"When I heard about the Inua (Partners in Hope) program, I left my home and walked (more than four miles) in search of the center. Today, I have received all the needed baking tools to start a cake shop." — Solphine Nanjala, after graduating from the United Methodist vocational program in Kenya.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Kenyan orphans find hope in vocational education
NAIVASHA, Kenya (UM News) — Inua Partners in Hope celebrated the graduation of 158 orphans from its vocational education program, bringing the number of alumni to nearly 900. The hands-on United Methodist ministry teaches vulnerable young people job skills, such as carpentry, dressmaking and welding, and offers biblical counseling and mentoring. Gad Maiga has the story.
Read story
Michigan Conference
Sharing in grief after school shooting
OXFORD, Mich. — The day after a Nov. 30 shooting at Oxford High School that left four dead and seven injured, Oxford United Methodist Church hosted an open-door prayer and meditation time to offer comfort and support to the community. In a statement, Michigan Conference Bishop David Bard said, "We must never allow ourselves to grow numb to the tragic consequences of gun violence in our society. Let us pray from our broken hearts." Kay DeMoss reports.
Read story
Read bishop's statement
United Methodist Communications
Giving, gratitude and generosity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Linda Bruner is a cradle United Methodist, raised in the church as a preacher's kid. Today, she leads connectional giving and marketing for United Methodist Communications. In the latest episode of the "Get Your Spirit in Shape" podcast, Bruner talks about what generosity means to her and why being part of a local congregation is key to her faith journey.
Listen to podcast
PRESS RELEASES
Dakota Wesleyan University
Children's book honors George McGovern
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The late U.S. Sen. George McGovern is perhaps best known as the Democratic presidential nominee in 1972. Fellow United Methodists remember McGovern — a preacher's kid — for his faith and fight against hunger and poverty. McGovern is now the subject of a children's biography, "George McGovern: South Dakota's Legendary Legislator," by Sarah Nearman Herbert.
Read press release
UM News: United Methodists salute McGovern's legacy
Correction: United among Lilly grantees
INDIANAPOLIS — United Theological Seminary is among the United Methodist seminaries getting a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. UM News regrets that a Nov. 30 Digest item failed to mention United as a grantee.
Read Lilly press release (PDF)
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Simple guidance for preachers on Christmas Eve
LAKELAND, Fla. — As pastors and congregations prepare to receive guests on Christmas Eve, Bishop Kenneth H. Carter offers some heartfelt advice. His first suggestion: Keep the sermon brief but grace-filled. Carter leads the Florida and Western North Carolina conferences.
Read commentary
RESOURCES
Global AIDS Committee, Mountain Sky Conference
Online service set for World AIDS Sunday
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, AIDS and HIV remain global threats. To continue to raise awareness and support AIDS orphans, United Methodists plan to hold a virtual worship service for World AIDS Sunday at 8 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Dec. 5 on the Mountain Sky Conference Facebook page. The theme for the international service will be "Where Love Thrives." The Center for Health and Hope, United Methodist Global AIDS Committee and the Mountain Sky Conference are among the organizers.
Watch on Facebook
RECENT HEADLINES
Spanish-language hymnal turns 25
Group gets immersion in Native history, concerns
EVENTS
Monday, Jan. 10-Monday, Jan. 31
Online course: Transforming the One-Room Sunday School Classroom
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