Daily Digest - September 22, 2023

“My banishment has ended, and I feel like I can step back into the family, get back into the circle of this beloved community that I call — with many, many others — ‘my church.’”Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, after a trial court acquitted her on all counts. 


TODAY’S HEADLINES

Church court finds bishop not guilty

GLENVIEW, Ill. (UM News) — A church court found Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño not guilty on all charges. After the verdict was announced, Carcaño said she felt “great joy,” but she also acknowledged much healing will need to be done as she resumes her duties as bishop of the California-Nevada Conference. Heather Hahn reports.
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Female Methodist reformer graces coin
SAN ANTONIO (UM News) — United Methodists and others gathered recently to celebrate the minting of a U.S. coin bearing the image of Jovita Idár. She was a Methodist, journalist and activist who worked to empower Mexican American women and others in the early 20th century. The Rev. Robert Lopez has the story.
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Watch recording of celebration
UM News: Spotlight shines on Jovita Idár

South Carolina Conference
Idalia cleanup continues

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Eighteen South Carolina disaster missioners headed to South Georgia in early September in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. Torrential rains caused widespread flooding, uprooted trees and destroyed buildings in Valdosta, Georgia, prompting a call for assistance from the South Georgia Conference’s Disaster Response team. Among the team’s projects was disposing of a large oak tree in front of Holly Hill United Methodist Church. Jessica Brodie reports.
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UM News: United Methodists begin Idalia recovery

North Texas Conference
Church rebounds after disaffiliation vote

ARCHER CITY, Texas — Last December, First United Methodist Church of Archer City had a disaffiliation vote that failed. The church had under a dozen people in the pews the Sunday after the vote. But it’s averaging about 30 worshippers now and is seeing other signs of new life. Monica Frazier reports. 
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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 UM News staff.

Minnesota Conference
How pastors can avoid burnout

MINNEAPOLIS — The three P’s can help pastors avoid suffering from burnout, writes Diane Owen, director of clergy well-being for the Dakotas and Minnesota conferences. The three P’s are people, practices and purpose.
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Discipleship Ministries
Giving changes after retirement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Giving in retirement looks different from giving while employed, advises Ken Sloan, director of stewardship and generosity for United Methodist Discipleship Ministries. Sloan offers further insights on the subject, including the need to speak to retirees about legacy giving.
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EVENTS

Sunday, Oct. 1

World Communion Sunday

Tuesday, Nov. 28-Friday, Dec. 1
Safer Sanctuaries Training


TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Joint Mission Consultation welcomes regionalization 

SEOUL, South Korea (UM News) — The General Board of Missions of the Korean Methodist Church and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries held their second Mission Consultation Aug. 30-31. The two groups agreed to collaborate on developing faith leaders in Asia and collaborating on ministries for peace and justice on the Korean Peninsula and worldwide. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim has the story.
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African bishops tackle regionalization
LUBUMBASHI, Congo (UM News) — Conversations on regionalization, possible new episcopal areas and the Christian definition of marriage dominated the United Methodist Africa Colleges of Bishops learning retreat, held Sept. 2-7 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After the meeting, most African bishops signed a statement affirming their intention to stay in The United Methodist Church. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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Empowering marginalized children through education
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The United Methodist women’s group in the Mutare District has established a scholarship program to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged children. During the women’s district conference, urban and rural circuits highlighted the positive impact the program is having on students and their communities. Priscilla Muzerengwa has the story.
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Black Clergywomen meet for fellowship, empowerment
SEVERNA PARK, Md. (UM News) — The Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church caucus gathered in Washington this summer for its national meeting. One of the areas of focus emphasized self-care and encouraging clergywomen that they didn’t need to be “superwomen.” The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler offers a reflection of the event.
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Watch video

North Carolina Conference
Court dismisses suit against conference

WILMINGTON, N.C. — A Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church by former members of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church over the closure of the church. “We are incredibly pleased with the judge’s ruling,” Bishop Connie Shelton said. “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated legal team and all those who have shown grace, discernment and support throughout this process.” The former members of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church have appealed the ruling.
Read conference statement
Read motion to dismiss


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