Daily Digest - September 26, 2023

“(Rural churches are) more than places where people … come to be patched, matched or dispatched.” — Randy Wall, chairperson of United Methodist Rural Advocates.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Rural churches fuel economies
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — According to a study of 87 rural churches in North Carolina, each rural church contributes between $488,598 and $735,000 of value to its local economy each year. The economic contributions suggest rural churches should be measured by more than the length of their membership rolls and giving. Jim Patterson reports.
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California-Nevada Conference
Service, reception to welcome back bishop
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With her return to active ministry after a church trial exonerated her, Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño will lead a service of worship and Holy Communion at 5 p.m. U.S. Pacific time Oct. 1, World Communion Sunday, at First United Methodist Church in Sacramento. After the service, the California-Nevada Conference will hold a reception to welcome her back.
Read story
UM News: Church court finds bishop not guilty

Alabama-West Florida Conference
Conference introduces re-affiliation policy
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — After a difficult year processing over 190 church disaffiliations, the Alabama-West Florida Conference board of trustees shared its newly adopted re-affiliation policy. “We’ve talked about disaffiliation for long enough; the conversation needs to turn towards reconciliation,” said the Rev. Nathan Attwood, who made the motion for the creation of the policy. The Rev. Kelli Hitchman-Craig reports.
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PRESS RELEASES

Philippines Central Conference Board of Church and Society
Airport construction could harm communities
LUZON, Philippines — The construction of the New Manila International Airport at Manila Bay would hurt the incomes of fisherfolks and quicken the damage being done by climate change, said the Philippines Central Conference Board of Church and Society. In a statement, the United Methodist board called on “all pertinent authorities” to protect natural resources and advocate for the basic needs of communities on the bay. The group also released a statement regarding the abduction of two environmental activists fighting against reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
Read statements on Facebook


RESOURCES

Resurrection
Envisioning the future of United Methodism
LEAWOOD, Kan. — A free event titled “United Methodist Family Meeting” will be held during the Leadership Institute at Resurrection, a United Methodist church in Leawood. Bishops Tracy Malone, Mande Muyombo and Tom Berlin will discuss their hopes and dreams for the denomination with the Rev. Adam Hamilton. The Rev. Paul W. Chilcote, author of the book “Multiplying Love: A Vision of United Methodist Life Together,” also will speak. The event will be in person and online beginning at 7 p.m. U.S. Central time on Sept. 28. 
To watch live
Learn more about Leadership Institute

ENCORE Ministry
Registration open for older adult ministry event
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — ENCORE Ministry, the older adult ministry of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, is partnering with the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga’s School of Nursing to host “Building Community with Older Adults.” In addition to worship and networking, area experts will lead sessions on topics impacting older adults such as grandfamilies, legal services, mental health and congregational care. It will be held Oct. 26 at Franklin First United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and also will be livestreamed.
Learn more and register


RECENT HEADLINES

Joint Mission Consultation welcomes regionalization

Empowering marginalized children through education


EVENTS

Friday, Sept. 29-Saturday, Sept. 30
RESILIENCE: Practicing Compassion in a World of Conflict

Friday, Oct. 13-Sunday, Oct. 15
Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation 2023