Daily Digest - November 26, 2018

“A lot of people are lost – just lost. They need a person to take them by the hand and take them through the process, one on one, to guide them.” — The Rev. David Vallelunga, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Chico, on the plight of wildfire survivors in northern California.


NEWS AND FEATURES

California-Nevada Conference
United Methodists helping fire evacuees

CHICO, Calif. — Volunteers from the California-Nevada Conference, in partnership with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, are dealing with the overwhelming needs of survivors of the Camp Fire, which has claimed at least 86 lives. Members of First United Methodist Church of Paradise, whose building is still standing, also gathered to share their stories of escape. Cate Monaghan has the story.
Read story
Give to UMCOR’s current disaster response

Churchgoers arrested after ICE detains man
DURHAM, N.C. (UMNS) — United Methodists were among more than two dozen people arrested while protesting the detention of an unauthorized immigrant who had taken sanctuary in CityWell United Methodist Church for 11 months. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Read statement by Bishop Hope Morgan Ward

Teen pushes through obstacles to become star athlete
MUREWA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Despite her tough upbringing, 13-year-old Ngaakudzwe Katsvairo is shining on the athletic field, making national headlines and ranking among the best in the country and southern Africa region in track and field. The sixth-grade pupil at The United Methodist Church’s Mashambanhaka Central Primary School has collected nine medals in the past two years. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
Read story  https://www.umnews.org/en/news/teen-pushes-through-obstacles-to-become-star-athlete

Arkansas Democratic-Gazette
Former Arkansas first lady Betty Bumpers dies

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Betty Bumpers, known for her efforts to promote childhood immunization and world peace, died Nov. 23 at her home from complications related to dementia and a broken hip. The longtime United Methodist was 93.
Read obituary

Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference
UMW give scholarship to Cheyenne descendant

OKLAHOMA CITY — United Methodist Women gave a $1,500 scholarship to Tana Heapofbirds, a graphic design student and Cheyenne descendent who is attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The scholarship was given in remembrance of the Cheyenne people who died in the Washita Massacre 150 years ago. The gift also coincides with the 150th year of ministry for United Methodist Women. 
Read story


COMMENTARIES

Our understanding of baptism: What’s at stake?
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Baptismal liturgy includes our covenant with God and one another, the Rev. Beth Galbreath, a deacon in the Northern Illinois Conference, points out. But the baptism itself is all God’s doing. It’s something God does for and in us.
Read commentary

Baptism brings us to church, creates relationships
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Scripture and our ritual text insist that God is at work in baptism, placing us in the midst of the church. That’s where we practice the means of grace, says Mark W. Stamm, professor of Christian Worship at Perkins School of Theology.
Read commentary
United Methodist Forum: Many Voices, One Faith


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