Friday Digest - May 26, 2023

Friday Digest May 26, 2023

“Young was the undisputed dean of Protestant mainline church music at the end of the 20th century as a church musician, composer, educator, hymnal editor, choral conductor and mentor.”  — C. Michael Hawn, on the Rev. Carlton R. “Sam” Young.

Carlton 'Sam' Young was United Methodism's maestro NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The Rev. Carlton R. “Sam” Young is best known as the editor of The United Methodist Hymnal, but his contributions to church music and the denomination went well beyond that. Young died May 21 at age 97 and was working until almost the very end. Sam Hodges reports. Read feature obituary

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Greater New Jersey Conference Church volunteers pack 10,000 meals HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Fifty volunteers from Trinity United Methodist Church worked hard and fast to pack 10,000 nutritious meals in just over two hours to help fill hungry stomachs — and they had fun doing it. John W. Coleman has the story. Read story

Greater Northwest Area United Methodists march for nuclear-free Arctic JUNEAU, Alaska — While in Alaska for the installation service of Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, members of the Greater Northwest Area cabinet had the chance to meet and march with individuals seeking peace and care for creation in the Arctic. Bridgeforth, a U.S. Air Force veteran, sees a common cause between The United Methodist Church and veterans working to make the Arctic free of nuclear weapons. Kristen Caldwell reports. Read story

No Daily Digest May 29 and May 30 In observance of the U.S. Memorial Day holiday, there will be no UM News Daily Digest on Monday, May 29, and Tuesday, May 30. The digest will return on May 31. The staff at UM News wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend.

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PRESS RELEASES

Native American International Caucus Caucus urges support for Indian Child Welfare Act SELBYVILLE, Del. — The Native American International Caucus of The United Methodist Church is calling for supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act as a Supreme Court decision looms that could weaken it. The act ensures that priority is given to place orphaned Native American children with extended family or communities that maintain a connection to their culture. The court is considering a lawsuit by a white Texas couple who adopted a Native American child despite the Navajo Nation’s wish for placement in a more culturally relevant setting. Read press release and call to action

United Women in Faith Vonner elected as chief executive NEW YORK — United Women in Faith will welcome a new chief executive on June 1. Sally Vonner has worked in various positions for the women’s organization since 2010. A graduate of Perkins School of Theology, Vonner said her focus will be “to continue and expand the mission and reach of United Women in Faith” and “work to improve the lives of women, children and youth around the world.” She follows Harriett Jane Olson, who retired earlier this month. Read press release

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.

Wednesday, May 31   Webinar: The impact of new immigration laws on church witness Tuesday, July 25-Friday, July 28   YOUTH 2023

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TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK

A pilgrimage through Methodist history BALTIMORE (UM News) — Sixteen travelers traversed Washington and Baltimore, taking in United Methodist churches, cemeteries and other historic sites on a social justice pilgrimage. The group got to contrast The United Methodist Building in a tony part of Washington with a tiny, dank, brick building at nearby Mt. Zion Cemetery, where escaped slaves hid as they tried to make their way to freedom along the underground railroad. Jim Patterson reports. Read story

As church exits rise, proposed budget drops NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — In the wake of projected losses from church closures and disaffiliations, The United Methodist Church’s finance agency continues to shrink the proposed budget heading to General Conference. Heather Hahn reports. Read story Read Connectional Table and GCFA press release

Korean churches commit to Mongolia mission work HONOLULU (UM News) — The United Methodist Mongolia Mission Initiative Summit gathered participants from Mongolia, South Korea and mainland America May 10-13 to discuss the ministry’s future and direction. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports. Read story

New 2023 annual conference reports posted NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2023 annual conference reports. New this week are the Austria Provisional, Czech Republic, Liberia and Serbia-North Macedonia-Albania conferences. Read reports

Rio Texas Conference Update on Rio Texas litigation SAN ANTONIO — Several Rio Texas Conference churches that had indicated they would try to disaffiliate without going through the established process have reconsidered and will now be following that process, said Kevin Reed, chair of the conference board of trustees. The conference last week announced it has, as a last resort, filed suit to prevent 40 churches from leaving without meeting disaffiliation requirements. Those that have reconsidered will be dropped from the lawsuit, Reed said. Read conference press release Read UM News story about lawsuit See 2023 special sessions schedule

World Council of Churches Ecumenical group brings Pentecost greetings GENEVA — The presidents of the World Council of Churches send Christians joyful greetings for the feast of Pentecost on May 28, when they celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the church. The United Methodist Church is a member of the ecumenical group. “The miracle is that rich diversity and loving unity can hold hands. This is a gift of the Spirit,” the presidents’ message said. Read message