Daily Digest - April 16, 2021

NEWS AND FEATURES

Court won’t rule in advance on protocol legislation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s top court has declined jurisdiction in response to a request to assess the constitutionality of proposed legislation that would provide a way for some to separate from the denomination. One of the eight other rulings released April 16 by the Judicial Council centered on a charge of improper voting during the 2019 General Conference. Linda Bloom reports.
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Minnesota Conference
Healing the hurt in the Minneapolis area
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — United Methodist pastors in Minneapolis have been ministering to hurt and angry congregation and community members following the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright. One pastor has identified several ways other United Methodists can help. Christa Meland has the story.
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Oregon-Idaho Conference
Church offers digital learning hub
TIGARD, Ore. — Tigard United Methodist Church has created a digital learning hub to help middle school students overcome gaps in their education created by the pandemic. The church provides internet access, socially distanced desks and instructional support from volunteers. Kristen Caldwell reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Author discusses hopelessness and decolonizing faith
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — What does it mean for us to seek out the Jesus of the margins? How will that affect our understanding of faith and our world? In the latest episode of the Compass Podcast, the Rev. Miguel De La Torre, the author of “Decolonizing Christianity,” talks about living in hopelessness while being a person of faith. 
Listen to podcast

MichiganRadio.org
Pastor gave up her pulpit for Lent
WILLIAMSTON, Mich. — The Lenten season leading into Easter is “prime time” for most pastors’ sermons, but this year the Rev. Linda Stephan decided to step aside and let others speak. Stephan, pastor of predominantly white Williamston United Methodist Church, invited several African American pastors from around the country to be guest preachers for the church’s virtual services. “If we really want to be a voice against racism, it has to start with us, and recognizing what voices are missing in our lives,” Stephan said. Doug Tribou reports.
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Monroe Journal
Glove Ministry gives people a hand
AMORY, Miss. — The women’s group at Amory First United Methodist Church wanted to show people God’s love and thus the Glove Ministry was born. While COVID-19 has disrupted its routine, the ministry recently distributed hygiene supplies in a drive-thru. John Ward has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES

United Methodist Women
UMW decries police treatment of people of color
NEW YORK — In the wake of the shooting of Daunte Wright and other instances of Black people experiencing aggressive treatment by police during routine stops, United Methodist Women reiterates its call to “stop criminalizing communities of color.” The agency’s original resolution regarding this issue was adopted by the United Methodist General Conference in 2016.
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Discipleship Ministries
Groups issue call to prayer for societal injustice
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In response to the significant rise in violence toward ethnic communities, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, the Native American Comprehensive Plan, The Upper Room and Discipleship Ministries will host prayer events and conversations on Facebook Live. Upcoming events include a panel discussion on April 19 and a “Live from the Chapel” conversation on April 28. All events will occur at 11 a.m. U.S. Central time.  
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Churches called to respond to violence against Native American women


RECENT HEADLINES

Clergyman takes on QAnon through podcast

We Are God's Family: Personal Encounters with Racism


EVENTS 

Sunday, April 18
Native American Ministries Sunday

Tuesday, April 20-Wednesday, April 21
Training workshop: Leveraging Communication for Greater Connection