Friday Digest | Jul 21, 2023 |
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 | “The biggest thing that we look to do when we come to the site is relationship building, providing hope.” — Dave Darcy, a volunteer with Project Restoration.
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| Ida victims not forgotten in Pennsylvania | | COLLINGDALE, Pa. — Volunteers from Virginia spent a hot June day laying flooring in the basement of Brenda Wyatt’s home, which was damaged by Hurricane Ida in 2021. Project Restoration, a ministry of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, has repaired about 20 homes so far, with at least 40 more to come. Jim Patterson reports. | | | | |
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| 'Vamos à igreja': Worship music in Angola | | LUANDA, Angola (UM News) — Church services in Africa often last several hours and are full of joyful, infectious music. During an April reporting trip to Angola, videographer Joey Butler and photographer Mike DuBose were able to capture music during worship at two United Methodist churches. A few of the songs might be familiar to U.S. audiences. | | | | |
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| West Virginia Conference
Church helps seniors avoid loneliness | | WHEELING, W.Va. — While much of the world has resumed normal activities post-COVID, only so much progress has been made to help seniors connect with others. Warwood United Methodist Church saw an opportunity to serve and began hosting game days and luncheons for seniors in the community to combat loneliness. John Langenstein reports. | | | | |
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| United Methodist Creation Justice Movement
Conferences pass environmental resolutions | | MINNEAPOLIS — At least nine annual conferences passed motions suggested by the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement this year. Five passed resolutions encouraging local churches to form green teams, three passed net-zero emissions commitments and four passed a fossil fuels investment screen to go on to General Conference. Two expanded their own conference fossil fuel divestment efforts. | | | | |
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| New 2023 annual conference reports posted | | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2023 annual conference reports. New this week are the Missouri, North Katanga and Western North Carolina conferences. | | | | |
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| Greater New Jersey Conference
Teens learn, live lessons of giving | | NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J. — College-bound students Abigail Franco and Aidan Barth were taught as children how to live by serving others, and now they are sharing those lessons with their peers, church and community. The two founded a teen-led community service agency to serve neighbors in need while educating young people and adults about socio-economic resource inequities across New Jersey. In 2022, they started the Resource Pantry at New Providence United Methodist Church. John W. Coleman has their story. | | | | |
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| Wespath
Sustainable investment report released | | GLENVIEW, Ill. — Wespath Benefits and Investments is taking stock of its progress with sustainable investments. A report released July 20 highlights the strategies and results in the drive to contribute to an economy that promotes long-term prosperity for all, social cohesion and environmental health. | | | | |
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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, Aug. 14-Friday, Aug. 25 | | |
| Wednesday, Sept. 27-Friday, Sept. 29
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Bishop Devadhar, who led with kindness, dies | CINCINNATI, Ohio (UM News) — Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar’s unexpected death at age 72 has led to an outpouring of grief across The United Methodist Church. United Methodists are remembering the denomination’s first Indian American bishop for his compassionate leadership, deep spirituality and work for Christian unity. Heather Hahn reports.
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Church sees signs of renewal even as exits rise | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — At this point, The United Methodist Church has seen about 20% of its U.S. congregations disaffiliate. But that also means about 80% remain, and many United Methodists see opportunities for both existing churches and new ones to grow. Heather Hahn reports. | | |
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Summer camp caters to people with disabilities | SPRING CITY, Pa. (UM News) — Innabah Camp and Retreat Center in rural Pennsylvania sets aside eight weeks each summer for Challenge Camps for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 50-acre camp offers swimming, archery, an obstacle course and more. As important, it provides support and acceptance for people who especially need those. Jim Patterson reports. | | |
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Ask The UMC
Our Living World: Land | NASHVILLE, Tenn. — From the first stories of the first book of the Bible, land and the “dust” upon it provides the literal ground for life of many species, including human beings. Our first duty toward the land is not to control it, but simply inhabit it with all other living creatures. In a six-part series, Ask The UMC explores how United Methodists seek to sustain and renew links to our living world. | | |
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Holston Conference
Couple lives in church parking lot | KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For the past 16 weeks, a couple and their dog have been sleeping under the shadow of the steeple at Cedar Lane United Methodist Church after their car broke down. As the couple sought more permanent housing, the church worked to offer hospitality in all the ways it could. Annette Spence has the story. | |
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