Daily Digest - July 18, 2023

NEWS AND FEATURES

Ask The UMC
Our Living World: Land
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — From the first stories of the first book of the Bible, land and the “dust” upon it provides the literal ground for life of many species, including human beings. Our first duty toward the land is not to control it, but simply inhabit it with all other living creatures. In a six-part series, Ask The UMC explores how United Methodists seek to sustain and renew links to our living world.
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View series

Lakewood Advocate
Church kitchen welcomes cooking pros
DALLAS — The Mix Kitchen at White Rock United Methodist Church provides culinary entrepreneurs around-the-clock access to a large, fully equipped food prep space. The kitchen’s director, Rhonda Sweet, offers support and makes hundreds of meals a week for needy people. Renee Umsted reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Meet Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a special "Meet a Bishop" episode of the "Get Your Spirit in Shape" podcast, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth shares his faith journey, which began at age 9 and has led the Alabama native to his current appointment as resident bishop of the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area in the Western Jurisdiction.
Listen to podcast

California-Nevada Conference
Church examines climate’s impact on migration
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Twin Towers United Methodist Church has taken on a challenging issue: the current and future impacts of climate change on global migration. The church is starting with a study of the book “Nomad Century: How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World” by Gaia Vince. The Rev. Sharon Delgado has the story. 
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PRESS RELEASES

Discipleship Ministries
Hope for the Black church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Three leaders recently gathered for a discussion of the importance of the Black church, and a video of the ensuing discussion is available online. The hourlong video touches on the opportunities for creativity that open up in times of disruption. It is hosted by Patricia Peña, director of diversity and innovative community engagement with Path 1 at Discipleship Ministries. The panelists are the Revs. Michael Bowie, Adrienne Zachery and Kevin Kosh.
Read press release and watch video


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 UM News staff.

Lewis Center for Church Leadership
4 tips for experimenting with change this summer
WASHINGTON — The Rev. F. Douglas Powe, Lewis Center director, writes that summer is the perfect time for a congregation to test possible changes through short-term experiments. He offers four considerations to guide an experimental approach to implementing new ideas.
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RESOURCES

Church of the Resurrection 
Leadership Institute extends early-bird pricing
LEAWOOD, Kan. — The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection will hold its annual Leadership Institute for clergy and lay ministry leaders Sept. 27-29. Speakers include the Rev. Adam Hamilton, the church’s senior pastor; Carey Nieuwhof, podcaster and best-selling author; the Rev. Jacqui Lewis, activist and pastor; and the Rev. Olu Brown, leadership coach. Super early bird pricing has been extended to July 21. 
Learn more and register

Discipleship Ministries
Holy Land pilgrimage set for young adults
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Young People’s Ministries at Discipleship Ministries is planning a Holy Land pilgrimage focusing on systemic oppression and anti-racist discipleship practices while exploring historical sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem and elsewhere. The nine-day trip, starting Jan. 5, will offer multiple perspectives and will include meetings with leaders of peace-building organizations. Young adults ages 18-35 from around the world are welcome to apply and should have conversational English. Limited scholarships are available. 
For more information


RECENT HEADLINES

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EVENTS

Wednesday, July 19
GCFA Cyber Crime Webinar

Monday, Aug. 14-Friday, Aug. 25
Online course: Mentoring Young People in Their Faith