"It’s been incredible to experience how these people want to give back a little of what we try to convey to them." — The Rev. Rolf Held, United Methodist pastor, about the refugees in Messstetten, Germany.
Video: German town works to assist refugees
NEW YORK (UMNS) — The number of refugees who have come to Messstetten, Germany, for assistance now exceeds more than half the town’s population. In a video interview with the Rev. Paul Jeffrey, Rolf Held, a local United Methodist pastor, talks about the impact of the refugee/migration situation in Europe and how the refugees are giving back. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is responding to those needs through its Global/Refugee Migration fund, Advance No. 3022144
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Renovations underway on Saganing Center
STANDISH, Mich. (UMNS) — Renovations are well underway on the new Saganing Native American Center. And once the center opens next year, events already scheduled include the annual Pow Wow of the Saganing Band of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe and a Lay Servant class focusing on Native American tradition. Kay DeMoss reports for the Michigan Conference.
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Ways to observe Native American Heritage Month
Rallying for organ donation
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) — Donor Sabbath (Nov. 13-15) encourages religious groups to talk up organ donation among their members. Amy Forbus reports on the experience of some United Methodist organ donors and recipients in the Arkansas Conference.
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United Methodist school offers hope at the border
EL PASO, Texas (UMNS) — Arlet Burciaga is among the youth of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, who rise before dawn to cross the border into El Paso and attend Lydia Patterson Institute, a United Methodist school that teaches them English and prepares them for college. KUT public broadcasting in Austin, Texas, followed Arlet through a typical day.
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Women’s commission names education director
CHIICAGO (UMNS) — The Rev. Leigh Goodrich, New England Conference, has been named senior director of education and leadership by the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women, effective November 2.
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Find news in Spanish
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Looking for the latest United Methodist Church news for the Hispanic/Latino community? You can find the latest news in Spanish on our website. Or sign up for the monthly e-newsletter by emailing lider-imu@umcom.
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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.
Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 11-13
2015 Church Multiplication Conference on multi-site ministry — Southfield Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield, Michigan, will host a conference on launching multi-site ministry, one of the fastest-growing new church movements. $125 per person. Details.
Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 12-15
Lake Junaluska Peace Conference — Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. This year’s conference, “Longing for Peace/Exploring the Heart of God,” will feature three keynote speakers and focus on the spiritual roots and foundations that support the search for peace in the three Abrahamic faith traditions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The conference will also include music, workshops and a panel discussion. Space is limited and early registration is recommended. Registration is $120 before Sept. 1 and $145 after Sept. 1. Students may attend for $60. Details.
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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