Daily Digest - November 18, 2013

"We will live day by day through God's grace." - The Rev. Iris Picardeal-Perana, who was thought to be missing after Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Bishops seek complaint against Talbert

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) - After hours of closed-door sessions throughout the week, the Council of Bishops "respectfully" requested a formal complaint be filed against retired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, who officiated at a same-sex union on Oct. 26 despite church law. The complaint would go before the Western Jurisdiction, from which Bishop Talbert retired.
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United Methodist appeal for Philippines relief

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The United Methodist Church urges that the public make the response to Typhoon Haiyan "just as powerful" as the storm through their prayers and contributions. A full-page ad, prepared by United Methodist Communications, will appear in the news section of the Monday, Nov. 18, editions of USA Today. The ad explains the ways in which people can help.
See the ad
Typhoon Haiyan: The Church Responds

UM pastor in Tacloban recalls typhoon ordeal

TACLOBAN, Philippines (UMNS) - At a certain point after Typhoon Haiyan nearly destroyed the Philippines city of Tacloban, the Rev. Iris Picardeal-Perana was wondering if anyone cared. A week after the Nov. 8 typhoon, relief goods have finally arrived in her area, she reported as she recalled her ordeal via text message.
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Minneapolis selected for GC 2020

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) The United Methodist Commission on the General Conference announced Nov. 17 that Minneapolis will be the site of the 2020 General Conference, tentatively scheduled for May 5-15, 2020. Minneapolis is part of the Minnesota Annual (regional) Conference.
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Church preparing for Pennsylvania clergy trial

SPRING CITY, Pa. (UMNS)-- For the first time since the 2012 United Methodist General Conference upheld the church's stance that "homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching," a United Methodist pastor will face a church trial for officiating at a same-sex union. The Rev. Frank Schaefer goes on trial Nov. 18-19 for officiating at the same-sex union of his son in 2007.
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WCC assembly carries forward message of peace, unity

BUSAN, Korea (UMNS) - Focusing on issues of justice and peace, the World Council of Churches has wrapped up its 10th assembly since 1948. For United Methodists, a highlight was the election of Bishop Mary Ann Swenson as one of two vice moderators, the first woman bishop to be elected to top WCC leadership.
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Correction: An item on the Imagine No Malaria campaign in the Nov. 15 Daily Digest had an incorrect middle initial for the bishop. His correct full name is Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton.

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.

Native American Heritage Month, November - Worship and devotional resources from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship and more ministry resources from the United Methodist Native American International Caucus.

Free webinar "Using Children's Literature in Children's Ministry," Tuesday, Nov. 19 - 10 a.m. CT. Children's ministers from across the connection will discuss ways to incorporate children's literature in Sunday school, weekday ministries, small groups, nursery and other activities in the church. To register.

Free webinar "Pastors Read - 'The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains,'" Wednesday, Nov. 20 - 10 a.m. CT, an interactive small-group discussion on the book by Nicholas Carr. To register.

Free webinar "Maximizing the Mission Through Debt Reduction," Wednesday, Nov. 20 - 3 p.m. CT, covers specific steps taken by Ceta Canyon Camp leaders and stakeholders that turned around a $1.4 million burden of debt. To register.

United Methodist Student Day, Sunday, Nov. 24 - Celebrate the United Methodist college and university students in your church. Offerings for this Special Sunday supports scholarships and loans for students attending United Methodist-related and other accredited colleges and universities. To learn more

"Day1," Sunday, Nov. 24 - The Rev. Amy L. Gearhart, senior pastor of Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia, will be the featured speaker on the nationally syndicated radio program "Day1." To listen.

Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28 - Worship resources from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship and the United Methodist Publishing House.

Online course "Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent," Dec. 1-25 - e-retreat featuring Pamela Hawkins's Advent resource "Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent, presented by Upper Room eLearning and BeADisciple, $40. Details

Online course "The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God during Advent and Christmas," Dec. 1 Jan. 5, 2014 - eRetreat offers guided reflection through the weeks of Advent on through Epiphany. Each day provides a quotation, scripture passage, reflection, prayer. This online retreat is presented by Upper Room eLearning and BeADisciple, $40. Details

Advent, Dec. 1-24 - Resources for Advent wreath lighting and sermons the United Methodist Board of Discipleship and resources for drawing and welcoming visitors to Advent and Christmas services from United Methodist Communications.

World AIDS Day, Sunday, Dec. 1 - The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee asks local congregations to observe the 15th anniversary of World AIDS Day committing to Just Save One child from contracting the disease. The committee developed downloadable resources in cooperation with the United Methodist boards of Church and Society and Global Ministries. The UM Global AIDS Fund. To donate

#GivingTuesday, Dec. 3 - United Methodists are invited to participate in #GivingTuesday, when every gift made online through the The Advance will be matched dollar for dollar up to $500,000 total and $50,000 for any one project. Visit umcmission.org/give

Lecture by former ambassador, Tuesday, Dec.3 - 5 p.m. CT, Miguel H. D


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