“It’s the first time in my life I ever felt loved, and I was probably 35.” — Rebecca, an inmate at Lakin Correctional Center in West Virginia, recalling her first experience with Kairos Prison Ministry.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Prison ministries transform inmates, volunteers
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (UM News) — Kairos Ministry, similar to an Emmaus Walk, brings volunteers into prisons to minister to inmates while Catalyst Ministries trains the inmates to minister to one another and to the prison administration. Joey Butler has the story.
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Faith communities can aid transition from prison
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (UM News) — A criminal conviction creates barriers to obtaining essentials such as housing, employment or food assistance. Churches and other faith-based groups can provide resources for the formerly incarcerated and help reduce the stigma attached to a criminal record. Joey Butler reports.
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Sidebar: Ways churches can aid in reentry
Holston Conference
Churches pile on pancakes to draw people back
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Spatulas were flying and hot cakes were hopping in the Holston Conference as diners observed the prelude to Lent. The feast of pancakes before a season of fasting turned out to be an effective way of drawing people to church. Annette Spence has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Theological Seminary
Houses of Study draw new students to United
DAYTON, Ohio — United Theological Seminary, one of 13 United Methodist seminaries in the U.S., announced it has seen a 17% increase in enrollment this year. The seminary largely credits its Houses of Study, the largest of which is the Hispanic House of Study. Through Houses of Study, the seminary also is offering classes for other denominations.
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 UM News staff.
The Mountaineer
Why this church won’t hold disaffiliation vote
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — The Rev. Keith Turman, lead pastor of First United Methodist Church, explains what is happening in The United Methodist Church. He offers a brief history of earlier divisions among the people called Methodist and explains why his church will not hold a disaffiliation vote.
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RESOURCES
Church and Society
Webinar aims to sharpen advocacy skills
WASHINGTON — The Wednesday Witness Skill-Building Series is a four-part series that will deepen the capacity of United Methodists to advocate for justice. Part two of the series will be held via Zoom at 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on March 8. The focus is identifying best practices for a successful call with a representative or decision-maker.
Read more and register for event
RECENT HEADLINES
Solar electricity enhances growth at church academy
Group plans for budget cuts, regionalization
EVENTS
Tuesday, March 7
Voices from the Field: The Order of Deaconess & Home Missioner
Sunday, March 19
UMCOR Sunday
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