"Our nation needs prayers so that we continue to be guided by the wisdom that comes from God." — Grace Musuka, United Methodist Women regional missionary serving in Zimbabwe, and other African countries.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Prayers for peace lifting Zimbabwe
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — A new president after 37 years of what many called “a government of tyranny” is bringing hope, said United Methodists who are closely watching from inside the country. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Florida Conference
Movie features deacon's work
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Film director Sean Baker wanted to tell a story about the hidden homeless, but he needed access to their world along U.S. 192 in the shadow of Disney World. The Rev. Mary Downey, executive director of the Community Hope Center in Kissimmee, Florida, opened the door for him. Much of the movie “The Florida Project” is based on the work being done by Downey, a United Methodist deacon. Lilla Ross has the first story in a two-part series.
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PRESS RELEASES
Discipleship Ministries
First grants awarded for youth-led racial justice projects
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Groups in Oklahoma and the Philippines will receive the first round of grants to help United Methodist young people initiate projects for racial justice. Young People’s Ministries, a unit of Discipleship Ministries, administers the grant program.
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Archives and History
Recipients of Stith grant announced
MADISON, N.J. — The Rev. Rosetta Ross, an ordained elder in the South Carolina Conference, and Mother African Zoar United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, are the first recipients of the Bishop Forrest C. Stith grants awarded by the African American Methodist Heritage Center. The grants are offered to United Methodist African-American congregations involved in preserving their histories or to individuals doing historic research on African-Americans in Methodism.
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Church and Society
Limited spaces left for young clergy forum
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society has a limited number of spaces still available for the Young Clergy Leadership Forum, Jan. 28-31, 2018. Speakers include U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black and Shane Claiborne from Red Letter Christians.
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COMMENTARIES
Sharing the stories of refugees
ARNOLD, Md. — Tacy Surrett, a high school senior and member of Asbury United Methodist Church, spent three years in Turkey with her family. Her work with refugees there inspired her to create a series of monologues and a photo exhibit to educate others about the plight of displaced people. In advance of Global Migration Sunday, Dec. 3, she writes about the project and her life-changing experience.
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Read more about Global Migration Sunday
RECENT HEADLINES
AU campus, students safe amid Zimbabwe unrest
EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Friday, Dec. 1
Monday, Dec. 4-Friday, Dec. 15
Online Lay Servant Workshop: Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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