“I’m not surprised at the duration of the protest because the continuing confrontation between the Hong Kong protesters and the government is very dynamic.” — Ben Ho, Methodist and Hong Kong resident.
NEWS AND FEATURES
As Hong Kong protests continue, so do prayers
HONG KONG (UM News) — As protests in Hong Kong have stretched through the summer, Christians are reacting in two different ways, says Ben Ho, a Methodist theological student. Churches are providing spaces where protesters can rest and offering spiritual counseling. Christians also are organizing prayer assemblies and gatherings outside the government house. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Sierra Leone church expands eye care services
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UM News) — A state-of-the-art surgical facility provides the foundation for expanding eye care at the Lowell and Ruth Gess United Methodist Eye Hospital, which already works with Ebola survivors who suffer from vision complications. Phileas Jusu reports.
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Greater New Jersey Conference
Laity Academy spurs lay-led capital campaign
HIGHTSTOWN, N.J. — Methodism began as a lay movement. That vital leadership was evident at First United Methodist Church, where a team of laity took full advantage of the tools of last year’s Laity Leadership Academy to jump-start a $250,000 capital campaign. Heather Mistretta reports.
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South Georgia Conference
Ministry weaves plastic bags into beds
VALDOSTA, Ga. — You’ve heard of Charlie’s Angels, but do you know the Plarning Angels? The Plarning Angels at Park Avenue United Methodist Church are turning plastic shopping bags into bedrolls to help homeless people. Kara Witherow has the story.
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Dakotas Conference
High school students learn leadership
LAKE POINSETT CAMP, S.D. — About 60 teenagers attended a leadership training camp in July, where they connected with God and worked to become better leaders and followers of Jesus Christ. Dylan Dethlefsen has the story.
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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 the UM News staff.
Faith & Leadership
When does breaking news compel a sermon rewrite?
STATESVILLE, N.C. — The Rev. Nathan Kirkpatrick writes that the answer depends on congregational and community context. The managing director of leadership education at Duke Divinity School urges preachers to start by asking what the Gospel has to say to a brokenhearted world at this moment.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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