Friday Digest | Mar 31, 2023 |
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 | “There’s always been something in my spirit that has been drawn to injustice. … There’s something in me that rises up and feels like I need to intervene. That’s been with me for as long as I can remember.” — Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
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| 'Hollering for Change' with Bishop Easterling
| | SEVERNA PARK, Md. (UM News) — As Women’s History Month comes to a close, the Rev. Tori Butler speaks with Bishop LaTrelle Easterling of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware conferences. Easterling talks about the influence of strong women leaders in her life like her mother and grandmother. “I didn’t need to find my voice so much because the women in my life have been so outspoken, never cowered,” she said. The video is the latest installment in Butler’s “Hollering for Change” series for UM News.
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| Helping kids heal from trauma of gun violence
| | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — After the terror of the mass shooting at Covenant School, nearby Calvary United Methodist Church is sharing resources on how adults can comfort the young people in their lives. Patti van Eys, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and longtime church member, offered advice in an information session. Heather Hahn reports. | | | | |
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| Ask The UMC
More disaffiliation questions answered | | NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, continues to receive questions related to local church disaffiliations and the future of the church. In Part 11 of its “Is The United Methodist Church Really…?” series, the team addresses questions about the process of voting on disaffiliation in local churches. | | | | |
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| Judicial Council
Church court sets deadline for reply briefs | | NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Judicial Council has set the deadline for reply briefs related to its 12-item spring docket. Briefs are due April 6 and reply briefs are due April 10. | | | | |
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| United Methodist Communications
Why do palm branches usher in Holy Week? | | NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, ushers in Holy Week, which helps us remember the events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Learn more about the history of Palm Sunday, as well as the modern traditions that make it a unique and meaningful day in the Christian year. | | | | |
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| St. Stephen United Methodist Church
Texas churchgoers take stand for trans rights | | MESQUITE, Texas — An ad hoc group of more than 650 United Methodist clergy and laity from across the state have published an “Open Letter to the People of Texas” supporting International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31. The Rev. Geoffrey C. Moore, lead pastor of St. Stephen United Methodist Church, said the letter responds to anti-trans bills working their way through Texas and other state legislatures. | | | | |
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| | | | 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. |
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Monday, April 10-Monday, June 5 | | |
| Monday, April 17-Friday, April 28
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Young people drive church growth in Kyrgyzstan | KARA-BALTA, Kyrgyzstan (UM News) — For youth and young adults, the United Methodist community in Central Asia represents family and a place to experience God’s love. With six congregations in Kyrgyzstan, the church is growing by emphasizing ministries with young people. Mike DuBose and Tim Tanton have the photos and story.
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Students find home, unity at Bishkek church | BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (UM News) — At a small United Methodist church, “mama pastor” Nellya Shakirova nurtures her congregation and helps Indian and Pakistani students come together, despite political differences back home. Tim Tanton and Mike DuBose have the story and photos. | | |
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Dream brought comfort amid warning of invasion | BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (UM News) — A month before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, student Marshaline Anand had a disturbing dream. It wasn’t the first time that she had a vivid sense of God communicating with her. Tim Tanton has the story. | | |
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Church reaches out after deadly tornadoes
| ROLLING FORK, Miss. (UM News) — After a powerful storm brought death and destruction to one of the poorest regions of the U.S. South, United Methodists are helping people in the Mississippi Delta mourn and pick up the pieces. North Alabama United Methodists are preparing to help recovery efforts in their region as well. Heather Hahn reports. | |
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