Daily Digest - October 20, 2022

“I see my work as a ministry to help build a bridge to enable that the two sides can talk to each other and let the Holy Spirit work for the synergy between them.”Donald Reasoner, on his work providing and coordinating translation for The United Methodist Church.


NEWS AND FEATURES

A ministry of interpretation 

HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — When people from different countries gather for conferences and other important conversations, the multiple languages they speak often make it impossible for them to understand one another. For over three decades, it has been the primary role of Donald Reasoner to provide and coordinate translation for United Methodists, at times dealing with up to 10 different languages. Eveline Chikwanah talked with Reasoner about his communication ministry during his recent visit to Zimbabwe.
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Michigan Conference
Initiative targets heart disease in Haiti

LANSING, Mich. — A new initiative called Heart2Heart will address heart disease in Haitian women. Haitian Assets for Peace International’s B.E.A.T. campaign starts Nov. 29. B.E.A.T. stands for basic training, education, awareness and treatment. HAPI is a ministry partner with congregations in the Michigan Conference. Kay DeMoss has the story.
Read story

Church and Society
Church leaders address transporting of migrants

WASHINGTON — United Methodist leaders held a press conference Oct. 13 to address some border-state governors’ practice of transporting migrants and asylum seekers to U.S. cities without coordinating with those cities. The leaders called for new arrivals to receive "just and equitable support.” Meanwhile, United Methodists are working to provide the help these newcomers need.
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Watch recorded livestream

Great Plains Conference
Kansas church hosts rally for payday loan reform

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansans for Payday Loan Reform held a rally Oct. 9 at Countryside United Methodist Church. The Rev. Sarah Marsh, mercy and justice coordinator for the Great Plains Conference, said the group wants Kansas to have the same payday loan limits as other states. David Burke reports.
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New 2022 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2022 annual conference reports. New this week is Upper New York. 
Read reports


PRESS RELEASES

North Georgia Conference

Georgians express commitment to United Methodism
ATLANTA — Nearly 700 clergy and laity of the North Georgia Conference have signed an open letter saying they are committed both to the Christian faith and The United Methodist Church. “During this time of great division in the world, we are grateful for the continued renewal and rebirth in our denomination,” the letter says. 
Read letter 

United Women in Faith
Women offer update on Ukraine

NEW YORK — Women from Ukraine, Latvia and the nation of Georgia will give an update on the Russian invasion of Ukraine at noon U.S. Eastern time on Oct. 25 during United Women in Faith’s Voices From the Field event. Members of the Women’s Peace Dialogue Platform will discuss how donations are helping the people of Ukraine persevere under continuous bombardment and shelling.
Read press release
Register

 
RECENT HEADLINES

Zimbabwean family shares bounty with church


Kenyan church helps drought-stricken community


EVENTS

Thursday, Oct. 27

An Effective Approach to Cooperative Parishes: A Congregational Guide

Monday, Oct. 31-Friday, Nov. 18
Building Relevant Leadership Structures in Rural Congregations

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