Daily Digest - May 14, 2020

“Seeing the pastors and leaders respond positively as they do shows the determination to move forward, whatever the challenges. Hope should be at the center of everything we do in these difficult times.” — Zimbabwe Area Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa on efforts to connect with church members during the coronavirus.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Pastors guide members through pandemic

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UM News) — Although churches are closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, United Methodist pastors in Africa and the Philippines are reaching out to members with devotional guides for at-home worship and daily words of encouragement. UM News communicators report. 
Read story

WACH-Fox 57
Church feeds hospice caregivers

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — Members of Brookland United Methodist Church provided lunch to caregivers who work with people in their final days. “Good Day Columbia” has the story.
Watch video

United Methodist Communications
Sewing group helps battle the coronavirus

SAN ANTONIO — A sewing ministry at La Trinidad United Methodist Church is helping fight the coronavirus. The Sewing for Preemies Group has produced and donated masks and surgical scrub caps to hospitals in Chicago, Houston and the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona. Crystal Caviness has the story.
Read story 

National Justice for Our Neighbors
Attorney helps homeless child find family

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — When New York Justice for Our Neighbors attorney Samantha Blecher first met 15-year-old Lupe, the teenager had already made the dangerous journey to the United States. She had spent a month in one of the Office of Refugee Resettlement shelters designed for minors and was now in the care of her half-sister. Her perilous journey has a happy ending. 
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

Council of Bishops
Bishops condemn killing of Ahmaud Arbery 

WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Council of Bishops condemned “this senseless killing, and racism and white supremacy in every form,” in the aftermath of the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed black man, in Brunswick, Georgia. “Racism is real and it must no longer exist in our communities. The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the disparities in our system that have been fed by racism in cities across America,” the bishops said in the statement.
Read press release
UM News: Georgia shooting sparks call to end racism


RESOURCES

Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Free guide for pastors on the move during pandemic

WASHINGTON — Pastoral transitions this year will be like no others before. To help during this challenging time, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership is providing a free guide for pastors beginning ministry in a new congregation during the pandemic. 
Learn more and download guide


RECENT HEADLINES

Talented 10-year-old inspires others during pandemic


Churches have much to consider before reopening


EVENTS

Monday, May 18-Saturday, June 27

Online class: Finding Calm in the Storm

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