"Amid uncertainties and predictions on separation and disaffiliation, our unity makes our witness credible." — Manila Area Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco, during a webinar on the Christmas Covenant.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Restructuring legislation gets a hearing
MANILA, Philippines (UM News) — Nearly 300 Filipino United Methodists joined a virtual conversation to talk about the Christmas Covenant and other plans for the future of The United Methodist Church. The drafters of the legislation are leading the webinars in the Philippines, Africa and Europe about their proposal for changing the denomination's global structure. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
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South Carolina Conference
Church registering people for vaccines
ROCK HILL, S.C. — For people without computer access, making an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine has been a challenge. St. John's United Methodist Church has stepped up to help seniors and others get registered for their shots. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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The Courier of Montgomery County
'Geezer' church volunteers get it done
THE WOODLANDS, Texas — For a group of volunteers at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, the term "geezer" is one to be proud of. The Geezer Squad gives back to its community by building wheelchair ramps, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and completing various home repairs. Jamie Swinnerton has the story.
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Michigan Conference
Group plans new center to serve kids, seniors
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A $1 million grant from the state of Michigan will help United Methodist Community House build a new facility to serve children and seniors. Plans for the 80,000-square-foot early childhood education and senior activity center include a cafe, pool, activity spaces and a chapel. Glenn W. Wagner reports.
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Central Texas Conference
Pennsylvania church aids Texans after winter storm
FORT WORTH, Texas — Members of a church in York, Pennsylvania, donated $1,310 to assist survivors of record cold temperatures in Texas. Dan and Patti Hinkle of Fairmount United Methodist Church personally delivered the check, which went to help a widow who didn't have running water after 10 pipes burst in her home. The conference has the story.
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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 the UM News staff.
Hacking Christianity
Are two-tier churches on the horizon?
SEATTLE — As vaccinations against COVID-19 increase, many congregations that have been worshipping exclusively online for more than a year are making plans to return to in-person and indoor worship. While strongly supporting vaccinations, the Rev. Jeremy Smith also warns against letting those shots lead to tiered access to worship.
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Missouri Conference
Music is bridge to those with memory loss
MADISON, Mo. — The Rev. Karen Shearer, a pastor and hospice chaplain, recommends singing to and with people who have failing memories. "I regularly experience music's ability to transport people to a place of happiness, of assurance, of safety and of peace," she writes.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Native American Ministries Sunday approaches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Resources are available to help churches celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday on April 18. This Special Sunday offering helps support Native American ministries in conferences and across the denomination, including funding seminary scholarships for Native American United Methodists.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
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