A United Methodist deaconess/home missioner consecration service was held in Africa for the first time, marking the beginning of a movement on the continent. Fifteen candidates were consecrated, with ministries including education, environmental justice, elder care and digital literacy. 📸 In this photo: Steven Odhiambo of the Kenya-Ethiopia Conference is consecrated as a home missioner by retired United Methodist Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala. (Photo by Laurel Akin) 👉 Read more about the service and the ministries of deaconesses and home missioners in The United Methodist Church: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/diaconal-vision-for-africa-becomes-reality (fb)

Knowing that paying hundreds of dollars for a dress for homecoming or prom could do everything from causing financial hardship to keeping a girl from going to one of the big events of the school year, Brittany Kroeker started Brittany’s Dress Closet--an outlet for free dresses, shoes and jewelry. Find out how this unique ministry came about and how it brings people together in the community: https://www.greatplainsumc.org/newsdetail/20-year-old-offers-girls-fashion-for-free-at-superior-umc-19284617 Great Plains Conference (fb)