Daily Digest - June 2, 2020


"I do hope that whoever might be bold enough to sing it, that it would inspire some deep reflection, some honest dialogue and some sincere action." — The Rev. R. DeAndre Johnson, on his hymn "It Is Enough!"

NEWS AND FEATURES

Pastor connects through protest hymn
HOUSTON (UM News) — Prompted by the latest high-profile killing of a black man in police custody, many United Methodist clergy spoke against racism on Pentecost Sunday. The Rev. R. DeAndre Johnson may have out-preached them all by offering his own protest hymn, titled "It Is Enough!" Sam Hodges has the story.
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Church aids flood survivors in Congo
UVIRA, Congo (UM News) — United Methodists are stepping in to help after massive flooding in mid-April left nearly 70,000 people homeless in East Congo. Donations from Connexio, the mission network of the Switzerland Methodist Church, and Wespath Benefits and Investments also are helping pastors and their families struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Philippe Kituka Lolonga and Chadrack Tambwe Londe report.
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South Georgia Conference
Retired pastor donates flowers to nurses

ALBANY, Ga. — Even though the Rev. Larry Roberts lives nearly 350 miles from Albany, the city is never far from his heart. When he heard that Albany had become a coronavirus hotspot, he decided to do something to honor the women and men who are helping heal and save lives. Kara Witherow has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES

United Methodist Women
UMW decries recent killings, continues justice work

NEW YORK — Acknowledging that "there exists no single, one-time action that can undo a multigenerational legacy of racist violence," United Methodist Women has renewed its commitment to engaging in ongoing racial justice work through mission giving, witness and education. UMW's national office is making a special gift of $21,000 to three organizations demanding justice and accountability for the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.
Read press release

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 the UM News staff.

Making the most of your first Sunday back
CASPER, Wyo. — The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter writes about how a congregation's first Sunday back in its building is cause for celebration. But she also suggests ways to make the most of the milestone while COVID-19 continues to pose risks.
Read commentary

RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
Tips to increase online giving

MOBILE, Ala. — Online giving is more important than ever in a time when congregations are unable to physically gather. The Rev. Jeremy Steele of Christ United Methodist Church offers some tips to ensure generosity thrives during and beyond the days of social distancing.
Read story

RECENT HEADLINES

United Methodists preach, protest and decry racism

Collection rates plunge as COVID-19 rises

EVENTS

Thursday, June 4

Online seminar: Food insecurity during COVID-19


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