“All these folks we are still trying to help are in the path of harm’s way again.” — Pam Garrison, disaster response coordinator for the Florida Conference.
United Methodists prepare for Irma
LAKELAND, Fla. (UMNS) — Experiences with last year’s U.S. hurricanes and coverage of the recent devastation wrought by Harvey in Texas and Louisiana have put United Methodists in the Southeastern U.S. on high alert as Hurricane Irma approaches. Linda Bloom and Vicki Brown have the story.
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Committing long-term to Sierra Leone recovery
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — “This is the time we as a people are likely to fail the survivors, but I want the church to remain engaged in their lives when all the people are gone, including the government,” Bishop John Yambasu told two communities hard hit by recent mudslides and flooding as he committed The United Methodist Church for the long-term. Phileas Jusu and Julu Swen have the story.
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Raising orphans among crises in Sierra Leone
Clinton speaks of relying on prayer after election loss
NEW YORK — Hillary Rodham Clinton, a lifelong United Methodist, said she relied on prayer in her grieving process after she lost the U.S. presidential election. Clinton spoke to about 1,300 people at a fundraiser for Camp Olmsted, which has served children in New York City since 1901. Joanne S. Utley reports for the New York Conference.
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Churches respond to post-Harvey needs
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — While communities assess damage and begin the long journey of recovery after Hurricane Harvey, Rio Texas Conference United Methodists have been quick to respond to the need for money and volunteers. Will Rice has the story.
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Rio Texas church includes children in relief efforts
Apply for ‘healthy masculinity’ workshop
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society and the Illinois Great Rivers Conference are teaming up with the Healthy Masculinities Action Project for an Oct. 23-26 workshop to train local church leaders to teach others about healthy masculinity from a biblical perspective. Grants are available and the registration deadline is Sept. 18.
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Pastor ministers amid multiple floods
VINTON, La. — Watch as the Rev. Roger Templeton gives a boat tour through floodwaters and describes what it's like to pastor in the midst of Harvey to folks who have flooded twice in 18 months.
Watch video from Louisiana Conference
Words of Jesus, John Wesley on dealing with disaster
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (InfoServ) — When tragedy strikes, it is common to ask why. United Methodists often turn to their faith for answers, but answers don’t come easily. InfoServ, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, looks to the words of Jesus and John Wesley to offer comfort in the wake of natural disasters.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, Sept. 11-Friday, Sept. 22
Online Workshop: "Faith Communities' Response to Domestic Violence" — Domestic violence occurs in all communities, regardless of a person’s age, ethnicity or socio-economic status, and the physical, mental and spiritual effects of such violence for all involved can be devastating. This workshop will focus on a Christian response to domestic violence. By the end of the course, students will have access to resources for responding to domestic violence as individuals, pastors and churches. This BeADisciple.com course is eligible for 1.0 CEU. $45. Details
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