There’s a tendency to think that it’ll be all taken care of in six months, but it’s a much longer process to get fully recovered.” — Bobbie Ridgely, executive director of A Future With Hope, the Greater New Jersey Conference’s Sandy recovery effort, on continuing recovery efforts from Superstorm Sandy.
NEWS AND FEATURES
5 years later, Sandy cleanup continues
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Five years after Hurricane Sandy roared up the East Coast, United Methodist leaders working in recovery recognized the rebuilding efforts — but also expressed concern for the work that still needs to be done. Mary Jacobs has the story.
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Mary Pat Christie meets with recovery groups
South Carolina Conference
A 15-year quilting bee
GREER, S.C. — Ken and Joanne Lehman, longtime members of Ebenezer United Methodist Church here, have over the last 15 years made nearly 1,600 quilts for a center that helps developmentally delayed children. Jessica Brodie reports.
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Coming Wednesday
The Rev. Matt Hall has been hiking the Appalachian Trail since June 21. United Methodist News Service spent three days with Hall to document his ministry as the Holston Conference’s Appalachian Trail Chaplain. The report and an audio slideshow will run in tomorrow’s digest. Get ready for some amazing photos.
Photo by Mike DuBose
COMMENTARIES
Can we value relationships over rules?
ZURICH, Switzerland (UMNS) — Bishop Patrick Streiff, who presides over the Central and Southern Europe Conference, considers the unity of the church to be a gospel mandate. More than doctrinal issues, “what matters in Christ Jesus is faith working through love,” he writes. Streiff’s commentary is part of “Many Voices, One Faith,” a forum for sharing theological perspectives on topics of interest in the church.
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United Methodist Forum: Many Voices, One Faith
PRESS RELEASES
Africa University
AU to add religious studies institute
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Africa University board of directors voted to add an Institute of Theology and Religious Studies to the curriculum to address “contextual challenges of theological education” on the African continent, said Bishop David Yemba, chancellor of the United Methodist-related university.
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Bishops ask AU to reconsider structure
United Methodist Publishing House
Publishing House board meets
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Publishing House board concluded its annual meeting on Oct. 25. Members reviewed financial information and the performance of Cokesbury.com, while also receiving briefings on strong sales for vacation Bible school materials and plans for new digital products.
Read press release
RESOURCES
UMCGiving
Celebrate United Methodist Student Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCgiving.org) — United Methodist Student Day is Nov. 26. On this Special Sunday, congregations around the country will join to provide scholarships for deserving United Methodist students. For resources to help celebrate the special offering, download the United Methodist Student Day Pastor and Leader’s Kit.
Download resources
RECENT HEADLINES
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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.
Thursday, Nov. 2
Annual Women’s Forum: An Evening with Lauren Winner
Sunday, Nov. 5
Council of Bishops (COB) Meeting
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