“I looked at where her prayer rug had been — she always kneels at the foot of that rug — and it was bone-dry.” — The Rev. Clifton Conrad, describing how a space in his wife's prayer room escaped flood damage.
Prayer room spot reveals God’s presence
BATON ROUGE, La. (UMNS) — When the Rev. Clifton Conrad and his wife, Kathleen, returned to their home after days of flooding in Baton Rouge, they found an assurance of God’s grace in the spot where Kathleen kneeled every day to pray. “Sacred space” is how she described it. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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View the Louisiana Conference video
Nyadire Connection project empowers girls
MUTOKO, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — At The United Methodist Church’s Nyadire Primary School, some female students miss classes each month when they have their periods because they can’t afford sanitary protection. But this pattern of absences may soon become history thanks to reusable sanitary napkins provided by The Nyadire Connection, a nonprofit organization founded by a group of United Methodists in Pittsburgh. Eveline Chikwanah of Zimbabwe East Conference reports.
Wilke leaves Discipleship Ministries
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Sarah Wilke is no longer employed as an executive of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and publisher/world editor of The Upper Room, effective immediately. The Rev. Junius Dotson, Discipleship Ministries’ top executive, announced Wilke’s departure following a human resources review of a complaint against her. Wilke, a laywoman, does not face accusations of criminal misconduct or complaints under church law.
Detention of immigrant families prompts protests
READING, Pa. (UMNS) — Dozens of Central American families seeking asylum from violence at home have been languishing at a detention center for nearly a year. Frustrated by their plight, 22 of the mothers waged a two-week hunger strike in late August. That prompted church leaders and others to protest on the immigrants’ behalf. John W. Coleman of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference has the story.
‘Bridge events’ connect churches and neighbors
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) — A safety fair. A back-to-school bash. A cooling station at an outdoor festival. With planning and prayer, events like these begin to build a bridge between the church and its community. Amy Forbus of the Arkansas Conference writes about how churches across the state are using bridge events to build relationships and share their faith.
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.
Friday, Sept. 16
Ecumenical and interreligious grant application deadline — The Council of Bishops Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships will award three $1,000 local initiative grants to United Methodist projects that strengthen ecumenical and/or interreligious relationships. Such projects may include building networks on a local level, among specific groups, such as young adults. Recipients will be announced Nov. 18. Details
Friday, Sept. 16
Israeli activist and author visits United Methodist church — Noon EDT. The Syracuse Peace Council is holding an event at University United Methodist Church on 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, New York. Author Miko Peled will be speaking about his book "The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine." Peled is the son of an Israeli general and grandson of a signer of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. He is now an outspoken advocate of Palestinian human rights.
Monday, Sept. 19 to Friday, Sept. 23
Online five-day intensive workshop “Safe Sanctuary Policy” from BeADisciple.com — Participants will learn why congregations should have an up-to-date Safe Sanctuaries policy, what the policy includes generally and specifically, and how to get a policy written, approved, and implemented — or edited. Because this is an intensive workshop, participants will need to be involved on the site at least an hour every day to receive a completion certificate. Participants are required to read Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth by Joy Thornburg Melton, as a part of this course. $50. Details
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