PC(USA) Weekly News

Week of Sept. 23 - 27

The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly holds its final in-person meeting As it faces being sunset on Dec. 31, COGA celebrates what it’s accomplished and takes stock of what remains to be done

Hurricane Helene makes landfall, putting multiple presbyteries at risk Presbyterian Disaster Assistance calls for prayers and provides a mechanism to give

Nearly $1.2 million in Presbyterian Hunger Program grants awarded to support ‘amazing people doing amazing things’ Funds will be used in the US and around the globe to address issues related to hunger and poverty

New resources provided to support peace in the Philippines Prayer and liturgy offer year-long accompaniment to help resolve conflict

A queer eye for worship More Light Presbyterians offer a roll-up-your-sleeves workshop at Springdale Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky

Presbyterian Mission Agency, 100 Witherspoon Street, Lousiville, KY

RNS Morning Report: Vance says immigration stance is in keeping with faith

Top Stories Vance, at Christian nationalist revival, says immigration stance is in keeping with faith (RNS) — Vance’s remarks seemed aimed at quelling some of the controversy that sprang up after he and Donald Trump accused Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, of eating townspeople’s pets.   After Hurricane Helene, faith groups ramp up disaster relief (RNS) — Before the storm hit the US, the Salvation Army and Southern Baptists were already on their way to lend a hand. Faith-based groups make up more than half of the disaster relief organizations in the United States.   In a time of questioning, younger Jews turn to their faith’s contemplative side (RNS) — Jewish mindfulness programs have begun to attract Jews seeking new ways of connecting with their Jewish identity.   Voting rights advocate Barbara Williams-Skinner thrives on prayer and policy changes WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'I also send Scriptures to about 60 members of Congress and other leaders after I pray by myself in the morning,' Williams-Skinner said. RNS Opinion Seeking truth, justice and healing in the new school year (RNS) — This year, Congress should pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act.   Another type of Muslim ban hurts us all (RNS) — Muslim stories and books are slowly being pulled from library and school shelves across the country. ICYMI What experts say Harris’ decision to skip Al Smith Dinner reveals about Catholic vote (RNS) — Since 1984, three of nine Al Smith Dinners in presidential election years have been held without either presidential candidate.   Pope travels to the heart of Europe to appeal for peace and to boost his dwindling flock LUXEMBOURG (AP) — “I encourage you to be faithful to this legacy, and to continue to make your country a friendly home for those who knock at your door seeking help and hospitality,” Pope Francis said, repeating his appeal for everyone to feel welcomed in the church. In Other News The Black Church Has a Gen-Z Issue: ‘They Don’t Come Into the Building Anymore’ Pope Criticized for Expressing ‘Reductive’ Views on Women in Society 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

UM News Weekly Digest

Friday Digest Sep 27, 2024 “I chose sports as my arsenal for evangelism."— Pastor Edward Muchengaguyo, St. James Hwedza United Methodist Church. Pastor Edward Muchengaguyo (right front) leads a prayer following a soccer match between Hwedza United and the Dendenyore Red Stars in Wedza, Zimbabwe. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News. Soccer helps rural church score new members WEDZA, Zimbabwe (UM News) — A soccer-loving pastor has used his passion to nurture young players’ skills and draw new members to St. James Hwedza United Methodist Church. More than 20 players and a coach have joined the church this year. Kudzai Chingwe reports on Pastor Edward Muchengaguyo’s evangelism efforts.  Read story TODAY'S HEADLINES Ask The UMC Opening the door to reaffiliation NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While the 2024 General Conference closed the door on disaffiliation, it opened a door for disaffiliated churches to reaffiliate at some future time. The legislation requires affected annual conferences to develop and adopt their own reaffiliation policies. In Part 6 of Ask The UMC’s “The UMC really is …” series, the Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards looks at where annual conferences in the United States are in developing those policies.  Read story Read more in series A satellite view of Helene from Sept. 27 shows the width of the storm's path over the eastern United States. Screengrab of GeoColor imagery gif, courtesy of CIRA/NOAA. Florida, South Georgia conferences Bishops pray as Helene response starts LAKELAND, Fla. — Bishops Tom Berlin of Florida and Robin Dease of Georgia offered prayers ahead of Helene making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, the most powerful storm to strike Florida’s Big Bend region since records began being kept in 1851. Damage assessments were just beginning as Helene made its way inland with tropical-storm strength winds and floods in multiple states. As of midday Sept. 27, at least 25 people were confirmed dead because of the storm and more than 4 million people were without electricity across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and southern Virginia. UM News plans to have more coverage of the hurricane response in the days ahead. Watch Bishop Berlin's prayer Read Bishop Dease's prayer Donate to UMCOR's U.S. Disaster Response Read CNN updates Church and Society Event caps off UM Building's centennial celebration WASHINGTON — A year full of events celebrating the centennial of the United Methodist Building culminated in a Sept. 26 event, “For Justice and Enduring Peace: Celebrating 100 Years of Social Witness on Capitol Hill.” The gathering featured musicians, poets and speakers, including Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, who has lived in the building since his 2005 election. The celebration honored “those who have worked for 100 years to bend the moral arc of the universe,” said Bishop Julius C. Trimble, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. Watch livestream UM News: General Conference marks building centennial RNS: Celebrating a century of presence on Capitol Hill New England Conference  New Hampshire church opens overnight shelter PETERBOROUGH, N.H. — Like many places across the country, the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire is experiencing a critical housing shortage. Members of Peterborough United Methodist Church responded when they learned of the need for a shelter. New England Conference staff report. Read story Holston Conference College ministers concerned about funding ALCOA, Tenn. — In Holston Conference, the five United Methodist ministries that fall under the “Wesley Foundation” title are working hard to reach out to student populations at five state colleges, according to their leaders. It’s easy to find examples of how their ministries are making a difference including with students who want to be baptized. But the ministries also must deal with budget cuts. Annette Spence reports.  Read story United Methodist Communications Prioritizing play in a delight-deficient world NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Adults live in a world where play is seldom prioritized. On a new episode of the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast, the Rev. Tyler Strange reminds people that soul care means living from the inside out and that by rediscovering joy, they can unlock a playful spirit. Listen to podcast ADVERTISEMENT COMMENTARIES 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. Western Pennsylvania Conference Why prayer matters CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — “Does prayer scare you?” Esther Bowden writes in a blog post about the importance of prayer. “It also scared me at one time. I wasn’t comfortable praying out loud. Then I learned how to pray, and it became one of my gifts — to pray for others and even for myself.” Read commentary RESOURCES Finance and Administration Webinar looks at pipes and cold weather NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Burst pipes and leaks are a major cause of church property claims. The United Methodist Insurance Program and partner GuideOne Insurance have scheduled a webinar on preparing churches for winter’s colder temperatures at 12:30 p.m. U.S. Central time Oct. 15.  Learn more and register ADVERTISEMENT 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. Monday, Oct. 7-Friday, Oct. 18   Abiding in Christ Together: Creating Gospel-Centric Retreats Monday, Oct. 28-Friday, Nov. 8   Online course: Transforming Evangelism ADVERTISEMENT TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK Christian farmers in Holy Land refuse to hate BETHLEHEM (UM News) — Amid increased harassment from Israeli settlers, a Lutheran Palestinian family continues its struggle to keep its Tent of Nations farm in the Holy Land. “We want to prove that nonviolent resistance is key to change,” said Daoud Nassar, who runs the farm with his siblings. “We might not see the outcome of that work immediately, but in the long run we have to succeed.” Paul Jeffrey has the story. Read story UM News: Pilgrimage for peace in the Holy Land Church works to promote breastfeeding in Congo KINDU, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in eastern Congo continues to strengthen its commitment to the health of mothers and children by promoting breastfeeding. The church actively participated in World Breastfeeding Week, offering information sessions and conducting a campaign that featured testimonials from mothers who highlighted both the challenges and joys of breastfeeding. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports. Read story How would John Wesley vote? WASHINGTON (UM News) — With the Nov. 5 Election Day approaching in the U.S., the United Methodist Board of Church and Society’s voter toolkit guides members of the denomination on the values they should keep in mind as they decide who gets their vote. Voter suppression is a danger with this election, Church and Society leaders say, and United Methodists should serve as poll workers if they can, to help prevent it. Jim Patterson reports. Read story Faith and Democracy: United Methodists join statement on democracy 'The Recap' focuses on ministries of support NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of “The Recap” highlights ministries that aid communities facing drought in Zimbabwe, recovering from floods in Tanzania and supporting the unhoused in Oklahoma City. Produced by United Methodist Communications, the video series helps congregations gain a better understanding of what is going on in The United Methodist Church, find inspiration in stories of ministry and learn how the denomination is transforming the world. Watch video Archives and History Boggan, Harvey reelected at board meeting BOZEMAN, Mont. — Ashley Boggan D. was reelected as the top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, and Bishop Cynthia Fiero Harvey was reelected board president at the commission’s annual meeting. The 2025 budget also was approved and allows for new centers and programming, as well as new staff positions as the agency realigns its priorities and mission going into the next quadrennium. The meeting concurred with the 10th Historical Convocation at Bozeman United Methodist Church. Read press release UM News: Spotlighting UMC’s role in Indigenous boarding schools United Methodist News is a ministry of  810 12th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203  Unsubscribe from UM News Friday Digest. We respect your privacy and will never share your information with any party. Change your preferences on MyPortal