Bishop Machado Died Yesterday

Bishop João Somane Machado, who served as a bishop of The United Methodist Church from 1988-2008, died yesterday. Missouri Bishop Bob Farr offers these words:

"We remember the life and ministry of our brother in Christ, Bishop João Somane Machado, who served as the bishop in Mozambique from 1998-2008. Please pray for Bishop Machado's wife, Nocia Madonela Machado and their children. Bishop Machado leveraged his considerable talents in service to the church. He helped United Methodism grow and thrive and we are all beneficiaries of his effort. Personally, I am thankful for the ways Bishop Machado nurtured the connection with the Missouri Annual Conference. His hospitality, openness, and collaboration helped us grow in ministry together and has helped provide the foundation for the Mozambique Initiative on which we continue to stand."

A full obituary will be shared when it becomes available. The Celebration of Life Service will take place at Malanga on Monday, Oct. 30.

Mozambique Initiative Giving Tuesday Campaign

Access to electricity is challenging in rural Mozambique. United Methodist partners in Mozambique set the goal of equipping 50 parsonages with solar panels – a sustainable solution for providing power when there isn’t an electrical grid. Since this project began in 2022, your generosity has provided 18 parsonages with solar panels. Let’s help our partners take this project across the finish line this Giving Tuesday. Learn more at https://mzinitiative.com/donations/solar-panel-project-empowering-pastors-for-ministry/.

HealthFlex Annual Enrollment

For those on Wespath's HealthFlex insurance, the annual enrollment period is Nov. 1-16. Given the change in network and plan choices, it’s extra important that you review your plan selections, even if you want to keep your current coverage. For resources related to making your selections, UMPIP and Pastoral Support Addendum forms, and more, visit www.moumethodist.org/benefits.