Daily Digest - March 4, 2021

“Even in the darkest hour of destruction, we are saved through the redemptive act of relief and response.”The Rev. Melinda Britt, Tennessee Conference director of connectional ministries.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Tennessee Conference
Hope after destruction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — One year after deadly tornadoes ripped through Middle Tennessee, killing 25 people and injuring more than 300, the Tennessee Conference’s Tornado Recovery Connection continues to help survivors rebuild their lives. Cindy Solomon has the story and Mike DuBose has photos from a remembrance service at East End United Methodist Church, which was heavily damaged by the storms. 
Read story
See photos
UM News: Tennessee tornadoes take lives, damage churches

California-Nevada Conference
Conference settlement with Glide approved

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño announced that the settlement between the California-Nevada Conference and the Glide Foundation has received the approval of legal authorities. Under the settlement agreed to in November, the California-Nevada Conference retains control of a $4.5 million trust and receives an extra $1.5 million from the Glide Foundation while Glide Memorial departs the denomination but retains its building.
Read Bishop Carcaño’s announcement
UM News: Legal settlement means Glide leaves denomination

Holston Conference
Knoxville church building closed by city

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Leaders at Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church are working with city inspectors to get its property open after it was declared “unfit for human habitation.” The church is the site for vital community missions and may be ready to reopen on a limited basis as early as next week, said the Rev. Ann Robins. Annette Spence has the story.
Read story

South Carolina Conference
Food ministry starts amid COVID-19

NEWBERRY, S.C. — O’Neal Street United Methodist Church is now home to a new food ministry: God’s Abundance for All People. The ecumenical endeavor hopes to distribute food weekly, but operating a new food ministry during a pandemic has been a challenge. The Rev. Darlene L. Kelley has the story. 
Read story

Discipleship Ministries
Deadline nears to join virtual choir

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Discipleship Ministries invites United Methodists around the globe to join its Easter virtual choir. The choir will sing “Thine Be the Glory.” The deadline to submit videos is noon U.S. Central time March 5. 
To learn more

United Methodist Men
Conference presidents hold virtual meeting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a Feb. 25 virtual meeting of 40 United Methodist Men conference presidents, top executive Gil Hanke said the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a decline in the number of chartered organizations, a loss of $100,000 and a 40% reduction in funds provided by the denomination's World Service Fund. However, the commission has used Zoom to effectively resume Wesley Class Meetings, a practice that expanded the denomination’s outreach after the Revolutionary War. Rich Peck reports.
Read story


RESOURCES

Drew Theological School
Online seminary fair planned March 25

MADISON, N.J. — All 13 U.S. United Methodist seminaries and theological schools plan to hold a spring seminary fair at 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time March 25. The online event is an opportunity to hear what each school has to offer. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry also plans to offer information on scholarships and financing a degree.
To register

World Council of Churches
Prayer effort for incarcerated women

GENEVA — In the month of March, the World Council of Churches is encouraging its fellowship and partners to join the Lott Carey “31 Days of Prayer for Women’s Empowerment,” which is also the ninth anniversary of the Global Women’s Prayer Guide. The guide features 31 days of prayer for incarcerated women and girls around the world.
To download prayer booklet (PDF)


RECENT HEADLINES

General Conference postponed until 2022


Commentary: It is time to separate


EVENTS

Monday, March 8-Monday, May 17

Online course: Serious Answers to Hard Questions


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