Daily Digest - November 1, 2018

“To meet strangers with communion is an almost indescribable experience. It was obvious that this was an unexpected gift for very many passengers. … I hope something eternal was planted in their heart.” — The Rev. Roy-Frode Løvland, pastor of Finnsnes United Methodist Church in Norway, on the church’s All Saints’ Day tradition.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Norwegian church offers communion at harbor
FINNSNES, Norway (UMNS) — All Saints’ Day is special for Finnsnes United Methodist Church. On Nov. 4, church members will meet the passengers of the Hurtigruten ferry with offers of communion and the opportunity to light torches for loved ones who have passed away. Karl Anders Ellingsen talks with the Rev. Roy-Frode Løvland about the ministry.
Read Q&A

Small church helps ex-offenders return to society
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Crossroads United Methodist Church in Compton, California, has been re-energized by helping formerly incarcerated people seal arrest records. Sealing those records helps people find employment and housing, said the church’s pastor. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story
Summit concentrates on mass incarceration

KENS-5
Clergywoman created home for abused women

SAN ANTONIO — The Rev. Denise Barker of the Rio Texas Conference was featured in a local television series on “People Who Make San Antonio Great.” In 2007, Barker founded Magdalena House, a transitional home for women leaving abusive conditions, often sex trafficking.
Watch video
Visit Magdalena House website

Board of Global Ministries
Pakistan court reverses blasphemy conviction

ATLANTA — Thomas Kemper, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, welcomed the action of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which reversed the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death eight years ago on charges of blaspheming the Prophet Mohammad.
Read statement

Faith and Leadership
Pastor advises on ʽsacred resistance’

WASHINGTON — The Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, senior pastor of Foundry United Methodist Church, is the author of the recently published book “Sacred Resistance: A Practical Guide to Christian Witness and Dissent” (Abingdon Press). Faith & Leadership conducted a Q&A with her.
Read interview

PRESS RELEASES

Conference explores impact of schism
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — If United Methodism splinters in a few months, what happens to the church's outreach? Questions like this will be explored at the second annual “Toward an Inclusive Church II” Conference on Nov. 16 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy and the Mountain Sky Conference are sponsoring the event. 
Read press release


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Monday, Nov. 5-Saturday, Dec. 15


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