"There was a little kid who’d been stealing from the trash can. The teacher gave him a candy bar, and he quickly ate half and then saved the rest for his sibling." — Shannon Belangia, Aldersgate United Methodist Church volunteer at a South Carolina school.
Church publishing team produces Ebola booklets
PAYNESVILLE, Liberia (UMNS) — Even as Ebola cases slow, The United Methodist Church in Liberia is distributing booklets to provide tips for responding to future outbreaks of the disease. Julu Swen reports.
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Funeral arrangements set for Bishop Job
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Belmont United Methodist Church has announced funeral arrangements for Bishop Rueben P. Job, who died Jan. 3 at 86. Visitation for Job will be from 10 a.m. to noon CST Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Iris Room of Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville. The service will take place at 2 p.m. CST Sunday, Jan. 18, in Belmont’s sanctuary.
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‘A bridge God is building’
SUMTER, S.C. (UMNS) — Teachers at Willow Drive Elementary knew many of their students lived in poverty. That really hit home the day they caught a child stealing food from the school trash can. The response was a partnership with nearby Aldersgate United Methodist Church that has become “a bridge God is building between the church and community,” says Rachel Johnston, a teacher and church member. Jessica Brodie has the story for the South Carolina Advocate.
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Lady Gaga has ‘applause’ for church musician
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — Pop star Lady Gaga recently visited Grandview United Methodist Church on Dec. 28. She had high praise and advice for church musician Liz Fulmer, who performed her original Christmas song, “He is Coming.” Philly.com has the story, which includes the song.
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‘A letter I wish every pastor would read’
DES MOINES, Wash. (UMNS) — “We lay folks are like hobbits. We tend to like things that are comfortable and familiar. ... Be our Gandalf and challenge us.” Patrick Scriven of the Pacific Northwest Conference, a seminary-educated lay person and pastor's husband, shares what he would like to see in pastoral leadership.
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Beyond New Year’s resolutions — make ‘faithful intentions’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — If you are trying to be more spiritual this year, you may be feeling a bit discouraged at this point. Laurens Glass suggests eight starting points for a covenant that can enrich your life.
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday, Jan. 8
Free webinar "Stewardship and Finance: Getting it Right at the Starting Line" — 6:30 p.m. CST. This webinar focuses on the new member of the stewardship team, finance committee or church council — those who are looking to get started on the right foot. Details.
Saturday, Jan. 10
Deadline to apply for Peace with Justice grants — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society awards grants to United Methodist churches and ecumenical groups working through at least one United Methodist organization that witness to God's demands for a faithful, just, disarmed and secure world. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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