News.NET
August 8, 2011- Vol. 4, Issue 65 |
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Freedom School...a colorful place of acceptance and love |  The United Methodist Church has answered a call to enhance the lives of children by leading the Freedom School movement in Ohio.
United Methodist Bishop C. Joseph Sprague (ret.), a leader in the Freedom School movement on Columbus' West Side, said, "With constant reports of urban woes and rampant violence, Central Ohioans can rejoice in the good news contained in the eight Columbus-area Freedom Schools. The Zone's three schools on the Hilltop resonated with the joy of reading, the strength of mentors, and the sheer glee of sweet dreams replacing the sour nightmares of God's precious urban children."
The multi-cultural curriculum, implemented by college students called Servant Leader Interns, is designed to promote literacy and to reinforce non-violent conflict resolution and community engagement. Read more and visit the photo galleries |
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12 million caught in Africa food crisis |  The level of severe malnutrition in the Horn of Africa worries even seasoned aid workers. In the two regions of southern Somalia where famine has been declared, more than two people per 10,000 die each day, according to the Global Nutrition Cluster report. No improvement is expected before the next harvest at the end of the year. Church World Service, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and other members of the faith-based ACT Alliance are coordinating their response to the hunger crisis - deepened by civil strife and the worst drought in decades - that is affecting 11 million to 12 million people in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti. [more] |
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Hispanic Heritage Month resources | |
Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off September 15 and Rethink Church will offer resources to assist the dialogue in worship, Sunday school and community gatherings. The resources, which will be available for download beginning August 15, are designed to educate, connect and motivate. The Hispanic Heritage package will include videos that can be used as sermon illustrations, study material or neighborhood Bible studies to help start a new understanding of immigration. [more] |
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Bishop joins faith leaders in suit | |
Bishop William H. Willimon of the North Alabama Annual (regional) Conference joined leaders of Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches in a federal court suit filed August 1 to stop Alabama's anti-immigration law which they say could strike at the core of their ability to worship. According to the lawsuit, "the bishops have reason to fear that administering of religious sacraments, which are central to the Christian faith, to known undocumented persons may be criminalized under this law." [more] |
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Why Somalia matters | |
 The famine in the Horn of Africa today reminds the Rev. Larry Hollon of what he witnessed two decades ago in Somalia. "Those affected by famine are the most vulnerable in this troubled region - children, women and girls, and the elderly. They have not created the conditions that threaten their lives. They are least equipped to deal with famine," writes the top executive of United Methodist Communications. [more]
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Persons with Disabilities Ministry Team | |
The Inclusive Body of Christ Persons with Disabilities Ministry Area is recruiting a team of 8 -12 persons across the conference to make a two year commitment to help congregations fully welcome and include persons with disabilities in the life of their ministries. The team will meet 4 times per year. This team will help identify best practices and resources for ministry with and by persons with disabilities. The vision of this team is to create a reality where congregations will become centers of hospitality and faith-forming relationships for persons with disabilities and their families. If you are interested in serving in this ministry area, please call David Hoffman, Chairperson, Persons with Disabilities Ministry Team at 614-885-5365 or david@worthingtonumc.com. |
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Bloombytes: Transcending the trauma of Norway | |
In her Bloombytes blog, UMNS Reporter Linda Bloom offers suggestions on how to respond to the Norway killings in simple ways that transcend security protocols and fear-mongering.
Read full blog and post a comment» |
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Passages | |
Rev. Jim Wheeler, retired, died on July 31, 2011. Memorial contributions may be made to Lockington UMC, 2190 Miami Conservancy Road, Sidney, OH. Messages of condolence may be sent to Janice Wheeler & Family, 1000 Westview Drive, Piqua, OH 45356. |
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New dates of note | | Oct. 28-29... "Rekindle the Flame", Clergy Spouse Retreat, Deer Creek State Park. |
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Deadline for News.NET articles is noon on Tuesdays | |
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