“Because of the food bank, I know everyone in the community. A lot of people around here really depend on the food bank; it’s quite a blessing.” — Jimmie Hutson, a volunteer at Willow Community Food Pantry, a ministry of Willow United Methodist Church.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church food pantry helps Alaskans ‘on the edge’
WILLOW, Alaska (UM News) — In a small, rural Alaska town, Willow United Methodist Church runs a community food pantry that is a lifeline for many living off the grid. Joey Butler has the story, with photos by Mike DuBose.
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UM News: Samoan congregation in Alaska celebrates new charter
Holston Conference: Clergy couple keeps connection strong in Alaska
Liberian bishop: ‘Agriculture, evangelism go hand in hand’
MONROVIA, Liberia (UM News) — Since he was elected in 2016, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. of the Liberia Conference has emphasized the need for his churches to become more financially self-sufficient. One of the ways he hoped to do this was through agricultural projects by the United Methodist Rural and Agriculture Development Program. Quire and the program’s director, the Rev. Joseph Theoway, discuss the status of those goals with E Julu Swen.
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UM News: Liberian bishop seeks to go ‘back to the soil’
North Alabama Conference
Bishop comments on shooting at birthday party
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Words do not come easily after the deaths of teens at a birthday party, writes Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett after the April 15 mass shooting in Dadeville, Alabama. However, she also notes that words are important. “Words we pray. Words Jesus spoke in The Sermon on the Mount. Words calling for action,” she writes.
Read bishop’s statement
Texas Conference
County fair crowns queen, thanks to pastor
CENTERVILLE, Texas — The Rev. Patricia Lund grew up in rural Texas and once was a contestant for queen of the Robertson County Fair. As pastor of Centerville United Methodist Church, she was surprised to learn that the local fair had no such competition. She ended up starting one, leading to friendships and enhanced life skills among the young women who entered. Lindsay Peyton reports.
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Los Angeles Times
Church looks for help after vandalism
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Members of Christ Church by the Sea, a United Methodist congregation, gathered to clean up after a vandal shattered the church’s stained-glass windows. Newport Beach police have arrested a suspect, who also faces charges of breaking into Costa Mesa First United Methodist Church. The church has a GoFundMe effort underway to raise money to replace the windows. Lilly Nguyen reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Methodist Church in Britain
Helping to ‘Imagine Peace’ during Eurovision contest
LIVERPOOL, England — The Liverpool Methodist District, in partnership with The Salvation Army and other ecumenical groups, is organizing a week of prayer, worship, creativity and fun for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, under the banner “Imagine Peace.” Eurovision 2023 is being held in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine, last year's winner. Online opportunities to participate are being developed for the May 9-13 events.
Read press release
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.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
7 ways churches can address sexual assault
WASHINGTON — The Rev. Ruth Everhart, a pastor and sexual assault survivor, outlines steps that any church can take to respond to the sexual victimization of women. She writes that Scripture, doctrine, honest conversation and a commitment to creating safe spaces are important resources in ministering to survivors and preventing future abuse.
Read commentary
RESOURCES
Lake Junaluska
National Day of Prayer service planned
LAKE JUNALUSKA. N.C. — Lake Junaluska, a United Methodist conference and retreat center, plans to hold a National Day of Prayer service at 10 a.m. U.S. Eastern time May 4. The service will be one of many held throughout the U.S. on this annual day of prayer. This year’s theme is “Pray fervently in righteousness and avail much,” based on James 5:16b.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Bishop Wilson shares priorities, hopes for future
Black clergy, laity share perspectives on church’s future
EVENTS
Thursday, April 20
Out of the Ashes: A Service of Lament in a Season of Disaffiliation
Sunday, April 23
Native American Ministries Sunday
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