Daily Digest - May 9, 2018

"As far as Methodism is concerned, it is a center of excellence." — The Rev. John Lampard, a retired minister and congregation member, speaking about Wesley’s Chapel in London.


Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS

NEWS AND FEATURES
 

Wesley’s Chapel makes history relevant today

LONDON (UMNS) — Wesley’s Chapel has long been a draw for Methodist tourists, but the current congregation also is focused on the historic church’s presence in the community and its contributions to global Methodism today. This is the final story in an occasional series on British Methodism. Linda Bloom has the story and Mike DuBose has the photos.
Read story 
Related: Methodist-Anglican connection remains strong 
Read series: British Methodism: Staying Relevant in Wesley’s Homeland 

Church helps flooded village

KISANGA WA BOYONI, Congo (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church is working with the provincial government to offer relief in flooded areas along the Congo River. The United Methodist Committee on Relief provided a $10,000 grant and the church used the money to hand out tents, cooking pots, salt, sugar, cooking oil, maize and buckets to flood survivors. The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau reports.
Read story 

Greater New Jersey Conference
Coffeehouse brews new faith community

TOTOWA, N.J. — Totowa United Methodist Church’s Spirit Coffee House kicked off “Season 3 of Creation,” which featured an art show with the work of students from a local high school. “This partnership with the art students in our regional high school has provided an opportunity for us to build relationships with our neighbors by sharing in the things we are passionate about,” said the Rev. Teresita Matos-Post.
Read story
 

PRESS RELEASES 
 

Higher Education and Ministry
Event focuses on sustainable campus ministries

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A model for rethinking how campus ministries can provide meaning and purpose and yet be sustainable was presented during a recent training event at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Collegiate ministry leaders from conferences and campuses heard the Rev. Eric Law, founder and executive director of the Kaleidoscope Institute, describe how his Holy Currencies model can help campus ministries face financial constraints. 
Read press release

United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities 
Leadership academy planned in August

WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities plans to hold the Disability Leadership Academy: Taking Our Place at the Table on Aug. 1-3 at Gallaudet University. This conference is designed to bring United Methodists with disabilities together for training, conversation and strategic thinking. 
Read event flyer 
Register 

United Methodist Communications 
Celebrating 50th, Pentecost and Heritage Sunday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — May 20 offers an opportunity to commemorate the church’s history alongside the celebration of Pentecost, as well as Heritage Sunday. Numerous event-specific resources are available for congregations. 
Read press release 
Get resources or learn more 

COMMENTARIES

 

Addiction, Mother's Day and God's grace

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Children are born, grow up and then have babies of their own, while mothers and grandmothers have sweet dreams of who they will be and what they will do. But sometimes the paths they take are not so sweet. Kathy L. Gilbert, a grandmother, reflects on blessings for Mother’s Day. 
Read commentary 

RECENT HEADLINES
 

Making a statement about missions

Church ratifies 3 constitutional amendments

EVENTS
 

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.

Monday, May 14-Saturday, May 26

Online class: Change perspective and practice abundance 

Share your story or tips with us at newsdesk@umcom.org.

See more United Methodist events