NEWS AND FEATURES
Taking concrete steps to move against racism
PHILADELPHIA (UM News) — In the aftermath of the shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., Philadelphia Area Bishop Peggy A. Johnson called for prayer but also took action, organizing a Zoom call with pastors and laity to come up with concrete steps on dismantling racism. Other United Methodist conferences are responding in similar ways. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Estimating financial impact of church exits
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Over the past year, United Methodist financial leaders have faced the conundrum of trying to figure out what a potential church split means for the denomination's bottom line. Based on a survey of U.S. conferences, those leaders now have a place to begin their calculations. Heather Hahn reports.
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Read GCFA press release
United Methodists rally to help typhoon survivors
TUGUEGARAO, Philippines (UM News) — From sheltering evacuees to raising money, gathering supplies and sharing generators, Filipino United Methodists and church partners are embracing those affected by Typhoon Vamco and two other powerful storms. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
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Former missionary to South Korea dies at 91
LAFAYETTE, Colo. (UM News) — During his years in South Korea, the Rev. George Ogle was referred to by many titles: missionary, evangelist, organizer, educator, father of Korean workers and poor people, and a strong advocate of the Korean democracy movement. He also was recognized this year by the government of the Republic of Korea. The Rev. Thomas Kim has the story.
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World Council of Churches
Keeping resolve to end gender-based violence
GENEVA — Nov. 25 marks the start of the "16 Days" campaign that focuses on the elimination of violence against women and on human rights. This year, the World Council of Churches is highlighting the links between the household of God and the fundamental need to make our homes safe and loving spaces. In a unified statement, the WCC's 17 "Thursdays in Black" ambassadors reflect on why it is so important to protect those who are vulnerable and abused.
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Ask The UMC
What is the history of Advent?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Advent, which means "coming" or "arrival," was widely practiced across Christian churches worldwide by the sixth century. It was developed primarily to provide an alternative time for the final preparation of candidates for baptism. With the start of Advent on Nov. 29, Ask The UMC takes a look back at the history of the season.
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United Methodist Communications
Have a COVID-safe Thanksgiving
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Like many things in 2020, keeping up Thanksgiving traditions will be a challenge to do without spreading the coronavirus. Consider smaller gatherings, videoconferencing and online shopping for a safer holiday. Crystal Caviness has the story.
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Holston Conference
Wallets open for student's relief efforts
GALAX, Va. — Hannah Snow had a plan to help the Holston Conference collect cleaning supplies for people experiencing disasters at home or afar. Annette Spence reports on the college student's successful initiative.
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Faith & Leadership
'Find your own voice and listen to God's'
DETROIT — The Rev. Faith Fowler, pastor of Cass Community United Methodist Church and executive director of Cass Community Social Services, is recognized as an urban ministry leader. In a recent Q&A, she shared lessons she has learned.
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South Georgia Conference
Museum plans virtual Nativity display
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — The Moore Methodist Museum, known for its international Nativity collection, plans to celebrate the season with a virtual showcase. Each day, from Nov. 29 through Christmas Eve, the museum at Epworth by the Sea will post a photograph of a Nativity scene and an accompanying Scripture on its Facebook page. Anne Packard has the story.
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Visit Moore Methodist Museum Facebook page
No Daily Digest Nov. 26-27
There will be no UM News Daily Digest on Nov. 26-27. The digest will resume on Monday, Nov. 30. The next Weekly Digest will be on Dec. 4. The staff at UM News wishes everyone a blessed Thanksgiving.
PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Bishops honor Rev. McClain
WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops is honoring and remembering the legacy of the Rev. William Bobby McClain, a distinguished scholar, pastor, advocate and educator who died on Nov. 18 at age 82. Louisiana Conference Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Council of Bishops president, sent a condolence letter on behalf of the council to Jo Ann McClain, the scholar's widow. She is also a longtime staff member of the council.
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Read letter
UM News: McClain, theologian and civil rights leader, dies at 82
Africa University
Africa University office hires finance director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lauranette S. Ford is the new director of finance, a recently established position in the Africa University Development Office. Ford's past experience includes serving as an internal audit manager for the United Methodist General Council on Finance and Administration.
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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.
Church must hear Hispanic/Latino voices
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (UM News) — The lack of voices from Latin America represents a major gap in the global conversations occurring in The United Methodist Church, writes the Rev. David Maldonado. United Methodists also must help ensure that Hispanic/Latino voices are heard in the public forum, he says.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Publishing House
Webinar series aims to help mental health
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Because of COVID-19 and the inequalities it has exacerbated, adults are reporting considerably higher mental stress. The Rev. Justin Coleman and panels of therapeutic and pastoral experts will lead four webinars to discuss the practical and spiritual disciplines needed for surviving this season. The webinars are scheduled for 2-3 p.m. U.S. Central time Dec. 1, 3, 8 and 10.
Learn more and register
United Methodist Communications
Books to welcome Advent
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — New books, as well as some old favorites, can help observe the season of Advent.
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