Friday Digest - Jul 22, 2022

Friday Digest Jul 22, 2022

TODAY'S HEADLINES

"No one knows how long the war will go on, but it is apparent that the United Methodist Church in Ukraine will be walking with people who are affected by it for years to come." — Katie Hills Uzoka, director of international disaster response, United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Ukrainian United Methodists care for fellow countrymen UZHHOROD, Ukraine (UM News) — United Methodists in western Ukraine are opening their churches and homes to house evacuees from the war with Russia. Three shelters operated by the denomination care for about 100 displaced people per day, providing shelter, food, medicine and other necessities. Joey Butler reports. Read story Video: Ukrainian pastor talks about helping evacuees

WUSA-CBS Former youth leader charged with sex crimes ANNANDALE, Va. — A 61-year-old former church member who periodically helped lead youth activities is facing more than 20 charges of sex crimes, including the sexual assault of a child. "Saint Matthews United Methodist Church has been fully cooperating with the police on this matter," the Fairfax County Police Department said. Brittney Melton reports. Read story and watch video

Idaho Capital Sun Embracing a new model for affordable housing BOISE, Idaho — For years, the Rev. Joseph Bankard of Collister United Methodist Church hoped to put the extra land on his church's property to good use. Now the church is working with LEAP Housing to use the land for family homes and address Treasure Valley's affordable-housing crisis. Mia Maldonado has the story. Read story

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RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications Course helps churches create impactful imagery NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new course from United Methodist Communications aims to equip church leaders to easily create graphic designs and videos for social media, presentations and more. "Outreach and Design Using Canva" is scheduled for Aug. 15-Sept. 9. Designed with busy schedules in mind, the course will be delivered in a self-paced online format. Optional live web session gatherings are set for 1 p.m. U.S. Central time Tuesdays and Thursdays. Registration will run through Aug. 10. Learn more To register

Finance and Administration Guide offers discounts, resources for ministry NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration has released its updated Ministry Resource Guide. The free guide features special offers, discounts and programs from vetted ministry partners and is designed to help local churches and other United Methodist ministries. Read press release Read Ministry Resource Guide

EVENTS Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, you can add it to the calendar by clicking here.

Tuesday, Aug. 9   Webinar: Saving Grace Learning Community Monday, Aug. 15-Friday, Aug. 26   Online course: Becoming Accountable Disciples

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TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK

Church offers solace to grieving families HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — United Methodist churches held memorial services where people who lost loved ones during COVID-19 gathered to console one another and celebrate life — things they were unable to do during pandemic restrictions. Kudzai Chingwe reports. Read story

Hispanic pastor made large impact SAN ANTONIO (UM News) — The Rev. Roberto Gómez had a 43-year career as a United Methodist clergyman, making a large impact as pastor, district superintendent, general agency board member and more. He also pushed successfully for a Spanish-language hymnal for the denomination. Gómez died May 26 at age 75. Sam Hodges reports. Read story

District superintendent killed in carjacking MEMPHIS, Tenn. (UM News) — Many are feeling shock and grief after a United Methodist district superintendent was shot and killed in an apparent carjacking. The Rev. Autura Eason-Williams was a beloved leader in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. Heather Hahn reports. Read story

Wespath talks pensions at Germany meeting KÖNIGSWINTER, Germany (UM News) — Officials of The United Methodist Church’s pension and health benefits agency met with central conference representatives to discuss pension plan sustainability in a challenging period for the denomination. Klaus Ulrich Ruof has the story. Read story

106 Florida churches sue to exit denomination LAWTEY, Fla. (UM News) — The Florida Conference is facing a lawsuit filed by more than 100 churches that want to leave The United Methodist Church with property and transfer to a breakaway, theologically conservative denomination. Heather Hahn reports. Read story

Commentary: Don't just stand there. Do something! COLBY, Isle of Man (UM News) — In the wake of more mass shootings in the U.S., the Rev. Dr. Sean C. Turner feels that too often we wait for politicians to lead meaningful change. "A law has its place, and laws are important. But our own faithful personal and social formation is vital," he writes. Read commentary

Ask The UMC New installments in Valuing Life series NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a new seven-part series, Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, explores the ways United Methodists value life and help others experience the abundance of life Jesus promises. Two new installments address child welfare and health care for all. Read Part 3: Growing up — Child welfare Read Part 4: Staying alive — Health care for all Read more in series