Daily Digest - April 10, 2015

"God through Jesus Christ has something good in store for you." — Liberian Bishop John G. Innis told students at Siaffa-keh United Methodist School in Grand Cape Mount County.

Church, city standoff ends

McMINNVILLE, Oregon (UMNS) — City officials here say McMinnville Cooperative Ministries, a United Methodist-Lutheran church, has complied with city ordinances and no longer faces the threat of court action. The church had been given a March 31 deadline regarding the encampment of homeless people on its lawn.
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Liberian bishop visits schools reopened after Ebola

SIAFFA-KEH, Liberia (UMNS) — The bishop of The United Methodist Church in Liberia urged students to take learning seriously because the church and the country are depending on them as future leaders. Bishop John G. Innis visited United Methodist schools that had been closed since July because of Ebola.
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Retired school counselor fell in love with Africa University

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — A retired school counselor who volunteers at Africa University says students at the United Methodist university who come from war-torn countries carry heavy burdens and images of death and destruction. The Rev. Mary Beth Byrne, a deacon in the Wisconsin Conference, visited the university with United Methodist Global Ministries’ Individual Volunteer in Mission program and returned in 2013 to work as a counselor. Marcie Smeck reports for the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
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Miller named president of Hamline

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (UMNS) — Fayneese Miller, dean of the College of Education and Social Services and professor of leadership and developmental sciences at the University of Vermont, is the new president of United Methodist-related Hamline University. She will be the first African American president in the history of Hamline University and the university’s second female president when she takes office on July 1, 2015.
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Abingdon Press has 12 award finalists

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Abingdon Press, part of the United Methodist Publishing House, has 12 finalists in the 2015 Christian Retailing's Best Awards. The titles are being evaluated on their impact, including their ability to speak to people’s hearts and evoke emotion; open people’s minds to new ways of thinking; and encourage and affirm Christ-like living.
See the list of finalists

Upper Room offers call-in event for caregivers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Upper Room Ministries, part of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, and the Henri Nouwen Society have scheduled a call-in seminar for caregivers on April 23. The event, “Caregiving from the Heart: A Spirituality of Caregiving,” will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. CDT. The Rev. Gordon Peerman, an Episcopal priest and psychotherapist, and the Rev. Marjorie Thompson, a Presbyterian pastor and retreat leader, will speak. The cost is $19.
To register

Nobody likes change, but change is crucial

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (UMNS) — When Marvel introduced us to Miles Morales, the new Spider-Man, people were upset because Miles wasn't Peter Parker. But just as old comic-book stalwarts change with the time, churches sometimes need to change the style in which they share the timeless gospel message. The Rev. Joseph Yoo of St. Mark United Methodist Church explains why churches need change in a commentary for Ministry Matters.
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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.

Monday, April 13
Online Lay Servant Ministries advanced courses offered by BeADisciple.com — Three options: Leading Public Prayer, Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts and the polity course, Life Together in the United Methodist Connection.

Sunday, April 19
Deadline to register for Large Church Initiative conference "Imagine Limitless God. Boundless Possibilities." — April 20-22 at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas. The conference is for churches with a weekly attendance of at least 300. The conference is $329 for individuals or $289 per person for groups of three or more. Details.

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