Daily Digest - September 6, 2023

“The new arrivals are in such bad circumstances, we simply can't turn them away.” — Mitko Konev, head of the Miss Stone Center in Strumica, North Macedonia, on providing daily meals for those in need.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Despite challenges, ministry cares for community
ZURICH (UM News) — For many years, the Miss Stone Center in North Macedonia has been a beacon of charity and hope. Despite rising food costs and staffing shortages, the United Methodist-related ministry finds ways to meet increasing need. In addition to daily meal programs, the center offers home care for the elderly and educational programs for Roma children. Urs Schweizer has the story.
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Students reflect on ‘life-changing’ Youth 2023
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (UM News) — More than 2,500 young people came to Discipleship Ministries’ Youth 2023 this summer for faith building and fellowship. Participants attended workshops, worship, concerts and communion on the beach, among other activities, all tied together with the theme of “BOLD — Being Ourselves, Living Different.” Several youths from around the connection reflect on their experiences at the gathering.
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Baltimore-Washington Conference
New mural celebrates joyful partnership
BALTIMORE — A partnership between Salem United Methodist Church and a local organization promoting Hispanic/Latino heritage transformed the church’s run-down parsonage into Casa de Cultura, a community space to host dance classes and art exhibits. To commemorate its one-year anniversary, a mural on the new space was unveiled Aug. 12. Melissa Lauber reports.
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Mississippi Conference
Hospitality training proves impactful
TUPELO, Miss. — The Rev. Marta Sobrino Bolen has seen transformative growth in her congregation, and she credits a lot of it to the time she invested attending the hospitality training for Lighthouse Congregations. Lighthouse Congregations are serving as safe harbors for United Methodists whose previous churches disaffiliated or closed. Jasmine Haynes has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES

New Federation of Asian American United Methodists
Asian American group commits to denomination
ATLANTA — Member caucuses of the New Federation of Asian American United Methodists recently gathered at the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries headquarters. The federation, comprising traditionalist, progressive and centrist churchgoers, committed to the mission and unity of The United Methodist Church. “We believe we are better together as we move forward into God’s preferred future for The United Methodist Church,” the group said.  
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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. 

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
‘In old age, they still produce fruit’
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Though it’s important to focus on reaching out to younger generations, the Rev. Steven Morton warns not to ignore the ministry strengths and spiritual gifts of older churchgoers. Since today’s youth will be tomorrow’s seniors, he writes, “the population of older adults in need of discipling is nearly unlimited in the foreseeable future.”   
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RESOURCES

Hope Springs Eternal
Pastor interviews the Rev. Adam Hamilton
ATKINS, Va. — The Rev. Natalie Justice, a pastor in the Holston Conference, has been hosting “Hope Springs Eternal,” videotaped conversations with leaders across The United Methodist Church. She concludes the series, for the time being, with an interview with the Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. The church will host its annual Leadership Institute Sept. 27-29.
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Learn more about Leadership Institute


RECENT HEADLINES

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Short docket brings more church-exit questions


EVENTS

Monday, Sept. 11-Friday, Oct. 6
Online course: The Enneagram for Growth

Thursday, Sept. 14
Webinar: What Every United Methodist Child Should Know About Generosity