Daily Digest - August 26, 2020

“You have to build relationships, bridge differences, teach, teach, teach. Learn, unlearn, build relationships and find accomplices.”Ann Jacob, panelist for “Emerging Leaders: Town Hall,” talking about antiracism work.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Church has the tools to dismantle racism today
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Four young United Methodists leaders discussed the history of racism in the church and ways the denomination can ‘move the needle’ to eradicating racism. The internet broadcast was part of a series of United Methodist town hall meetings on race. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
Read story and watch video
Panelists urge action on race issues 

Water project lightens load for new mothers
KINDU, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Church has installed rainwater collection systems at three of its health facilities in the East Congo Episcopal Area, a move that is being hailed by pregnant women and new mothers who often had to walk miles to fetch water after giving birth. Judith Osongo Yanga reports.
Read story 

Texas and Louisiana conferences
Bracing for Hurricane Laura
BEAUMONT, Texas — The Texas and Louisiana conferences are calling for preparations and prayers as Hurricane Laura approaches from the Gulf of Mexico, with landfall likely in either southeast Texas or southwest Louisiana. Evacuations are underway in those areas. Louisiana Conference Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey asked that churches check on the most vulnerable in their communities.
Read Texas Conference story 
Read Louisiana Conference story 
Watch video with Bishop Harvey 

Florida Conference
Creation care rises in the time of COVID-19
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — While St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has put some ministries on hold, the church has expanded its gardening ministry to tackle food insecurity in its community. Cara Fleischer has the story. 
Read story 

Virginia Conference
Church hosts signing of lending reforms
MECHANICSVILLE, Va. — Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church hosted a ceremonial bill signing by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, celebrating the passage of the Virginia Fairness in Lending Act. The new state law, which passed with bipartisan support, reforms payday and title loans while expanding access to affordable credit. Brenda Capen reports.
Read story

PRESS RELEASES

United Methodist Communications
New ads encourage hope
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new advertising campaign from The United Methodist Church urges people to find hope together amid the challenges posed by this year’s COVID-19 pandemic and heightened calls for racial justice. “The people of The United Methodist Church believe that when we turn to God's love, we can find peace, joy and hope,” the ads proclaim. 
Read press release 
Watch ad 

RECENT HEADLINES 

Churches begin returning to in-person worship

African schools adapt to health requirements


EVENTS

Wednesday, Oct. 28-Wednesday, Nov. 18
Online Course: The Changing 21st Century Sunday School 



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