July 29, 2014 - Vol 7, Issue 29

Rev. Alex Awad is a long time United Methodist missionary serving along with his wife, Brenda, in Palestine/Israel. Rev. Awad is witnessing first-hand the death and destruction taking place between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza. He writes:

 

"A ceasefire is not holding. Most people are not moving out of their homes for fear of bombs, shrapnel and missiles. The banks are still closed and there is much chaos. This is hindering our team and other humanitarian agencies from doing relief work. But there is mounting international pressure on both the Israeli government and Hamas to accept an extended ceasefire that may lead to a long truce. Meanwhile the civilian population in Gaza suffers most and especially the children. This afternoon, 10 more children and five Israeli soldiers were killed. May God have mercy on those who are still alive."

 

How can we help from so far away? Perhaps the best way right now is to meet with Alex and others in person at the conference in Ohio next week as we work though what United Methodists and other Christians can do to find long term solutions. Learn more

Make giving easy: Services, credit card readers and more

iPad Card-Reader Enclosure Promoting Missions

Churches today are seeking newer and easier ways to set up giving to benefit their congregations. A common request circulates around setting up online giving. Online giving has its own set of complexities and options; however, it is becoming easier to navigate the set-up process. New options for online giving are being developed all the time. How can you help create different alternatives to the offering plate for your church? There are a number of options that are available to churches today. Read more about the three best options.

Healing weekends encourage spiritual bonds

Come to Cameroon, dear Ubuntu Sister! Do you want to have a first-hand experience, develop a personal, faith-based link and appreciate women's and children's Christian faith in another culture? Are you interested in reflecting with fascinating women from diverse backgrounds and circumstances on topics that will define areas for effective change that local church women can undertake?  Experience a new cross-cultural, life-learning experience by working together in the Blessing United Methodist Church Children's Feeding Program. Converse with counselors and clients in the Esther Project, a program that actively works to get sexually exploited young girls, teenage girls and young women off the streets. Make an incredible difference in someone's life just by joining this exciting Christian Ubuntu Journey to Cameroon!  Flyer

Posters, bulletin inserts, videos, worship and Sunday school materials are all available for your church to download and use as you learn and share about Imagine No Malaria. Visit www.inmohio.org/resources to see what is available.

 

The issue involving unaccompanied immigrant children and stranded families along the U.S. southern border continues, and so must the efforts to help those affected. UMCOR has provided emergency grants to support church efforts to bring comfort and hospitality to these sojourners. Please keep these vulnerable families and children in your prayers. Read a summary of what we're doing and how you can help.

 

Mrs. Laura Eakin Copes and Rev. Vicar (Earle) Copes, who died on July 28 and July 20 respectively, after being married for 70 years. Rev. & Mrs. Copes are survived by sons, Larry (Jane) and Ron (Lisa) Copes, and two granddaughters. An obituary is published for Rev. Copes here; the obituary for Mrs. Copes is not yet published.

Rev. & Mrs. Cope served together across the United States including an appointment at Christ United Methodist Church in Dayton starting in 1973. Earle served as minister of music in several of United Methodism's largest churches--in Dallas, Little Rock, Nashville, and Dayton. He was a founder of the Fellowship of United Methodist Musicians. While working for the Methodist Publishing House, he consulted on the 1966 edition of the Methodist hymnal. His choral and organ compositions have been issued by 13 major music publishers, and his hymns are found in official hymnals of six major denominations. His best-known hymn tunes are Kingdom ("For the Bread") and Vicar ("Hope of the World"). 

 

A memorial service for Earle and Laura Copes will be announced by the family for the fall. Expressions of condolence may be sent to Larry Copes, 10429 Barnes Way, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 44075.