Native American Heritage Month — United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and Native American Comprehensive Plan offer prayer and worship resources.
Sunday, Nov. 30
United Methodist Student Day — This special offering supports scholarships for United Methodist young people. To order free envelopes and posters. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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