Daily Digest - July 31, 2024

Bishops, deaconesses and exits on court agenda
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — On its fall docket, The United Methodist Church’s top court faces legal questions about actions at the recent General Conference, U.S. bishop assignments and a property dispute in Liberia. This will be the current Judicial Council’s first session since its members’ elections at General Conference. Heather Hahn reports.
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See docket 

NEWS AND FEATURES

East Ohio Conference
Church helps struggling students
SMITHVILLE, Ohio — The congregation of Smithville United Methodist Church is building closer relationships with attendees of a school for struggling high school
students who meet on church grounds. The church rents space to Liberty Preparatory School, but also has reached out in other ways. They host an annual graduation ceremony each year, give gift cards to faculty and provide food for the students before Thanksgiving. Brett Hetherington has the story.
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Texas Conference 
Pastoral interns reflect on summer in ministry
HOUSTON — Four interns in the Texas Conference served local churches this summer to learn more about ministry as a vocation in The United Methodist Church. The students brought their unique backgrounds to the roles, seeking to discern their call to ministry while gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Brant Mills shares their stories. 
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Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Bishop honored by American Indian group
DURANT, Okla. — Great Plains Conference Bishop David Wilson recently received the President’s Legacy of Servant Leadership Award from the American Indian Chamber of Commerce in Oklahoma. He also is among the United Methodist leaders featured on the cover of Aware, the alumni magazine from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Other leaders featured include Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone; Bishop Julius C. Trimble, who will soon lead Church and Society; and the Rev. Peter Mageto, vice chancellor of Africa University.
See Aware issue 
UM News: Delegates urged to inspire next 7 generations 

South Carolina Conference
Delegate travels from Paris for jurisdiction
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference offered the Rev. Elizabeth Murray a “life-giving” opportunity to reconnect with fellow U.S. United Methodists. Murray, a delegate from the South Carolina Conference, made the journey to the meeting from Paris, where she has been an associate pastor for youth and young adults since 2021. Jessica Brodie has the story. 
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PRESS RELEASES

Lake Junaluska
Choir Music Weekend planned for October
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Registration is open to attend Choir Music Weekend at scenic Lake Junaluska. The event, set for Oct. 18-20, will feature worship, fellowship and music. There will be workshops and performances based on the theme of “Not to be Served, but to Serve.” Cost to attend starts at about $350.
Read press release 
Register 

RECENT HEADLINES

Nigeria bishop leaves United Methodist Church 

Peacemaking urged after assassination attempt 

EVENTS

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.

Monday, Aug. 19-Friday, Sept. 27
Online course: Engaging the Bible in Rural Ministry 

Monday, Sept. 9-Friday, Sept. 20
Online course: Becoming Accountable Disciples