"Most of the children recovered lost their parents while they were fleeing the lava of the volcano, and today they are abandoned. I'll continue to take care of these orphaned children, despite the current costs of living." — Adolphine Okako Olela, director of United Methodist Goma Orphanage in Congo.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church helps children orphaned by volcano
GOMA, Congo (UM News) — More than two months after active volcano Mount Nyiragongo erupted — claiming lives and destroying some 1,000 homes — families, and especially children, remain vulnerable. United Methodists are caring for more than 40 children, some orphaned by the eruption. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
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South Georgia Conference
Georgia churches celebrate return of VBS
RICHMOND HILL, Ga. — Richmond Hill United Methodist Church offered a virtual staycation Bible school last year. This June, the church welcomed 400 children and volunteers back for in-person vacation Bible school with modifications based on lessons learned last year. The South Georgia Conference reports on how churches have brought back this summertime staple.
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UM News: Congregations eagerly embrace VBS opportunities
Kentucky Conference
Grant enhances internship program
CRESTWOOD, Ky. — A $10,000 grant from the Forum for Theological Exploration is enhancing the experience for four Isaiah Project interns by adding an online coaching component to their discernment process. The Isaiah Project is a Kentucky Conference initiative to support young people who feel called to ordained ministry. Alan Wild has the story.
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United Methodist Men
Helping men going through hard times
BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, Tenn. — Men who find themselves in emotional chaos can find a way out. That was the message offered during a recent retreat sponsored by the Commission on United Methodist Men. Prayer, forming an intentional relationship with Christ and engaging in accountability relationships with other men are key steps toward emerging from a dark stretch, said the Rev. Rick Vance, one of the presenters.
Read report on retreat
WDSU.com
Church's pro-vaccination sign vandalized
NEW ORLEANS — First Grace United Methodist Church's sign saying "Love Thy Neighbor, get vaccinated" was vandalized, with someone spray-painting over "vaccinated." The WDSU digital team reports.
Watch video and read story
PRESS RELEASES
Africa University
Golf tourney benefits Africa University
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — The eighth annual Bishop L. Jonathan Holston Golf Invitational Benefiting Africa University will take place Sept. 27 in South Carolina. The tournament, sponsored by Wespath Institutional Investments, will raise funds to support scholarships and other needs at the United Methodist university. Golfers will pay tribute to the Rev. John Wesley Hipp, who died shortly after participating in the 2020 tournament.
Read press release
RESOURCES
Religion and Race
A Christian look at critical race theory
WASHINGTON — Critical race theory examines how laws in the United States have built and supported racial inequities. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race offers an online panel about the theory, featuring law and seminary professors. The agency also has an infographic that aims to separate myths from truth.
Watch panel discussion
Download infographic (PDF)
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EVENTS
Thursday, Aug. 26
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