“People are much more afraid of starvation than the coronavirus.” — Jean Tshomba, disaster management coordinator in East Congo.
NEWS AND FEATURES
African churches ease pandemic's hunger blow
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — United Methodist congregations in Africa are rallying to support church members and communities facing the double whammy of hunger and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to sweeping lockdowns across the continent. Eveline Chikwanah and Chadrack Tambwe Londe report in the second of a three-part series.
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Read Part 1: Tackling food insecurity caused by pandemic
Coming May 21: Reclaiming more food to fill pandemic gaps
Ask The UMC
What is Pentecost?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The word "Pentecost" comes from a Greek word meaning 50th. The Christian festival of Pentecost falls on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on Pentecost, also known as the birthday of the Christian church.
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Read more Ask The UMC
Greater New Jersey Conference
Meaningful mourning during COVID-19
BLOOMFIELD, N.J. — Churches in New Jersey are working to help United Methodists mourning deaths in their families to go through the grief process even though the coronavirus is halting full-fledged funerals for now. At Park United Methodist Church, monthly livestreamed memorial services are being planned. Heather Mistretta has the story.
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UMCOR
Reaching Syrian refugees in scattered communities
ATLANTA — After nine years, the situation in Syria has created one of the largest humanitarian and displacement crises in the world. The United Methodist Committee on Relief has coordinated work with four partners — three in Lebanon and one in Jordan — to support Syrian refugees, other refugees and host communities. Christie R. House has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Oklahoma Conference
TV special spotlights church and COVID-19
OKLAHOMA CITY — A 30-minute television special called "Hope for the Heartland: Stories of Inspiration from The United Methodist Church" will air May 24 on CBS affiliates in Oklahoma and will be available on the conference website. "Everyone is having a hard time right now, in some way or another, and as a church, we are meeting the needs of the vulnerable as much as we can," said Derrek Belase, conference director of connectional ministry.
Read press release
RESOURCES
Wesley Theological Seminary
Online courses on Bonhoeffer, Thurman offered
WASHINGTON — Wesley Theological Seminary is now offering all its upcoming summer courses online. The semester runs from May 26 to Aug. 1, with courses starting throughout the semester. Highlights include courses on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Howard Thurman. Summer 2020 registration is now open.
Learn more or register
RECENT HEADLINES
Tackling hunger caused by pandemic
Commentary: COVID-19 shines spotlight on racial health care disparities
EVENTS
Tuesday, June 23-Wednesday, June 24
Gammon Theological Seminary online grant-writing workshop
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