Daily Digest - October 5, 2020

“I did not believe in the existence of this disease, but when I was affected by it, I understood the need to educate others to fight against this pandemic.”Jonathan Abel, a member of Tamende United Methodist Church in Bukavu, Congo.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Stories from the front lines of the coronavirus

GLEASON, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists have relied on their faith as they tangled with COVID-19, a nasty illness that some don’t survive. Gary Locklear and the Rev. George Emerson Villegas are two United Methodists who were taken too soon because of COVID-19. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story

South Carolina Conference
Pastor finds solution for mask-sore ears

FOUNTAIN INN, S.C. — The Rev. Murray Snow, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, has been wearing what he considers a “dreaded” combination of hearing aid, glasses and now a COVID-19 mask. But Snow has found a solution that he is now sharing with others. Jessica Brodie has the story. 
Read story
Watch Snow’s video


PRESS RELEASES

United Methodist Men
Prayers shared by four denominations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Men’s ministry leaders prayed together Sept. 27 during a three-hour session involving about 300 participants. Gilbert C. Hanke, top executive of United Methodist Men, talked about John Wesley during the forum involving The United Methodist Church, The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, The African Methodist Episcopal Church and The African Methodist Episcopal Church Zion.
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.

Kentucky Conference 
Louisville kids’ church finds police friends

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Rev. Corey Nelson is sure that better relations between police and urban residents, particularly children, is possible. The United Methodist pastor has seen officers go the second mile to win trust at Louisville’s Grace Kids: a Church for Children.  
Read commentary


RESOURCES

Higher Education and Ministry
Boards of ordained ministry training online

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — World-renowned leadership and organizational expert and best-selling author Margaret Wheatley will be the keynote speaker at the 2020-21 Boards of Ordained Ministry Academy, which began Sept. 23 and runs through next May. Wheatley’s address will be Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. U.S. Central time. The BOM Academy is a series of online webinars, workshops and self-led learning sessions for those involved in the recruitment, development and formation of clergy. 
Read press release
Register for BOM Academy
Register for keynote only

Discipleship Ministries
New online course aims at growth in generosity

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new online curriculum designed to help clergy and lay people lead congregations toward growth in generosity is now available from Discipleship Ministries. This six-module leadership series will help clergy and leaders become better equipped to lead their local churches in the area of generosity as a key part of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Read press release


RECENT HEADLINES 

Laity giving pastors a boost during pandemic


Want to have your say? Churches urge voting


EVENTS 

Wednesday, Oct. 7 

Dismantling racism: Voter suppression discussion

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