“When a catastrophe happens, it cannot be solved by one church, one nation, or one NGO. When we hear of countries invading others, we should not just leave it to a few big countries to raise their voices. The faith community should also raise its voice.” — Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo on attending the first World Humanitarian Summit.
Bishop Ntambo attends World Humanitarian Summit
ISTANBUL (UMNS) — Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo, the North Katanga Episcopal Area, attended the first World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, May 23-24. The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau reports.
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A letter to new clergy
OKLAHOMA CITY (UMNS) — The Rev. A.W. “Bill” Martin Jr., emeritus professor of religion at United Methodist-related Oklahoma City University, offers some timely advice in a letter to newly ordained clergy about applying what they learned in seminary.
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Church organizes prom for girl with tumor
CHARLOTTE, Tenn. (UMNS) — When Lia Nesbitt underwent surgery for a recurring tumor in her brain, it meant she missed the Dickson County tradition of an eighth-grade prom. Charlotte-Fagan United Methodist Church members banded together and held a prom in honor of Lia. The Rev. Nick Baird-Chrisohon reports for the Tennessee Conference.
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In Sudan: Clean water, less illness
NEW YORK (UMNS) — More than 250 families in Sudan now have clean water for all their household needs after the United Methodist Committee on Relief completed the rehabilitation of Zamzam Water Yard, with funding from the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. This is one of a series of stories from Global Ministries on UMCOR’s work in Sudan.
Treat people like they’re ‘somebody’
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (UMNS) — “Everybody is somebody, but the problem in a lot of our churches is that we act like we have to be one of us to be somebody,” said the Rev. Bob Farr. The Missouri Conference director of congregational excellence spoke about the importance of church greetings. The conference’s Fred Koenig reports.
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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.
Friday, July 15
Deadline for School of Congregational Development 2016 — Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 17-20. The workshops for United Methodist clergy and lay leaders will be in Evanston, Illinois, outside Chicago. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and Global Ministries sponsor the gathering. $425. Details
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