Daily Digest - September 30, 2019

“Emotionally, it’s going to scar us for some time to come. I have to deal with members who lost everything.” The Rev. Kenneth Lewis, superintendent, Grand Bahama Circuit, Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Methodists in Bahamas cope with Dorian’s trauma 

FREEPORT, Bahamas (UM News) — The Rev. Kenneth Lewis, a Methodist superintendent in Grand Bahama, has experienced numerous hurricanes, but Hurricane Dorian was exceptionally devastating. Two Methodist denominations in the Bahamas are responding to immediate needs and worrying about the hurricane’s psychological impact. 
Read story 

Congo church connects with ‘street children’
BUKAVU, Congo (UM News) — There are nearly 3,000 children and youth living on the streets in South Kivu. Through evangelism, counseling and other support, United Methodist pastors and church groups are helping put some on a better path. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
Read story

South Carolina Conference
Prisoners study theology

BISHOPVILLE, S.C. — Nearly two dozen prisoners in the maximum-security Lee Correctional Institution are studying theology. The Rev. Tim Whited, pastor of Bethel United Methodist Church in Oswego, spent the summer teaching weekly Introduction to the Gospel classes. Whited says three of his students have told him they are interested in becoming ministers. Laura Camby McCaskill and Jessica Brodie have the story.
Read story

Block Club Chicago
Retaining the sanctuary in repurposed church

CHICAGO — Almost a decade after St. James United Methodist Church said goodbye to its congregation, developers are preparing to submit plans to redevelop the building into 29 apartments, with the sanctuary restored to its original condition and used as a cooperative working space. 
Read story
Bittersweet memories after sale of Chicago church

The Reflector
Church sells land for affordable housing

BATTLE GROUND, Wash. — Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church has found a use for 5 acres in its backyard — a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood. The development could feature up to 20 homes for low-income families. Rick Bannan has the story.
Read story


RESOURCES

United Methodist Insurance
UMI launches website, revives newsletter

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Insurance has a new website, and its newsletter has been revived with a new title, “Church Protection Connection.” Board members said in a press release that the nonprofit insurance company will have a renewed focus on customer service.
Read press release
Visit website

Hispanic Heritage Month
‘To be Methodist … is to be a person of the book’

SEGUIN, Texas (UM News) — Through the Bible and music, the Rev. David Maldonado says United Methodist churches help ethnic and racial minorities develop their faith and talents. In an interview for Hispanic Heritage Month, this leader in Hispanic Methodism talks about the importance of ethnic ministries.
Watch video


RECENT HEADLINES

Annual event becomes forum on church’s future

Multicultural ministries in the midst of migration



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