Daily Digest - November 30, 2020

“People are fatigued with Zoom and webinars. Getting people in the Christmas spirit with the COVID is challenging.”The Rev. Sheron C. Patterson, senior pastor at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Salvaging Christmas amid coronavirus concerns

DALLAS (UM News) — Pastors already dealing with a stressful 2020 now must lead United Methodists through the Advent and Christmas seasons while the coronavirus pandemic is reaching new heights. They’re using creativity and flexibility to get it done. Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story

Shining a light on servanthood during pandemic
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Taurai Mhishi has been in a wheelchair for the past 34 years, but that hasn’t stopped him from serving his church. With money tight due to the country’s economic turmoil and COVID-19, servant leaders such as Mhishi are making a difference by lending their time and talents to the church. Priscilla Muzerengwa has the story.
Read story

South Carolina Conference
Black, white congregations work to unify community

ABBEVILLE, S.C. — A black nondenominational church and a white United Methodist church have partnered, with the goal of unifying their community and stopping division and an undercurrent of hate. The two pastors also happen to be friends. Jessica Brodie has the story.
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

United Methodist Publishing House
Online worship permissions extended to July 31

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Publishing House is extending full permission to all churches for use of its copyrighted worship materials through July 2021. Due to the extraordinary challenges that churches face, the publisher is assuring easy access to essential worship aids.
Read press release


COMMENTARIES 
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.

United Methodist Global AIDS Committee
World AIDS Day worship service

CARMEL, Ind. — The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee has planned a worship service to observe World AIDS Day at 2 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Dec. 1 on Facebook. Indiana Conference Bishop Julius Trimble, the chair of the committee, writes about how United Methodists can take action on behalf of people infected with HIV or AIDS. 
Read commentary
Read press release
Watch worship service


RESOURCES
 
United Methodist Communications, Global Ministries
Giving Tuesday helps further God’s mission

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Giving Tuesday is Dec. 1 this year, and for those who can afford to do so, the day offers opportunities to help boost the church’s work in the world. The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries invites United Methodists to give love, joy, hope and peace through the Advance direct-giving program.
Read story 
To support Global Ministries Advance projects


RECENT HEADLINES 

Taking concrete steps to move against racism


At 94, he’s ‘Mr. Music of United Methodism’ 


EVENTS

Tuesday, Dec. 15 

Blessed Are the Poor webinar: Physical Poverty







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