Daily Digest - June 30, 2015

"I would sit at Dad’s desk and read those transcripts the way other boys my age would read comic books and science fiction." — The Rev. David Bevel Jones on The Protestant Hour radio show.

The Protestant Hour brought mainline faith to radio

ATLANTA (UMNS) — This year marks the 70th anniversary of The Protestant Hour, now known as Day1, and carried on about 200 radio stations. That’s way down from the program's height, but supporters are grateful for a rich history and for a continuing broadcast presence for mainline denomination preachers, including United Methodists. Sam Hodges reports.
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British Methodists look at ‘safeguarding’ policies

SOUTHPORT, England (UMNS) — The British Methodist Conference approved significant changes to its policy and procedures June 29 in a move to make the church a safer place for all, following an independent review of abuse cases from 1950 to 2014. “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and each one of us has a duty to do what we can to make the church a safe place for everyone,” said the Rev. Gwyneth Owen, chairperson of the implementation group.
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United Methodists rally for education in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. (UMNS) — United Methodists gathered at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to help persuade legislators to increase and apportion more fairly the state’s funding for public education. Others attended a prayer service on June 20 and began a 10-day public fast as a witness for education justice. John Coleman reports for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.
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Pastor donates Georgia Methodist history collection to college

LaGRANGE, Ga. (UMNS) — When the Rev. Harold Lawrence retired from the ministry this summer, he wanted to find the perfect home for a treasure trove of research about Georgia Methodist history, material he’s been gathering since 1974. He donated the collection to the Frank and Laura Lewis Library at United Methodist-related LaGrange College. Lawrence’s collection includes materials he’s gathered from Emory University, Epworth by the Sea, Wofford College in South Carolina, Methodist churches across the state and other sources. It includes about 300 volumes and pamphlets.
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Independence Day resources

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Fourth of July celebrates the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, but these worship resources from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries may be used for the Independence Day of any nation.
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Looking ahead

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.

Sunday, July 5
The Rev. Thomas Lane Butts preaches on ‘Day 1’ — Butts, minister emeritus of First United Methodist Church of Monroeville, Alabama, is the guest in the nationally syndicated radio program’s 70th anniversary series. His sermon “You Are Not One of Us” is based on Mark 6:1-6. Details.

Online registration deadline for Pathways 2015: A Gathering of Worship Artists — Pathways 2015 on Monday-Thursday, July 20-23 at the Indianapolis Marriott East, is the biennial convocation of The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. It is a gathering for musicians, dancers, visual artists, preachers and all those who design and lead participatory worship experiences. Featured leaders include Mark Miller, Constance Cherry, Nadia Bolz-Weber, John Holbert and Michael Hawn. Use code “UMC” to receive $30 off registration. $329 plus accommodations and meal plan. Details.

You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.