Daily Digest - February 4, 2021

“Anything we can do to help the community to get through the COVID and help relieve some of the stress and the worry, that’s what we want to do.”The Rev. Darren Williams, pastor of Community United Methodist Church in Vincennes, Indiana, on his church becoming a COVID-19 vaccine distribution site.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Churches inject energy into vaccine access

VINCENNES, Ind. (UM News) — While supplies are still limited, United Methodist congregations are doing what they can to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccines, especially among underserved communities. That includes serving as distribution sites. Heather Hahn reports, and Mike DuBose has photos.  
Read story

Texas Conference
Pastor’s pastime is roller derby 

SILSBEE, Texas — The Rev. Sadie Brink, pastor of First United Methodist Church, found a new set of friends and opportunities for evangelism by joining a roller derby team. Though currently sidelined by the pandemic, she’s had parishioners come and cheer her on. Lindsay Peyton reports. 
Read story

Baltimore-Washington Conference
New Lenten study offers hope
 
FULTON, Md. — “Reclaiming and Living Covenant,” a new adult Lenten study published by the Baltimore-Washington Conference, is a deep dive into biblical covenant and hope that can lead to reconnecting relationships. That’s according to its two authors, who say the study is designed to help people on their spiritual journey toward Easter. Erik Alsgaard has the story.
Read story

The Standard
After fire, church members plan to rebuild 

FARMVILLE, N.C. — A fire caused heavy damage to Wesley United Methodist Church, but members on Feb. 3 said they would rebuild. More than 50 firefighters worked to extinguish flames that roared as high as the church’s steeple. Donna Marie Williams has the story.
Read story


RESOURCES

Finance and Administration, Wespath
New Paycheck Protection Program resources

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With a fresh round of U.S. Paycheck Protection Program loans available, United Methodist financial leaders have updated information for ministries considering applying. The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, and Wespath Benefits & Investments, the denomination’s pension agency, answer frequently asked questions.
Read FAQ
Read guidance for loan-forgiveness applications

Council of Bishops, US Jurisdictions
Webinar planned for delegates

WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops and jurisdictional leaders plan to hold a webinar for U.S. General Conference and jurisdictional delegates at 2 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Feb. 13. The event will include presentations on the Episcopal Fund, the Jurisdictional Study Committee report and General Conference options. The webinar can be viewed on ResourceUMC.org. 
To watch webinar
UM News: What goes into funding bishops?


RECENT HEADLINES

COVID-19 deaths complicate pastors’ calling


Discipleship’s top executive battles cancer


EVENTS

Thursday, Feb. 11

Webinar: Planning for Holy Week

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