Daily Digest - December 5, 2023

“With more knowledge … possibly we can treat each other better.” Tony A. Tiger, one of 26 Native American artists who have artwork being exhibited at the Atlanta airport. 


NEWS AND FEATURES

Airport exhibit spotlights Indigenous heritage

ATLANTA (UM News) — Travelers who go through the Atlanta airport have an opportunity during the next year to enjoy artwork by Native American artists. The show, “This Land Calls Us Home: Indigenous Relationships with Southeastern Homelands,” features more than 60 pieces and is sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Read more about the artists’ work

Leaders reconnect, reflect on Hispanic/Latino ministry
PHOENIX (UM News) — Meeting for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hispanic-Latino leaders gathered to discuss ministry and offer ways to pivot in this moment in the life of The United Methodist Church. The event — “Entre Nos” (“Among Us”) — was hosted by the National Plan for Hispanic-Latino Ministry and brought together more than 130 participants from different parts of the country. The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez reports.
Read story

Holston Conference
Helping young women with hope and housing

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Magnolia Avenue and Vestal United Methodist churches, alongside two other nonprofits, have jointly launched Hope House, a ministry for young women without housing. On Dec. 4, 10 women ages 18 to 24 moved into the former parsonage located next to Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church where they also will receive faith-based training and support. Annette Spence writes about the new ministry and other developments in the Holston Conference.
Read story

Great Plains Conference
Nebraska church survives tumultuous year 

CALLAWAY, Neb. — Callaway United Methodist Church has held on after a rugged year that included a disaffiliation vote in which the results were tied. That fell short of the percentage needed for leaving the denomination, but several key church leaders departed anyway. The Rev. Seungli You has helped stabilize Callaway United Methodist, and a larger-than-expected crowd showed up for All Saints Sunday. David Burke reports.
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

Council of Bishops
New Facebook page highlights ecumenical work

WASHINGTON — The ecumenical staff of the Council of Bishops has created the United Methodist Ecumenical and Interfaith Training Facebook group. The group includes a network of United Methodists and ecumenical friends who care about and want to participate in the movement toward visible Christian unity. People interested in joining can visit the Facebook page and request to be part of the group. 
Read press release
Visit UMEIT Facebook group

Finance and Administration
Parking company named ministry partner

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration has named Park Thrive a ministry partner. Park Thrive, which handles parking management, aims to help congregations monetize underutilized parking lots and maximize funds from existing paid parking operations. 
Read press release
Learn more


RESOURCES

Discipleship Ministries
Suggestions for Christmas Eve service

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve fall on the same day this year, and United Methodist Discipleship Ministries is offering assistance to make services that day special. Planning and preaching notes, liturgical resources, prayers and hymn suggestions are available.
See resources


RECENT HEADLINES

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EVENTS

Monday, Jan. 8-Sunday, Jan. 21

Certified Lay Minister Module One: Call and Covenant for Ministry

Monday, Jan. 8-Monday, March 4
Methodist Identity: Our Story


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