Daily Digest - September 14, 2012

"I don't want to become some kind of pop star. I told God, 'I want to use these talents you blessed me with, and I want to use them somehow in your name.'" - Andy Wegg, University of Indianapolis freshman.

First year for the freshman and the president at U. of Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) - The first day of school can be an exciting - and stressful - experience for a student at any level. But the same goes for the school's president. It's a new school and a new life for the president of United Methodist-related University of Indianapolis, Robert Manuel, and for freshman Andy Wegg. Meet them.
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Church helps children cleanse residue of Isaac

MAUREPAS, La. (UMNS) - When the elementary school in Maurepas, La., reopened on Sept. 6, close to 60 area children showed up for classes. Many of the children lived in homes flooded by Hurricane Isaac's torrential rains that topped the bayous and lakes surrounding this low-lying area a week before. United Methodists stepped in to supply bath kits and other supplies that helped to wash away more of the aftermath of Isaac.
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Small-town literacy camp makes big splash

MANGUM, Okla. (UMNS) - Project Transformation, the literacy day camp for disadvantaged elementary students, made a big move this summer from its urban history to tiny Mangum, population 2,945, in the southwestern part of the state. How did Mangum measure up: 52 youngsters, exceeding the average of 35-40 for new project sites; 60 volunteers, and 3,426 meals served.

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Church World Service condemns Libyan violence

WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Church World Service, a global humanitarian agency and United Methodist partner, expressed sorrow and grave concern Thursday, Sept. 13 over the violence on Sept. 11 in Libya that led to the death of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three U.S. consulate staff members in Benghazi and wounded Libyan citizens. In a statement this morning, the Rev. John L. McCullough, a United Methodist and Church World Service executive director, also expressed condemnation of inflammatory "public actions and media creations which denigrate religious leaders and religious faiths."
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Connectional Table seeks executive secretary

DALLAS (UMNS) - Leadership of the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church has announced they are now seeking candidates for the position of executive secretary. The Board of Pension and Health Benefits is assisting the Connectional Table with the executive search process. Qualified candidates should submit resumes electronically to Mary Figueredo via email at [email protected]. Resumes will be received through Oct. 15, 2012.
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Mississippi church embracing diversity

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (UMNS) - When Pastor Brad Corban of Court Street United Methodist Church looks out into his congregation, he sees gumbo, reports the Hattiesburg American. That's because, Corban told the newspaper, "with a gumbo, you have all your individual ingredients, but they come together to make something wonderful."
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