“People trust religious communities more than other institutions. There is huge potential for religious communities and figures to impact behavior. When a bishop urges people to seek care, it resonates.” – Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Global Health, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries
UMCOR, health boards respond to Ebola
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The United Methodist Committee for Relief is working with United Methodist health boards in West Africa to combat the spread of Ebola. The focus is on community education, health worker protection and psychosocial counseling.
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Staples program donates $16,722 to UMCOR
Church agency heads meet with White House staff
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Top executives with United Methodist agencies met with White House staff for more than hour to discuss how church resources can help improve the lives of children at risk, prevent sexual violence on campus and respond to global humanitarian concerns. The global concerns include the displacement of Christians in the Middle East.
Ice bucket challenge aids church's stewardship
LEVITTOWN, Pa. (UMNS) – Emilie United Methodist Church cashed in on the ice bucket challenge, an online fundraising fad, to bolster the congregation's apportionment payments while having some fun. A member agreed to donate $25 for all who poured a bucket of ice water over their own head and $25 for every bucket of ice water poured over the pastor's head. John Coleman, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference communications director, has the story.
Bishop Lyght to serve brief interim term in New York
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Retired Bishop Ernest S. Lyght will serve as interim bishop of the New York Conference from Oct. 1 to Jan. 1, 2015. Bishop Neil Irons, who has served as interim resident bishop since Bishop Martin McLee went on leave because of his health, is stepping down because of health concerns of his own. McLee died in September. Bishop Jane Allen Middleton will take over as interim for the conference in January.
A pastor’s call to speak out
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — How does a pastor fulfill the call to be a prophetic voice? The Rev. Clayton Childers, director of conference relations for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, offers tips for positive, effective preaching on challenging subjects or social issues.
Minnesota receives $60,000 to develop young clergy
MINNEAPOLIS (UMNS) – A $60,000 Young Clergy Initiative grant will help college students explore whether they are called to ordained ministry. The Minnesota Conference program will include a weeklong formational retreat and a summer internship in a church or ministry setting.
History of Hymns: ‘Una espiga’
DALLAS (UMNS) — Monsignor Cesáreo Gabaráin has the distinction of being the only Roman Catholic Church composer to earn a Gold Record in Spain. C. Michael of Hawn of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology discusses Gabaráin’s hymn, which means “Sheaves of Summer,” during Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month.
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