Daily Digest - January 18, 2019

“Bishop Judith Craig embodied in word, deed, and presence the full inclusivity already active but often hidden in the human family.”Retired Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher on the late Bishop Judith Craig.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Judith Craig, pioneering woman bishop, dead at 81

COLUMBIS, Ohio (UMNS) — Bishop Judith Craig, who was the third woman elected as a United Methodist bishop in 1984, died Jan. 18. She was 81. She is being remembered for her robust sense of humor and her eloquent and inspiring preaching style. Kathy L. Gilbert and Kay Panovec report.
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Furloughed government workers turn to the church
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Churches across the country report they are setting aside money or storing up food — sometimes both — to help victims of the partial federal government shutdown. Faith leaders gathered at the United Methodist Building to call for an end to “this senseless government shutdown.” Jim Patterson reports. 
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Faith leaders address government shutdown

Young, underprivileged women gain hope in Malawi
BLANTYRE, Malawi (UMNS) — The Malawi Conference is helping empower young women affected by poverty. During a recent training, the women shared life experiences and learned new business skills. Sessions focused on education, gender-based violence, dating and spirituality. Francis Nkhoma has the story.
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Oklahoma Conference
Nonprofit turns coffee into employment

OKLAHOMA CITY — In a small basement office, a new nonprofit is hoping coffee can address a societal problem: employment after incarceration. Red River Roasters is dreaming big and starting small: three flavors, three blends, one grinder and one heat sealer. The endeavor was founded by Redemption Church, a ministry of Oklahoma’s Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries. Meagan Ewton has the story. 
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The Intelligencer
Small church makes big grant to help homeless

WHEELING, W.Va. — New Life United Methodist Church had been without a home for a time. So the congregation turned its attention to a street medicine program for the homeless when it received a large bequest, donating $100,000 to Project HOPE (Homeless Outreach Partnership Effort), part of the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department. Linda Comins has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
Marking Susanna Wesley’s 350th birthday

TULSA, Okla. (UMC.org) — The 350th birthday of Susanna Wesley, mother of Methodism’s founders, John and Charles, on Jan. 20, is being observed by Methodists around the world. In Tulsa, a modern pastor thinks Susanna is still shaping lives and inspiring preachers. In London, birthday activities at Wesley’s chapel include a short “birth to burial” pilgrimage.
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Learn more about London pilgrimage walk

No Daily Digest on Jan. 21
There will be no Daily Digest on Jan. 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The digest will return on Jan. 22.  


COMMENTARIES 

Three realities facing the 2019 General Conference

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (UMNS) — Families’ love for one another helps transcend disagreements. In a commentary for UM News, church consultant Andrew Ponder Williams says that our United Methodist family needs some work in that area.
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RECENT HEADLINES

Seeing a Way Forward: The Rev. Maxie Dunnam


Church urges civility after Congo election


EVENTS

Sunday, Jan. 20 

Human Relations Day


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