Daily Digest - November 21, 2019

“It’s hard for these companies to not recognize they have a role to play in providing a solution. The conversations are getting easier.” Nick Abel, Wespath’s manager of Sustainable Investment Services, on the pension agency’s efforts to hold companies in which it invests accountable in the opioid crisis. 


NEWS AND FEATURES

Wespath initiatives address opioid crisis

GLENVIEW, Ill. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s benefits agency is addressing the national opioid crisis by offering educational and recovery resources as well as holding companies in which it invests accountable. Joey Butler reports. 
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The church responds to the opioid crisis

Church school helps refugees heal
NAIROBI, Kenya (UM News) — Tears stream down the faces of Congolese refugee students as they share war accounts of losing their parents, homes and belongings. “There is a problem on my heart,” fifth-grader Mugisha said. “I lost my family. After that, the people I lived with tortured me. When I remember it, I feel very hurt.” Mugisha’s story is a typical one among the students at Dr. B.T. Cooper United Methodist School, where 200 of the 310 students are Congolese children with refugee status. Gad Maiga has the story.
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Florida Conference
Healing racial wounds through conversation

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Grace United Methodist Church recently initiated a wide-ranging leadership workshop to address the city’s race relations. The four-day event included honest confrontation, teamwork, frank discussions and compromise. Already, there are tangible results. Joey Johnston reports.
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Erie Times-News
Church homeless shelter changes lives

ERIE, Pa. — Two years ago, Thomas Munch was homeless and alone, battling alcoholism, chronic health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder. He turned to Our Neighbors' Place Seasonal Shelter. The shelter is operated by Erie United Methodist Alliance and rotates locations among several Erie churches. Munch has since turned his life around. When Our Neighbors' Place opened for its 2019-2020 season Nov. 20, Munch was there — not seeking shelter but as a volunteer. Sarah Grabski has the story.
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RESOURCES

United Methodist Global AIDS Committee
Preparing to mark World AIDS Day 

WASHINGTON — People around the globe commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 to highlight service and advocacy for people living with AIDS, as well as prevention of the disease. This year's theme is "Communities Make the Difference." The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee is offering dozens of resources to help communities highlight the role they have played.
See resources


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