| The church's public witness |
 Alcohol and drug addiction are serious matters confronting every community. This September marks the 23rd year of observing National Recovery Month. Theme for 2012, "Recovery: It's Worth It!" highlights new hope in life after recovery begins. This observance is an ideal opportunity to introduce or provide educational events and resources in your local church and engage members on alcohol addiction, prevention and recovery. A free downloadable toolkit to assist in educating church members and others in your community about this annual event is available at Recovery Month Toolkit. [more] |
| Communications key to future, Africans told |
 | |
UM communicators attending the African Communicators Workshop
|
Fanuel Tagwira, the vice chancellor of Africa University, has challenged African United Methodists to use multiple channels of communications to reach various audiences. Tagwira issued the challenge Monday, August 27, in his keynote address to the African Communicators Workshop in Harare, Zimbabwe. "Communication is at the center of what every organization/institution does, including the church," said Tagwira, who heads the United Methodist-related institution of higher learning. [more]
|
| Loan break for United Methodist students |
|
 The United Methodist loan program is offering a new option with lower interest and earlier repayment to help United Methodist college students struggling with increasing debt. BorrowSmart allows college students who are members of United Methodist churches to borrow $5,000 at 3.75 percent interest and begin repaying the loan in 90 days at $50 a month instead of deferring repayment. [more]
|
| Help for living Nativity scenes |
|
 Don't tether any of the animals to the stable backdrop - they may pull it down. Keep an eye on the donkeys - they tend to wander. Have a shovel nearby.That was some of the advice offered in an Internet survey Interpreter conducted to assist churches considering having a live Nativity scene during Advent. Another tip for having a living Nativity scene? Start planning early. That means now, says InterpreterOnline. [more]
|
