"There is a lot of hope but it (Ebola) is not finished. This is the most difficult period. People must be vigilant and continue with the messages. We know it will come back; we just don’t know how or where." — Dr. Simplice Dagnan, director of National Institute of Public Hygiene in Côte d’Ivoire.
Côte d’Ivoire faith leaders join fight to keep Ebola out
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — Pastors, priests, rabbis and imams are joining hands with government and health care officials to beat Ebola back from the doors of Côte d’Ivoire. The faith community has an important role to play. More than 80 percent of the population in Côte d’Ivoire attend a place of worship. Read Kathy L. Gilbert’s story and see Côte d’Ivoire through the lens of United Methodist Communications photographer Mike DuBose.
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Louisiana Conference recommits to 7th Ward
NEW ORLEANS (UMNS) — Since Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, there has been no United Methodist presence in New Orleans’ storied 7th Ward. But that’s changing, the Louisiana Conference announced. Effective July 1, the Rev. Hadley Edwards will be appointed to the ward.
Read about the conference’s plans
Take my hand: The Gospel and the blues
THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Steve Beard, the editor of Good News magazine, pays tribute to “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” and Mahalia Jackson, the singer who with good reason is often associated with the beloved gospel song. The song, Beard writes, “was both Good Friday heartbreak and Easter Sunday jubilation.”
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New practice can re-energize your prayer life
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Proficiency in prayer comes through practice. Spending a season like Lent invigorating your prayer life is time well spent. Experiment with some new-to-you ways of praying. You might be surprised to find what works best for you, writes Joe Iovino.
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Lent Quiz: How often did John Wesley fast?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Many people fast in observance of Lent. Was John Wesley one of them? Find out what the church says about fasting on today’s UMC.org Lent Quiz.
Take today's quiz
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.
Saturday, March 7
"Doing Good Well” conference — 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. EST, Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Vital congregations are increasingly committed to serving others through mission. Doing Good Well, this year’s Serve Your Neighbor conference, explores the fruitfulness of mission efforts and provides practical strategies to make sure your mission hits the mark. Details.
Sunday, March 8
Daylight Saving Time — Most of the United States will “spring” their clocks an hour forward today.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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