Daily Digest — September 8, 2015

“I am doing Jesus’ laundry! No matter how big or small, He would do it, and so can I.” ─ Caroline Gowan, teen who has started a laundry ministry

United Methodist teen launches laundry ministry

BONAIRE, Ga. (UMNS) ─ It’s 5 p.m. on a Friday, and 15-year-old Caroline Gowan is doing laundry. It isn’t typical teenage behavior, but then again, she isn’t a typical teenager. Kara Witherow of the South Georgia Advocate reports on how this member of Bonaire United Methodist Church is working to clean clothes and refresh spirits.
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Choir performing for Congressional Black Caucus

VAUGHAN, Miss. (UMNS) ─ The choir of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church will represent the state of Mississippi at the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus’ 45th Legislative Conference Gospel Extravaganza. The event will be Sept. 17 in Washington. Sharon Pepper and Tammy Brown, choir members, tells how the group landed the invitation.
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Native American camp going strong

NORTHPORT, Mich. (UMNS) ─ Three years after Brandon Ahmicasaube Smith had a vision of creating a Bible camp for young Native Americans, Spirit Journey Camp is growing. About 50 children have attended camps held over the past two years. Kay DeMoss reports for the Michigan Area.
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When new district superintendents go to school

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) ─ New district superintendents and directors of connectional ministries recently gathered to learn about “Cultivating Vital Ministries.” The Rev. Michael Rich of the Western North Carolina Conference has the story for the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
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It all began with watermelon

HUBBARD, Texas (UMNS) ─ First United Methodist Church of Hubbard, Texas, began a few summers ago to offer free watermelon slices to Hubbard High School football players practicing in the August heat. That gesture has led to a close relationship with the team and the school and the chance to show “God’s transformational power.” The Rev. Bob Rainey, pastor, shares details.
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Bishop: Most important issue facing the church

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) ─ The most important issue facing The United Methodist Church is not what many United Methodists think it is, writes Arkansas Area Bishop Gary E. Mueller. The most important issue, he says, is “living, learning and loving together as the Body of Christ when no one thinks that is possible.”
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Looking ahead

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.

Thursday, Sept. 10
Deadline to register and reserve a room for the Northeastern Jurisdiction Native American Ministries Committee meeting Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 8-10 — The New York Conference Committee on Native American Ministries will host the event at Edith Macy Conference Center, 550 Chappaqua Road, Briarcliff Manor, New Jersey. The meetings will be in the Maple/Hickory/Dogwood rooms. To get a registration form, email Sharon Schmit at [email protected]. 

Webinar "Confirmation in the 21st Century"— 7-8 p.m. EDT. What are theological and practical roles of confirmation in the life of a young person and the church? The way in which young people are being prepared for their life in the church apparently does not produce committed members; it has been estimated that at least 50 percent of those confirmed drop out of active church membership. This webinar explores a brief history of confirmation, the faith development of adolescents, and a process for developing your own confirmation program (or using a published curriculum) that invites transformation and discipleship. Details

You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.