Friday Digest | Feb 09, 2024 |
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 | “The connection is alive and well as sister churches reach out to the Body of Christ at Keene and place us on their prayer chains. We are a thankful people even in the midst of the destruction.”
— The Rev. Paula Marbury, pastor of fire-damaged Keene United Methodist Church.
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| View of a classroom in Keene United Methodist Church in Coshocton, Ohio, shows the extent of damage after fire devastated the church on Feb. 1. Photo by Rick Wolcott, East Ohio Conference.
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| East Ohio Conference
Fires damage church buildings but not spirit | | COSHOCTON, Ohio — In recent weeks, two United Methodist churches in East Ohio have seen their buildings ripped apart by flames. In the aftermath of the fires, Southington and Keene United Methodist churches continue to minister to their communities, but in new ways — and with new partners. Rick Wolcott reports on how the United Methodist connection is helping fire-damaged churches rebuild. | | | | |
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| Oregon-Idaho Conference
Church opens temporary pod shelter | | ALOHA, Ore. — After years of dreaming and months of planning, the Safe Rest Village, a temporary pod housing shelter, is open at Aloha United Methodist Church. Pallet shelter structures, with heating and cooling installed, fill up part of the church’s parking lot. The church worked with county officials to develop the project. Kristen Caldwell reports.
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| Western Pennsylvania Conference
Clothing ministry builds connections | | PETROLIA, Pa. — Since 2018, the Threads of Hope clothing ministry has operated out of the sanctuary of the closed Fairview United Methodist Church. But as the vision for the ministry grew, so did the need for a bigger space. Despite some roadblocks, Threads of Hope recently moved into that bigger space with support from another United Methodist church. Western Pennsylvania Conference staff have the story.
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| Highland Lakes United Methodist Church
Church plans to be total eclipse viewing venue | | BUCHANAN DAM, Texas — Highland Lakes United Methodist is well-positioned for the April 8 total solar eclipse. The church will offer United Methodists and others a chance to set up on its campus for viewing. Fifty RV sites are available for those who register and pay a fee, and the church will accommodate other visitors as well.
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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. | Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Hearts and ashes
| | NORRISTOWN, Pa. — On Feb. 14 this year, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday will share a date on calendars. The celebration of hearts and ashes on this day, of both indulgence and self-denial, involves special attention, meaningful sacrifice and a nurturing of heart-to-heart relationships. The Rev. Julia Singleton, pastor of Fox Chase United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, offers suggestions to help celebrate both Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, in ways that can unite the heart and soul of these special occasions. | | | | |
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| Amplify Media
Fresh Expressions get new showcase
| | NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Amplify Media, an online platform of the United Methodist Publishing House, has launched a new channel on Fresh Expressions. Hosted by the Rev. Michael Adam Beck, the channel highlights case studies of these new Christian communities that are reaching people outside church walls. | | | | |
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| Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Preaching seminar to focus on lament
| | DELAWARE, Ohio — Three professors at Methodist Theological School in Ohio will lead a preaching institute Feb. 28-29 at the United Methodist seminary. Lisa Allen-McLaurin, Eugene Gibson Jr. and Ryan Schellenberg will teach on the theme of “The Gift of Lament: A Journey from Struggle to Hope.” Leaders from WomanPreach! Inc., a partner organization of the school, also will participate. The course is free, or $25 to earn one continuing education unit. | | | | |
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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, Feb. 12-Monday, March 18 | | |
| Monday, Feb. 12-Friday, March 29
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Living up to the Sojourner Truth moniker | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — When Angella Patricia Current-Felder was born, her father suggested naming her after American abolitionist Sojourner Truth. “That started me on my path,” she said. Kathy L. Gilbert talks to Current-Felder about her life of advocacy and longtime work at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
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Church helps to fight measles in Congo | KINSHASA, Congo (UM News) — To combat a resurgence of measles in Congo, The United Methodist Church is implementing a joint emergency-response plan against the disease. With support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ Global Health unit, the initiative includes community engagement, surveillance, vaccinations and case management in health facilities. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports. | | |
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United Methodist's passion for recycling pays off | JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (UM News) — A United Methodist woman is combining her passion for recycling with her faith to empower youth and women in her community. Thozeka Letuka opened Big Start Recycling and Buy Centre to help combat illegal dumping in her area and to provide her neighbors opportunities to transform discarded items into valuable resources. Alvin Makunike has the story. | | |
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Ask The UMC
Celebrating the legacy of Bishop Nichols | NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Roy C. Nichols was the first African American elected to be a bishop in The United Methodist Church. The late bishop is remembered as an advocate for social justice and racial equality who was at the forefront in the struggle for integration. Ask The UMC has more on this pioneering leader. | | |
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Louisiana Conference
Church became his home, employer | NEW ORLEANS — When Jose Torres was threatened with deportation, First Grace United Methodist Church gave him sanctuary. He lived at the church 24/7 for most of a year. The El Salvador native received his green card earlier this year, and he’s facilities manager at the church that sheltered him in a time of great need. Mark Lambert writes about Torres’ special relationship with First Grace. | |
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