NEWS AND FEATURES
Lingering pandemic enlivens Easter creativity
LEWISVILLE, N.C. (UM News) — In this second year of the COVID-19 menace, United Methodist churches across the U.S. are embracing new ways to help people connect with Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. That includes one North Carolina church, which invited its community to an outdoor Stations of the Cross. Heather Hahn reports.
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Mission agency funds agriculture, refugee programs
ATLANTA (UM News) — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries approved allocations including $2 million for an agricultural fund honoring the late Bishop John K. Yambasu. The Global Ministries staff had more money to work with than they anticipated, after nearly a year of COVID-19 restrictions. Virtual meetings were held March 24-26. Jim Patterson reports.
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Black caucus: Racism still challenges church
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (UM News) — Holding its first virtual meeting due to the coronavirus pandemic, members of Black Methodists for Church Renewal discussed the "other" pandemic: racism. John W. Coleman reports.
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Bishop Nhanala manages multiple crises
MAPUTO, Mozambique (UM News) — In July 2008, Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala made history by becoming the first woman elected to the United Methodist episcopacy in Africa. In honor of Women's History Month, Nhanala reflects on United Methodism in Mozambique — its challenges and achievements — and how she has managed the crises that confront her episcopal area today. The Rev. João Sambo has the story.
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Celebrating and empowering women in Congo
BUKAVU, Congo (UM News) — United Methodists in the East Congo Episcopal Area are recognizing the efforts of women and girls and empowering them to shape a better future. Microcredit opportunities and training are helping them persevere during COVID-19 and conflict in the region. Philippe Kituka Lolonga has the story.
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Ask The UMC
How do United Methodists fund mission?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — By sharing resources, United Methodists support remarkable ministries around the world. The United Methodist Church's special giving structure ensures that gifts bless as many people as possible in sustainable, strategic ways. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on mission giving.
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Discipleship Ministries
Global virtual choir sings Easter hymn
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than 400 United Methodists from around the world have joined in singing the favorite Easter hymn "Thine Be the Glory." Even in the midst of the pandemic, church members can celebrate Christ's resurrection together.
View or download video
History of ‘Thine Be the Glory’
Missouri Conference
Connecting the Stations of the Cross to today
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Asbury United Methodist Church has put up cards across its city marking an outdoor Stations of the Cross. The displays aim to help people see how Christ's walk connects to local events. Each card has a QR code with Scripture, an audio file about how that Scripture connects to the location, and discussion questions. Fred Koenig has the story.
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North Georgia Conference
Responding to Georgia tornado damage
NEWNAN, Ga. — After deadly storms crossed the Southeast, the North Georgia Conference is working recovery, especially in the Newnan area where a tornado caused significant damage. The conference has set up a fund to help and has received support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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WAFF-TV
Tornado levels United Methodist church
OHATCHEE, Ala. — Palm Sunday was very different for Ragan Chapel United Methodist Church, whose building was destroyed by a tornado March 24. The same storm system claimed the lives of five people. The Rev. Danny Ross said the church plans to rebuild but will need help. Madison Scarpino reports.
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North Texas Conference
Women clergy share experiences
DALLAS — Six North Texas Conference clergywomen shared about their experiences in ministry in interviews for Women's History Month. Subjects include their call stories, role models and the challenges they have faced. They also offer advice for women considering ministry.
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Virginia Conference
Conference praises action on death penalty
GLEN ALLEN, Va. — The Virginia Conference celebrates new legislation signed by the governor that abolishes the death penalty in its state, the conference's Board of Church and Society wrote in an open letter. Since 1956, the denomination's Social Principles have called for an end to capital punishment. Brenda Capen has the story.
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Baltimore Sun
Church troop sees 50th Eagle Scout
HAMPSTEAD, Md. — Eighteen-year-old Logan Cavanagh recently earned his Eagle Scout rank, a goal he's had since he was just a small boy. His is the 50th Eagle Scout Award for Troop 380, sponsored by Wesley United Methodist Church. Lois Szymanski has the story.
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Northern Virginia Daily, Virginia Conference
Former pastor arrested on sexual battery charge
EDINBURG, Va. — The Rev. Stan Thompson, who retired as pastor of Toms Brook United Methodist Church on March 18, has been arrested and faces a charge of aggravated sexual battery of a minor. "Toms Brook UMC is fully cooperating with law enforcement on this important matter. The church urges anyone with knowledge about this situation to immediately contact law enforcement," said Paul Steidler, spokesperson for the church. "Our fervent prayers are with the child and the child's family."
Read Northern Virginia Daily story
Read announcement on church website
Baltimore-Washington Conference
A story of immigration, child separation and faith
FULTON, Md. — The United Methodist connection has followed Maria, a migrant from Central America, on every step of her journey the past 17 months. From the pastor in Texas who gave her money and food on her first night in the U.S. to the congregation that has prayed for and supported her as she worked to be reunited with her 4-year-old daughter, United Methodists have helped Maria by living out their call to welcome the stranger. Melissa Lauber reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Can we question our faith without losing it?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Deconstruction and doubts are natural to having faith. In the latest episode of the Compass Podcast, author AJ Swoboda reminds us that we are not alone in our deconstruction and that reconstruction can be a beautiful, hopeful process.
Listen to podcast
PRESS RELEASES
Northeastern Jurisdiction
Interim reallocation of bishops announced
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Due to the inability to schedule jurisdictional conferences because of the continued postponement of General Conference, the College of Bishops of the Northeastern Jurisdiction has announced a plan for interim coverage of its episcopal areas. Eastern Pennsylvania Bishop Peggy Johnson and Susquehanna Bishop Jeremiah Park have announced their retirements and the interim plan will spread their episcopal coverage among the seven remaining bishops. The new coverage assignments become effective Sept.1.
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Finance and Administration
Finance agency sees ruling as affirmation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court, in a March 25 decision affirmed action the General Council on Finance and Administration has taken regarding apportionment formulas with the postponement of the 2020 General Conference. The ruling "makes it clear that GCFA must apply the same allocations and formulas until the General Conference approves or adopts a new budget," the agency said.
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UM News: New budget must wait for General Conference
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.
'You'll ruin the neighborhood'
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (UM News) — When Barbara and Alfred Talley bought their first house in Detroit in the 1950s, they were the first African Americans on the street and were greeted with opposition and even cruelty. That's just one instance Barbara Talley, a member of Hope United Methodist Church, reflects upon regarding "the humiliation that one experiences when confronted with racism."
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'That's just the way it is'
MALCOLM, Iowa (UM News) — The Rev. Carolyn L. R. Bittner said she learned about segregation at an early age when she wanted to invite her entire class to her grade-school birthday pool party. She reflects on the conversation she had with her mother and what she wishes had happened.
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Teddyray.com
On leaving ministry
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Rev. Teddy Ray, a United Methodist pastor and longtime blogger, shares about his midlife decision to leave ministry and go to law school.
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RESOURCES
Council of Bishops
Bishops offer Holy Week devotions
WASHINGTON — United Methodist bishops are offering daily devotions during Holy Week, culminating with a Good Friday message by Council of Bishops president Cynthia Fierro Harvey. The devotions include a video testimony and journal page for discussion.
Watch devotions
Watch previous ‘Dismantling Racism’ Lenten devotions
World Council of Churches
Easter studies explore where Jesus walked
GENEVA — The ecumenical Easter initiative of the World Council of Churches is offering Bible studies to help people follow the footsteps of Jesus and spotlight what is happening in Israel and Palestine today.
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