Daily Digest - March 3, 2021


"We really need to consider our own denomination and about how we have healthy conversations around race and racism." — The Rev. Jevon Caldwell-Gross, one of the authors of I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist.

NEWS AND FEATURES

United Methodist Communications
Race, racism and the church

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two of the authors of "I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist." talk with the Rev. Joe Iovino about the importance of confronting racism both within the church and throughout society. The Rev. Rudy Rasmus of St. John's United Methodist Church in Houston and the Rev. Jevon Caldwell-Gross of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis share their experiences and discuss the state of the church in the latest installment of the "Get Your Spirit in Shape" podcast.
Listen to podcast

Virginia Conference
Spotlight on trailblazing Bishop Kelly

GLEN ALLEN, Va. — Bishop Leontine Turpeau Current Kelly remains revered and loved by many in the Virginia Conference and around the global denomination even nine years after her passing. Madeline Pillow White recounts the ministry of The United Methodist Church's first African American female bishop.
Read story
Watch video on Facebook
Read Ask The UMC: Pioneering Black women in Methodism

WRAL
WWII veteran's centenary celebrated

LA GRANGE, N.C. — At least 10 cars and truckloads full of family members and friends turned out to celebrate the 100th birthday of World War II veteran Winston Best. He is a lifetime member of Beston United Methodist Church. Heather Leah has the story.
Read and listen to story

Methodist Foundation for Arkansas
Foundation hosts evening with John Grisham

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas hosted bestselling author John Grisham as its February guest speaker for its ongoing speaker series, "In Conversation Together." A video of the conversation is online. Grisham, philanthropist as well as legal thriller writer, is a native of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Watch video
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.

It is time to separate
PARKERFIELD, Kan. (UM News) — With the future of the church moving even further into the future, the Rev. Stephen W. Rankin says he believes the time has come to separate. "As Genesis 25 says of Rebekah's twins, we are like two nations struggling in the same womb," writes the former university chaplain.
Read commentary

RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
Resources support UMCOR Sunday

ATLANTA — March 14 is UMCOR Sunday. This special offering underwrites the administrative costs of the United Methodist Committee on Relief so that all designated gifts will go to the project givers specify. Resources, including worship ideas, are available to help churches celebrate the day.
See resources

Society of St. Andrew
VBS program focuses on feeding hungry

BIG ISLAND, Va. — The Society of St. Andrew has made planning for this year's vacation Bible school a little easier. The United Methodist-supported hunger relief ministry is offering free VBS curriculum with a hunger-action theme. Organizers can download the Abundance Orchard program or order printed materials.
Get resource
Learn more

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EVENTS

Thursday, March 4

From Social Media to Social Ministry: A Guide to Digital Discipleship


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