Friday Digest | Aug 11, 2023 |
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 | “There is an epidemic of homelessness and the church needs to respond. We are doing Matthew 25: feed, clothe and shelter.” — The Rev. Kimberlynn Alexander, pastor at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Memphis.
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| United Methodist Communications
Church responds to homelessness epidemic | | MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For 25-member St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in downtown Memphis, a calling to provide an emergency housing ministry may have seemed beyond its means. However, the congregation connected with church and community partners to fill the gaps. The collaborative ministry has grown and is bringing together a variety of talents and gifts that are all vital as the effort gains momentum. Laura Buchanan has the story. | | | | |
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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. In Part 12 of its "Is The United Methodist Church Really…?" series, the team tackles inquiries related to disaffiliation numbers and apportionments. | | | | |
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| California-Pacific Conference
Gearing up to help Lahaina recover | | PASADENA, Calif. — The California-Pacific Conference has mobilized its Disaster Response Task Force, which is developing plans to help the people of Lahaina, a historic Hawaiian town largely destroyed by wildfires. The fires have killed at least 55 people. People are asked not to send goods to the disaster area. The conference has set up the Lahaina Relief Fund to take financial donations for the long recovery ahead. | | | | |
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| East Ohio Conference
Creating sanctuary through community building | | CLEVELAND — The building at the corner of West 44th and Bridge Avenue has had several names in its 140 years. Today it is known as the Harbor and Bridge Community Center, and the United Methodist ministry is serving its neighborhood in a variety of ways. That includes hosting various groups, connecting people with needed bicycles and serving as the home of an eclectic United Methodist congregation. Brett Hetherington has the story. | | | | |
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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 UM News staff.
| Black United Methodists strive for a better future | | WILMINGTON, Del. (UM News) — In every reorganization, merger, split or reconnection of the Methodist movement, race — not sexuality — has been at the center. As the denomination faces another splintering, the Rev. Dr. H. Ward Greer considers three options for the Black church as it looks to the future. | | | | |
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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. 21-Friday, Sept. 29
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Bishop Talbert, advocate for justice, dies | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — From humble beginnings as one of seven children born to sharecropper parents in rural Louisiana, retired United Methodist Bishop Melvin G. Talbert took his ministry of justice and love for all people around the globe. Talbert died last week at the age of 89. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Study shows shift in disaffiliations | WASHINGTON (UM News) — Disaffiliations from The United Methodist Church have grown considerably and shifted geographically, according to a new study from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. The Southeastern and South Central jurisdictions together still account for 70% of church departures — down from 84% in an earlier Lewis Center study. Sam Hodges reports. | | |
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Scouts continue molding leaders | MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (UM News) — After a challenging few years, when sexual abuse dominated the news and COVID-19 made it hard to meet, the Boy Scouts are keeping themselves busy shaping leaders and getting kids unplugged and outdoors. The organization at its best can mold a shy boy into a confident leader, one scoutmaster says. Jim Patterson reports. | | |
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Evangelism campaign fuels church growth in Zimbabwe | HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Surrounded by farms and mining areas, two rural preaching points of Chisipiti United Methodist Church have found a fertile ground to harvest new converts to Christ. The evangelism includes preaching, teaching, music and more. Farm owners say the church activities have led to positive changes for many of the workers and their families. Kudzai Chingwe has the story. | | |
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Radio network transforms to reach more people | JOHANNESBURG (UM News) — The United Methodist Radio Network has voted to rebrand as the United Methodist Broadcast Network. The change, made during the group’s annual meeting in South Africa in June, emphasizes the network's commitment to using the power of broadcasting to reach more people with messages of faith. Priscilla Muzerengwa and the Rev. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo have the story. | | |
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Commentary: Sustainable investing is smart, not political | GLENVIEW, Ill. (UM News) — Some pundits are criticizing investors who consider environmental and social concerns as part of their decision-making process. Dave Zellner, chief investment officer for Wespath Benefits and Investments, says the church agency has achieved benchmark-beating performance from investment strategies focused on environmental and social themes. | |
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