Daily Digest - September 15, 2022

“We are seeing God's hand in all these developments.” The Rev. Tafadzwa Musona, Mutasa Nyanga District superintendent, on new additions to Old Mutare Mission Hospital.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Old Mutare Mission Hospital gets a facelift

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Despite the country’s economic crisis, good things are happening at The United Methodist Church’s Old Mutare Mission Hospital. A state-of-the-art outpatient department, kitchen and 120-panel solar system are among recent additions funded by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ Global Health unit. “The outward appearance matches with the hearts and the welcome you receive inside,” said patient Pishai Muchauraya. Kudzai Chingwe has the story. 
Read story

South Georgia Conference
Finding ‘esperanza’ in Dominican Republic

WAYNESBORO, Ga. — Serving as translators for a multidenominational medical mission in the Dominican Republic gave the Rev. Isaac and Paty Salgado a renewed sense of “esperanza” — hope. “I learned that God is still at work,” Paty Salgado said. Allison Lindsey reports on the United Methodist couple’s experience. 
Read story

New England Conference
Church takes mission trip into its own community

HAMPDEN, Maine — Inspired by a United Methodist church in Pennsylvania, Hampden Highlands United Methodist Church set out to do mission projects to assist its neighbors. During the first Raya Mission Week, church volunteers helped on various projects free of charge, as an act of love. The church completed 24 projects, nine more than originally planned. The New England Conference has the story.
Read story

National Justice for Our Neighbors
New citizen celebrates fifth of July 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — José Yanez’s story may not be an unusual one, but the staff attorney and others at Fayetteville Justice for Our Neighbors find his journey inspiring. Through hard work, perseverance and dedication to family, Yanez on July 5 became a U.S. citizen, with the help of the United Methodist legal aid ministry. National Justice for Our Neighbors has the story. 
Read story

Pod Have Mercy
Bishop Muyombo is pastor’s podcast guest

HOUSTON — The Rev. John Stephens of Chapelwood United Methodist Church invited North Katanga Area Bishop Mande Muyombo to be his guest for a recent “Pod Have Mercy” podcast. Muyombo comments on the future of The United Methodist Church in the U.S. and Africa.
Watch podcast


PRESS RELEASES

Arkansas Conference
Bishop Mueller announces retirement

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Bishop Gary Mueller of the Arkansas Conference is retiring, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Mueller, in a statement, acknowledges weariness over dealing with divisions within The United Methodist Church. But he says the desire to spend more time with his wife, Karen, was a bigger factor in his decision.
Read statement


COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. 

Staying the course with vaccine access
BOISE, Idaho (UM News) — A United Methodist church’s campaign to create equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines among poor countries has raised nearly half a million dollars. However, challenges remain, so the campaign continues. Dr. David Boan, a member of Cathedral of the Rockies, writes about barriers that still prevent vaccines from being available to all.
Read commentary


RESOURCES

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
Tips for raising funds for scholarships

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Dollars for Scholars award, offered by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, is a unique program that kicks off with a $1,000 scholarship from an applicant’s church. For some congregations, however, money is not readily available but the desire to support students is. The foundation offers tips for raising that $1,000. 
See tips

Greater New Jersey Conference
Laity Sunday sermon series available

NEPTUNE, N.J. — Laity Sunday is observed each year on the third Sunday in October — Oct. 16 this year. The United Methodist Church celebrates the ministry and witness of laypersons everywhere through a special service. The Greater New Jersey Conference's Breakthrough Worship ministry is offering a Laity Sunday sermon series, complete with worship and preaching suggestions as well as graphics for social media. 
View resource


RECENT HEADLINES

Church helps displaced Central Africans living in Congo


Bishops call for rejecting ‘idolatry of guns’


EVENTS

Thursday, Sept. 22

Race, America & the Church: Undenied — No Longer Willing to be Unheard

Monday, Oct. 3-Friday, Oct. 21
Online course: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection

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