Daily Digest - September 6, 2019

“Having Portia at this revival is evidence of how much the church can become a home for all people in spite of their conditions.” Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, on 11-year-old Portia Kasuso attending a Zimbabwe women’s convention in her new wheelchair.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Wheelchair opens doors for girl in rural Zimbabwe

MUREWA, Zimbabwe (UM News) — An 11-year-old girl in rural Zimbabwe has a new wheelchair thanks to a member of Harare Inner City United Methodist Church. Moved by her spirit, Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa and local pastors are also hoping to help her obtain an education. She has never been to school, yet dreams of becoming a teacher. The Rev. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo has the story.
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Salem Reporter
Claremont begins offering classes at Willamette 

SALEM, Oregon — This academic term marks the first time Claremont School of Theology has offered classes at Willamette University here. Most of Claremont’s classes continue to be taught at its longtime campus in Claremont, California, but the United Methodist seminary is planning a full relocation to Willamette, which is United Methodist-affiliated. Rachel Alexander reports.
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South Carolina Conference
Pastor initiates gun buy-back program

SALUDA, S.C. — While Americans mourn the victims of the latest mass shootings — and as suicide rates rise in South Carolina — a United Methodist pastor is launching a gun buy-back program. “I’m a hunter and a gun owner myself,” said the Rev. Hillary Taylor. “I support the Second Amendment, but I also know that guns and mental health problems are not a good mix.” 
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West Ohio Conference
Urban collective shores up black churches

DAYTON, Ohio — Four predominantly black churches have formed an urban collective to help share resources and programs. The collective allows the churches to provide better pastoral care and focus on commonalities instead of differences, said the Rev. Peter Matthews, lead pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church and co-founder of the collective. 
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Michigan Conference
Michigan Conference embraces clergy coaching

LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan Conference staff member has signed on as a certified coach on the faculty of Coaching4Clergy, a company that trains church leaders to guide others on their spiritual journeys. Naomi Garcia is recruiting students for a 16-week online training experience that begins in October. Kay DeMoss has the story.
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RECENT HEADLINES

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