NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodists seek God on US Election Day
RIPLEY, Tenn. (UM News) — Across the U.S., United Methodist churches sought to ease anxieties and offer Christian perspective through prayer and communion services tied to Election Day. In Ripley, New Life United Methodist Church held an election eve service where those present said their prayers aloud. Kathy L. Gilbert, Sam Hodges and Jim Patterson report.
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Poll chaplains hope to ease anxiety
Congregations, individuals target racism
MACON, Ga. (UM News) — The deaths of Black citizens, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, have created a moment for United Methodists to make progress on racial issues, and congregations across the country are seizing the initiative. Jim Patterson reports.
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Bishops called to bring stability in chaos
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — God's compassion remains steadfast in this time of pandemic, natural disasters and political divisions, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey reminded her colleagues in her first address as Council of Bishops president. The bishops' virtual meeting also included prayers for the coming U.S. elections. Heather Hahn reports.
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What goes into funding the bishops?
UM News will have more about the meeting in the Nov. 6 Daily Digest.
Leaning on faith as storms rage
NEW ORLEANS (UM News) — Hurricane Zeta marks the 11th named storm to hit the U.S. this year, and the storm season doesn't end until Nov. 30. United Methodists turn their "bleary eyes" to God and find strength in their faith and each other. Kathy L. Gilbert and Sam Hodges report.
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Ask The UMC
What names can be used for God?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The names used for God reflect and shape how Christians think about God. Each name points to a quality that helps people better understand the Holy One. We are encouraged to name God with the many names provided in Scripture and across the course of Christian tradition, writes Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
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Read more Ask The UMC
Pitching tents to fight coronavirus
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — United Methodist churches in Zimbabwe have long used tents to shade those who gathered at worship services or revivals. Tents also have been used after disasters to shelter survivors. Now, amid a global pandemic, tents are being pitched to fight the coronavirus at United Methodist mission hospitals. Kudzai Chingwe reports.
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Michigan Conference: Raising COVID-19 awareness in Liberia
South Carolina Conference
Hebrew tradition boosts church's fellowship
AYNOR, S.C. — A small-town pastor frustrated with COVID-19's crimp on fellowship opportunities in her community has taken a cue from early Hebrew tradition. The Rev. Kelly Snelgrove, pastor of Aynor United Methodist Church, encouraged her church to embrace the outdoor celebration known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot. Jessica Brodie reports.
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Arkansas Conference
Raising awareness of bone marrow registry
MAGNOLIA, Ark. — The Rev. Corey Read, Wesley Foundation campus minister at Southern Arkansas University, is a recent bone marrow donor. She is among the United Methodists trying to raise awareness of how people can help with this cancer treatment. Caleb Hennington reports.
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Higher Education and Ministry
Professor: Scholarship program foundational
ATLANTA — When the Rev. Rosetta Ross decided to pursue her doctorate, there were few women of color in higher education. Ross, a professor of religion at Spelman College for the past 17 years, said the Angella P. Current-Felder Women of Color Scholars program was foundational for her and her success in academia. Jessica Love has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Connectional Table
Leadership body affirms Christmas Covenant
CHICAGO — The Connectional Table, a leadership body that coordinates mission and ministry, voted to affirm the Christmas Covenant legislation as a vehicle for providing global regionalism in The United Methodist Church. The legislation originated with General Conference delegates from the Philippines, Africa and Europe. Like the Connectional Table, the group seeks to create a U.S. regional conference that will have parity with other regions in the denomination.
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Read Christmas Covenant legislation
Council of Bishops
African bishops: Let's make our own choices
HARARE, Zimbabwe — United Methodist bishops in Africa vowed to stay in The United Methodist Church despite the potential split expected at General Conference next year. During a virtual meeting, the bishops also said they feel the mediated Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation should be renegotiated.
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United Methodist Publishing House
Publishing House board faces hard times
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The board of United Methodist Publishing House met by videoconference Oct. 27, approving a $31 million budget and learning of the impending retirement of Tammy Gaines, chief financial officer. The self-supporting Publishing House has faced slumping sales in the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing layoffs and a decision to put its headquarters up for sale.
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Africa University Development Office
Host a virtual Africa University celebration
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With many churches avoiding in-person gatherings due to COVID-19, Africa University is offering a complete worship service for celebrating the United Methodist university in Zimbabwe. Resources include a 40-minute worship service with music, Scripture, sermon, call to action and testimonials, as well as a short promotional video. For flexibility, all elements of the full worship service are available as standalone items.
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Get worship service
Watch promotional video
United Methodist Committee on Relief
UMCOR Depot West to close
ATLANTA — Citing the need for good stewardship of available resources, leaders of the United Methodist Committee on Relief are consolidating the operations of their relief supply network and relocating materials from UMCOR Office and Depot West in Salt Lake City to UMCOR Sager Brown in Baldwin, Louisiana.
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The Nyadire Connection
Challenge grant offered for Zimbabwe clinic
PITTSBURGH — Donations are being sought to help rebuild health clinics in Zimbabwe. Up to $25,000 in donations for the Mashambanhaka Clinic will be matched until Dec. 31 by a grant from The United Methodist Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. The Nyadire Connection has scheduled a one-hour Zoom webinar for Dec. 2 that will feature testimonials about how the clinics save and change lives.
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How to donate
Retired Clergy & Friends
Inclusiveness webinar set for Nov. 14
DENVER — An inclusiveness webinar for laity and clergy sponsored by the United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy & Friends will be held over Zoom from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. U.S. Mountain time Nov. 14. The event, with Bishops LaTrelle Easterling and Karen Oliveto as keynote speakers, will focus on recent developments within United Methodism, including efforts to dismantle racism and diminish homophobia.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
Churches must adapt to historic disruption
LANSING, Mich. (UM News) — Amid the upheavals of 2020, churches have an opportunity to embody God's Kingdom in new ways. All the change makes church communications essential, writes Mark Doyal. The Michigan Conference communicator examines how communications ministry is an essential pipeline for local churches to preach, teach and reach out in mission.
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My soul cries for a peaceable family of God
ATLANTA (UM News) — Does the church as a whole really care about dismantling racism? Doing so requires us to truly love God and neighbor, writes Anne E. Streaty Wimberly in a commentary that examines how The United Methodist Church addresses racism.
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United Methodist Communications
A 2020 post-election survival guide
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Many Americans are feeling disillusioned, disheartened and distressed by our current political climate and the ubiquitous divisions it has created in personal relationships. The Rev. Mark Feldmeir, lead pastor of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, offers four keys to restoring peace to relationships after the election.
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RESOURCES
Connectional Table
Video series looks at denomination's future
CHICAGO — The Connectional Table's Emerging Project is launching a video series about the future of The United Methodist Church. In the first video, Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton discusses: "Can General Conference be Virtual?" Bickerton, who leads the New York Conference, is president-elect of the Council of Bishops and represents bishops on the Commission on the General Conference.
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Read press release
UM News: New group explores General Conference options
General Council on Finance and Administration
Vanco offers help with digital giving
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanco, a digital giving platform, has renewed its longtime ministry partnership with the General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination's finance agency. All United Methodist churches that sign up with Vanco by Nov. 30 will receive personalized one-on-one onboarding with a Vanco eGiving specialist.
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Religion and Race
Advent 2020 resource focuses on justice and peace
WASHINGTON — "Seeking Jesus, The Advent of Justice and Peace" is a five-week Advent anti-racism resource available now through the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race. The resource begins Nov. 29 and continues through Dec. 27. Cost is $20.
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United Methodist Communications
Celebrate United Methodist Student Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Student Day is Nov. 29. Through giving on this Special Sunday, congregations help to provide scholarships for deserving United Methodist students. Last year, more than $370,000 was raised. For resources to help celebrate the special offering, download the United Methodist Student Day Pastor and Leader's Kit.
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