Daily Digest - February 7, 2023

“The good news is that, in spite of the hardships, in spite of the difficulties, the Church of Haiti is alive and well. … Sanctuaries are full every Sunday.”David Draeger, mission volunteer coordinator for the Methodist Church of Haiti.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Haitians find comfort in faith in face of violence

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (UM News) — The mission volunteer coordinator for the Methodist Church of Haiti says the country is in chaos and ruled by gangs, but people continue to worship God despite the dangers. While United Methodists and their partners are providing support, more help is needed, says David Draeger, noting that the most critical need is food. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Ministry partner’s outreach grows in Haiti 
MIZAK, Haiti (UM News) — Haitian Assets for Peace International, a ministry partner with United Methodist congregations in the Michigan Conference, continues to thrive despite the challenges the country is facing. HAPI has added healthy heart initiatives alongside maternal health care, vocational training and other empowerment programs. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Global Ministries
Help for earthquake survivors

ATLANTA — Tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothes, ready-to-eat meals and first-aid kits soon will be headed to earthquake survivors in Turkey and northwest Syria through a grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The $10,000 solidarity grant will be handled by International Blue Crescent, a longstanding humanitarian partner of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. According to The Associated Press, the quake death toll soared above 7,200 and still was expected to rise.
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To donate
AP: Race to find survivors as aid pours into Turkey, Syria

Missouri Conference 
Church steps up for historic schoolhouse

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Volunteers from Green Trails United Methodist Church have been among those working to preserve Missouri’s oldest surviving African American one-room schoolhouse. The Rev. Linda Settles recruited congregation members to help with chinking the logs. The Missouri Conference reports.
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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 UM News staff. 

Dakotas Conference
Reach out during Black History Month

MITCHELL, S.D. — Bishop Lanette Plambeck suggests a Black History Month activity for everyone: conversation. “My hope for you this month (and truly as a regular spiritual practice) is for you to begin or continue conversations with those God places in your path — invite a story, share in sacred space, and be emboldened to do so, knowing that best of all, God is with us in these holy moments,” she writes.
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RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
Quick way to search Wesley’s sermons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — John Wesley, Methodism’s founder, was a prolific writer and powerful preacher. ResourceUMC now has a free database of Wesley's published sermons indexed by number, title and scriptural reference. 
See sermons
 

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EVENTS

Wednesday, Feb. 8-Tuesday, Feb. 14

Online course: Congregational Leadership — Wesleyan Theology

Saturday, Feb. 11
United Methodist Rural Advocates webinar

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