Daily Digest - March 31, 2021

"Today I am able to feed my family, and I have over $500." — United Methodist Marie Sumbu, on starting her own small business in Goma, Congo.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Celebrating and empowering women in Congo
BUKAVU, Congo (UM News) — United Methodists in the East Congo Episcopal Area are recognizing the efforts of women and girls and empowering them to shape a better future. Microcredit opportunities and training are helping them persevere during COVID-19 and conflict in the region. Philippe Kituka Lolonga has the story.
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Ask The UMC
How do United Methodists fund mission?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — By sharing resources, United Methodists support remarkable ministries around the world. The United Methodist Church's special giving structure ensures that gifts bless as many people as possible in sustainable, strategic ways. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on mission giving.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC

Virginia Conference
Conference praises action on death penalty

GLEN ALLEN, Va. — The Virginia Conference celebrates new legislation signed by the governor that abolishes the death penalty in its state, the conference's Board of Church and Society wrote in an open letter. Since 1956, the denomination's Social Principles have called for an end to capital punishment. Brenda Capen has the story.
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Baltimore Sun
Church troop sees 50th Eagle Scout

HAMPSTEAD, Md. — Eighteen-year-old Logan Cavanagh recently earned his Eagle Scout rank, a goal he's had since he was just a small boy. His is the 50th Eagle Scout Award for Troop 380, sponsored by Wesley United Methodist Church. Lois Szymanski has the story.
Read story

No Daily Digest April 1-2
There will be no Daily Digest on Maundy Thursday, April 1, or Good Friday, April 2. The Digest will return on Monday. The staff at UM News wishes you a blessed and safe Easter.

PRESS RELEASES

Global Ministries
UMCOR grant boosts aid for asylum seekers

ATLANTA — With a new $1.1 million grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the group Church World Service plans to help asylum seekers on their journey to safety in the United States. Church World Service, a longtime United Methodist partner that focuses on helping refugees, immigrants and other displaced individuals, explains that the grant means more staff, improved shelter operations and more case management.
Read press release
UM News: Mission agency funds agriculture, refugee programs

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.

'You'll ruin the neighborhood'
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (UM News) — When Barbara and Alfred Talley bought their first house in Detroit in the 1950s, they were the first African Americans on the street and were greeted with opposition and even cruelty. That's just one instance Barbara Talley, a member of Hope United Methodist Church, reflects upon regarding "the humiliation that one experiences when confronted with racism."
Read commentary

RESOURCES

United Methodist Women
Podcast set on stopping anti-Asian bias

NEW YORK — A free, live podcast about stemming anti-Asian sentiments and violence is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern time April 1. The "Faith Talks" podcast, presented by United Methodist Women, is hosted by Jennifer Farmer.
Read press release
To register

Council of Bishops
Dismantling Racism: 'Forced to Carry the Cross'

LUBUMBASHI, Congo — Bishop Mande Muyombo, North Katanga Episcopal Area, continues the Council of Bishops' series of Lenten devotions with "Forced to Carry the Cross," a message based on Luke 23:26. The series, themed to the churchwide Dismantling Racism initiative, continues every day during Holy Week.
Watch devotionals
Read more Holy Week devotions

RECENT HEADLINES

Bishop Nhanala manages multiple crises

Lingering pandemic enlivens Easter creativity

EVENTS,/strong>

Friday, April 2

A Good Friday (Zoom) Experience: Walking While Black

Thursday, April 8

Discipleship Ministries webinar: Seeing Working Class People


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