RNS Morning Report: Hiking, disc golf: UMC initiative connects people around non-church interests

Top Stories Hiking, disc golf, flower arranging: UMC initiative connects people around non-church interests NORWOOD, N.C. (RNS) — 'Fresh Expressions' is a denominational initiative intended to connect people who may not be interested in church but are interested in learning a new skill or making new friends.   US sanctions Israeli settler and anti-miscegenation leader (RNS) — Also sanctioned were two fundraising groups, Mount Hebron Fund and Shlom Asiraich, which had attempted to raise funds for two other settler leaders who were sanctioned earlier this year.    Photos of the Week: Australian stabbing; Middle East tensions (RNS) — Each week Religion News Service presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. This week’s photo gallery includes a stabbing at an Australian church, rising tensions in the Middle East and more.   Near Chicago, a Lutheran church finds new life at the YMCA (RNS) — A struggling Lutheran church has found new life by giving its building to the YMCA. RNS Opinion Purim, Passover and the formation of memory (RNS) — An essential part of the memory-making of both Passover and Purim is the hope we find in gathering.   3 things to learn about patience − and impatience − from al-Ghazali, a medieval Islamic scholar (The Conversation) — In religious traditions, patience is more than waiting, or even more than enduring a hardship. But what does patience look like? And when should we not exercise patience? ICYMI Israelis prepare for a Passover overshadowed by war and loss JERUSALEM (RNS) — Some households in Israel are limiting the number of Seder guests out of fear that Iran or one of its proxies will attack Israel during the Passover observance.   Animal cruelty officer-turned-animal chaplain Matty Giuliano loves ferrets and St. Francis EATONTOWN, N.J. (RNS) — ‘I know there are plenty of people out there who believe animals have no souls,’ said Giuliano. ‘And I cannot accept one of God’s creation is, spiritually, the equivalent of a cup of ice cream.’ In Other News Gaza hostages raise painful reminders as Jews prepare for Passover LGBT+ people drawn to minority religions – census   Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. RNS is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today at religionnews.com/donate. If you prefer to mail a donation, please address to: Religion News Foundation, PO Box 1808, Columbia, MO 65205. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend