Daily Digest - November 5, 2020

“This is not a sprint. This is a marathon.” The Rev. Dawrell Rich, pastor of Clair Memorial United Methodist Church in Jersey City, New Jersey, on the struggle against racism.


NEWS AND FEATURES 

Congregations target racism 

MACON, Ga. (UM News) — The deaths of Black citizens, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, have created a moment for United Methodists to make progress on racial issues, and congregations across the country are seizing the initiative. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story

Pitching tents to fight coronavirus
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — United Methodist churches in Zimbabwe have long used tents to shade those who gathered at worship services or revivals. Tents also have been used after disasters to shelter survivors. Now, amid a global pandemic, tents are being pitched to fight the coronavirus at United Methodist mission hospitals. Kudzai Chingwe reports.
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

National Council of Churches
First step to end Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict

WASHINGTON — The National Council of Churches supports a new cease-fire agreement as a first step toward ending the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The council has close ties to two Armenian church bodies and in its Nov. 3 statement also expressed a deep concern for the people of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh, victims of the conflict who are Armenian by heritage. Bishop Sally Dyck, ecumenical officer for the United Methodist Council of Bishops, is among the church leaders who signed the statement.
Read statement

Manchester United Methodist Church
Songwriters honored at Josie Music Awards

MANCHESTER, Mo. — “Your Love Is Enough,” a song written by United Methodists Drew Miller and Kiersten Rose, was named song of the year at the 2020 Josie Music Awards for independent music. The song, recorded by Kathryn Shipley, is about grace.
Read press release
Watch video


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.

Churches must adapt to historic disruption 
LANSING, Mich. (UM News) — Amid the upheavals of 2020, churches have an opportunity to embody God’s Kingdom in new ways. All the change makes church communications essential, writes Mark Doyal. The Michigan Conference communicator examines how communications ministry is an essential pipeline for local churches to preach, teach and reach out in mission. 
Read commentary

United Methodist Communications
A 2020 post-election survival guide

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Many Americans are feeling disillusioned, disheartened and distressed by our current political climate and the ubiquitous divisions it has created in personal relationships. The Rev. Mark Feldmeir, lead pastor of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, offers four keys to restoring peace to relationships after the election.
Read commentary


RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
Celebrate United Methodist Student Day
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Student Day is Nov. 29. Through giving on this Special Sunday, congregations help to provide scholarships for deserving United Methodist students. Last year, more than $370,000 was raised. For resources to help celebrate the special offering, download the United Methodist Student Day Pastor and Leader’s Kit. 
Download resources


RECENT HEADLINES 

Ask The UMC: What names can we use for God?


What goes into funding the bishops?


EVENTS

Thursday, Nov. 12

Financial webinar: Saving Grace — Why Your Church Needs It




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