Daily Digest - November 15, 2018

"We really have tried to say very clearly that the mission continues, the work of the local church continues, and at the denominational level and annual conference levels, we’re really trying to channel our resources toward making that happen." — Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr. on seeing a way forward for The United Methodist Church.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Bishop: 'One Church Plan creates a home for everyone'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr., episcopal leader of the Florida Conference and president of the Council of Bishops, also served as a moderator for the Commission on a Way Forward. He shares some concerns he’s heard and talks about the effect the three plans might have at the local church level. Carter spoke with United Methodist News Service as part of “Seeing a Way Forward,” a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
Watch videos 
Seeing a Way Forward series 

Churches balance safety with piety, openness
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Churches concerned about safety in this era of mass shootings are considering security cameras, key card entry systems, armed guards and even arming members. Jim Patterson reports.
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United Methodists speak out in wake of synagogue shooting

Congo church helps remote villagers fight malaria
KIBOMBO, Congo (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church in the Congo has built a new medical center to help fight against malaria in the remote Okasa village. Before the center’s construction, more than 6,700 people traveled nearly 17 miles to get treatment. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
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KSAT-12 TV
Texas pastor joins migrant caravan
SAN ANTONIO — The Rev. Gavin Rogers traveled to Mexico City to join the migrant caravan headed to the U.S. Rogers, the associate pastor of Travis Park United Methodist Church, told KSAT-12 TV that many of those he met are evangelical Christians. He said some refer to their journey as an “exodus,” clearly referencing the Bible. Rogers is documenting his experience on his Facebook page.
Read and watch report
Read Church Leaders story

PRESS RELEASES

Western Jurisdiction
Western Jurisdiction delegates endorse One Church
DES MOINES, Wash. — The Western Jurisdiction delegates to General Conference 2019 have agreed to support the One Church Plan. “We believe that the One Church Plan is a faithful approach that will allow for unity in diversity and for us to continue to live together in our vital witness and service to God’s world,” the delegation said in a statement. Read statement

Good News Magazine
North Central Hispanic Caucus endorses Traditional Plan
MONROE, Wis. — The North Central Jurisdiction Hispanic Caucus is supporting the Traditional Plan. The jurisdictional caucus, which includes pastors and lay leaders from Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio, discussed the three plans recommended to the special General Conference and agreed to support the Traditional Plan. The national Hispanic caucus, MARCHA (Metodistas Asociados Representados la Causa Hispano Americano), endorsed the One Church Plan.
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National Hispanic-Latino caucus supports One Church Plan

General Conference
Choirs needed for 2020 General Conference
MINNEAPOLIS — United Methodist choirs and worship ensemble groups from around the world may now audition online for an invitation to perform at the 2020 General Conference, The United Methodist Church’s top legislative assembly, which meets May 5-15, 2020, in Minneapolis.
Read press release

COMMENTARIES

Commentary: Hoping, praying for GC2019
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (UMNS) — The Rev. Samuel J. Royappa, a delegate to the 2019 General Conference, prays that the legislative gathering will renew and resurrect The United Methodist Church. He urges fellow delegates to focus on the purpose and end result.
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RECENT HEADLINES

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Bishops urge trust in GC2019 delegates

EVENTS

Sunday, Nov. 25
United Methodist Student Day