“We aim to empower women to sustain their families and also raise funds for their churches.” — Nancy Tarumbwa on a workshop to print cloth using discarded X-rays.
Women use recycled X-ray film to create cloth for sale
CHITUNGWIZA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — United Methodist women in Zimbabwe are using expired and discarded X-ray films to create cloth used in products they can sell to generate income. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Kansas church steps up after mass shooting
HESSTON, Kan. (UMNS) — The Rev. Keith Schadel was already planning on a sermon about fear on Feb. 28 at Hesston United Methodist Church. The sermon topic gained more urgency following a workplace shooting at the nearby Excel plant, which left four dead (including the gunman) and 14 injured. David Burke of the Great Plains Conference reports on how United Methodists are stepping up in the wake of tragedy.
Chapel at Gulfside honors Bishop Kelly
WAVELAND, Miss. (UMNS) — The Bishop Leontine T.C. Kelly Open Air Chapel, honoring the first African-American female bishop of The United Methodist Church, was consecrated here at historic Gulfside Assembly on Feb. 27. It’s the first structure built at Gulfside since Hurricane Katrina washed away the denominational retreat center’s buildings in 2005. Tamica Smith Jeuitt reports for the Mississippi Conference.
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UMW hosts delegates, workshops for U.N. meeting
NEW YORK (UMNS) — United Methodist Women will bring in 20 delegates from the U.S. and 10 other countries to participate in the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women meeting March 14-24. UMW also will host workshops for CSW-60, which has a priority theme of “Women’s empowerment and its link to sustainable development.”
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60 Days of Prayer begins March 31
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Upper Room has created resources for 60 Days of Prayer to help every local congregation pray with the delegates and church leaders for the 2016 General Conference. The 60 days of prayer begin March 31 and extends through May 29. The denomination’s legislative assembly is May 10-20 in Portland, Oregon. The prayer guide is available online, as a PDF download and a daily email service. Prayer-bead kits with a commemorative medallion are also available.
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Fasting from unnecessary spending
TIPP CITY, Ohio (UMNS) — One of the Lenten practices the Rev. Mike Slaughter tries to undertake every year, no matter what other commitments he has made, is to fast from all unnecessary spending. The lead pastor of Ginghamsburg Church, a United Methodist congregation, writes about ways he and others can cut back for Ministry Matters.
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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.
Sunday, March 6
One Great Hour of Sharing — Offering on this Special Sunday supports the administrative costs of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the denomination’s disaster-response organization. United Methodist Communications is providing new resources for pastors and lay leaders to use in promoting One Great Hour of Sharing.
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Tuesday, March 8
Webinar “From Membership to Discipleship” — 7 to 8 p.m. EST. The Rev. Jeffrey Jones, director of ministerial studies at Andover Newton Theological School, will explore how a congregation can rediscover its core identity as a disciple-making community. This webinar is presented by Practical Resources for Churches, an ecumenical group. Details
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