“The church community should be a seedbed for cultivating social integration and the ecology of life for peace.” — Wisconsin Conference Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
TODAY’S HEADLINES
Churches call for peace treaty in Korea
GENEVA (UM News) — As the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement approaches, Christians worldwide, including the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches in Korea and The United Methodist Church, are calling for an end-of-war agreement and a peace treaty. The Rev. Thomas Kim reports.
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North Georgia Conference
Photo at church receives national recognition
WASHINGTON — Among the winners of Smithsonian Magazine’s 20th annual photo contest is a photograph taken of a woman waiting for her polling place to open on the campus of Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta. The location is especially poignant because the congregation has a strong tradition of support for voting rights.
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See the winning photographs
Upper New York Conference
Church’s tradition serves fish at Easter sunrise service
TROY, N.Y. — Sunrise Easter services are common for many churches, but have you heard of a sunrise service with a fish breakfast? This is a tradition that Hope United Methodist’s pastor, the Rev. David Martin, has celebrated for decades. Shannon Hodson has the story.
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California-Nevada Conference
Pastor tackles religious extremism of Jonestown
GALT, Calif. — After learning that her pastor had lost two daughters and a grandson in the 1978 Jonestown massacre, the Rev. Mary Maaga ended up doing scholarly research on how religion can go so wrong. After a book and appearance in a documentary on the massacre, the United Methodist pastor is exploring how religion can be healthy and healing in her community. JB Brayfindley writes about Maaga’s ministry.
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PRESS RELEASES
Global Ministries
Board to focus on mission at Maputo meetings
ATLANTA — Members of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries will gather in Maputo, Mozambique, for their board meeting April 20-22. The meeting will be preceded by an African Mission Partners Consultation, April 17-19, focusing on the future of United Methodist mission in Africa. It will be the first in-person board meeting for Global Ministries since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first outside the U.S.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
TribLive
Young Methodists concerned about disaffiliation, too
TARENTUM, Pa. — Natalie Frydryck, a youth leader at Monroeville United Methodist Church, said that concerns about disaffiliations within the denomination always focus on the perspective of adults. “Our children are concerned that disaffiliation is only a short-term solution that will cause unforeseen problems for the next generation of church leaders,” she writes. “While adults are making decisions regarding disaffiliation, they must listen to what our youth have to say.”
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RESOURCES
Religion and Race
Resources for Native American Ministries Sunday
WASHINGTON — United Methodists observe Native American Ministries Sunday — April 23 this year — specifically to support leadership development and ministries by and with Native Americans in the church. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race offers a downloadable infographic and suggestions for congregations and individuals to honor and support the contributions and voices of Native/Indigenous people.
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EVENTS
Monday, April 17-Saturday, May 6
Polity course: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection
Thursday, April 20
Webinar: “Remaining & Thriving United Methodists”
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Bishop makes historic visit to Madagascar
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (UM News) — Hundreds of people packed into tiny Ambodifasika United Methodist Church to experience a series of firsts: the church’s first visit from a United Methodist bishop and its first baptisms, Holy Communion and confirmations. The island’s only United Methodist church also celebrated its inaugural church council and organizational conference during Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala’s visit. Alvin Makunike and the Rev. João Filimone Sambo have the story.
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Samoan congregation in Alaska celebrates new charter
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (UM News) — Friends and leaders from across the Alaska Conference and Western Jurisdiction gathered to celebrate the chartering service of Ola Toe Fuataina United Methodist Church, a primarily Samoan congregation. Though it is now one of the newest United Methodist churches, Ola Toe Fuataina has been worshipping together since 2010. Joey Butler reports, with photos by Mike DuBose.
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Malawi church continues response to Cyclone Freddy
BLANTYRE, Malawi (UM News) — More than a month after Tropical Cyclone Freddy romped through the southern Indian Ocean, survivors continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, homes, churches and entire communities. United Methodists are partnering with the government and others to meet immediate needs and plan for long-term recovery. Francis Nkhoma reports.
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Black clergy, laity share perspectives on church’s future
ATLANTA (UM News) — Asked for their perspectives of United Methodism’s future, more than 650 Black clergy and laity from every jurisdiction in The United Methodist Church listed three top concerns facing the denomination: discrimination and racism; inequities in appointments and salaries; and lack of young adults in church leadership. They responded to a recent survey by Gammon Research Institute, part of Gammon Theological Seminary. Barbara Dunlap-Berg reports.
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Mission moves across Congo River
BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (UM News) — As an initial step in establishing a United Methodist mission field in the Republic of Congo, John Wesley United Methodist Church was recently planted in the country’s capital. The new church has 150 members. Central Congo Episcopal Area Bishop Daniel Lunge, who spent three days in Brazzaville, stressed the need to train more people to expand the church's presence. The Rev. Fiston Okito has the story.
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Commentary: Mother of trans child shares story
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — No parent would want their child to face the kind of adversity that transgender children face, writes Heather Gee-Thomas. She describes her family’s journey and how her faith has guided her.
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