Daily Digest - April 14, 2020

"I tried to encourage these sailors that although there is chaos and even clouds literally covering the sunrise during the Easter crisis of 2020, we can still be and are still being the hands and feet of Jesus." — Lt. Cmdr. Genevieve Clark, a United Methodist chaplain in the U.S. Navy, on her Easter sermon aboard the USNS Mercy hospital ship.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Military chaplains deployed in pandemic
LOS ANGELES (UM News) — Two United Methodist military chaplains are in deployments directly related to the coronavirus pandemic. One led Holy Week services on a hospital ship and another in national guard armories. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story

Covenant groups unite Moscow seminary students
MOSCOW (UM News) — When self-isolation and social distancing became necessary, students of a United Methodist seminary in Moscow already had in place a way to maintain contact and fellowship through online covenant groups. The Rev. Sergei Nikolaev, seminary president, has the story.
Read story

South Carolina Conference
Churchgoers plan 'Virtual Earth Day'

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The threat of COVID-19 means United Methodists and other people of faith in South Carolina are now planning a virtual gathering to celebrate this year's Earth Day on April 22. It is the 50th anniversary of the environmental event. Churchgoers had previously planned an in-person gathering at the South Carolina State House. Jessica Brodie has the story.
Read story

PRESS RELEASES

Wespath Benefits and Investments
Joining alliance for net-zero carbon emissions

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Wespath Benefits and Investments has become the 22nd member of the United Nations-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance. The alliance is a group of pension funds and insurers that pursue investment strategies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Read press release
Watch video

National and World Councils of Churches
Church leaders: Iran sanctions hinder COVID-19 care

WASHINGTON — Ecumenical church leaders are urging the U.S. to lift crippling sanctions against Iran that are greatly impeding response in that nation to COVID-19. As of April 13, Iran had more than 73,000 confirmed cases and nearly 4,600 documented deaths due to COVID-19, making it one of the most affected countries in the world.
Read press release

RESOURCES

Camp & Retreat Ministries
Bringing day camp to your computer screen

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In this time of social distancing, United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries has established Virtual Day Camp to help people experience some of the joy of camp at home. Each day, campers can log in and follow a day camp session, exploring topics such as spiritual development, nature exploration, science, music and art.
To log on

General Council on Finance and Administration
Webinar on U.S. COVID-19 employment law

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — New U.S. legislation provides relief for many employees affected by COVID-19, and yet the path for employers implementing these laws is developing day by day. The General Council on Finance and Administration will host a webinar on the new law at 2 p.m. Central Time April 16.
To register
GCFA resources for virus response

RECENT HEADLINES

Easter celebrated amid storms, pandemic

Church agencies get go-ahead to seek US loans

EVENTS

Monday, April 27-Friday, May 8

Online class: Transforming evangelism


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