Daily Digest - April 19, 2022

NEWS AND FEATURES

Church court faces resolutions on LGBTQ inclusion

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The Judicial Council, The United Methodist Church’s top court, released four rulings. Two stem from annual conference resolutions about LGBTQ inclusion. The other two dealt with procedural matters. Heather Hahn reports. 
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South Georgia Conference
Churches mobilize after destructive tornadoes

MACON, Ga. — In what was the most significant tornado outbreak in Georgia since April 2020, at least 25 tornadoes were produced in the destructive storms that crossed the state April 5-6. United Methodists in the South Georgia Conference responded immediately to assess, respond, support and meet needs. Kara Witherow reports.
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East Ohio Conference
Pastor shares connection to Ukraine

NORTH CANTON, Ohio — The Rev. J. Harlen Rife leads Pearl Road United Methodist Church in Cleveland, but earlier in his career, he and his wife, Madeline, served with the Peace Corps in Ukraine. Rife shared his thoughts on the Ukraine-Russia war in a video interview hosted by Brett Hetherington. 
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Watch video

North Texas Conference
Church’s ‘Shepherd’s Supper’ draws crowd

HONEY GROVE, Texas — For 10 years, McKenzie United Methodist Church has been serving a weekly Shepherd’s Supper, consisting of free hot meals for community members in need. Church members serve more than 100 people on average, with volunteers delivering meals to the homebound.
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California-Nevada Conference
Highlighting Native American inventions

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Who made that? In a video featuring the puppet snail Mort, JB Brayfindley highlights three everyday items — mouthwash, gum and syringes — invented by Native Americans. The United Methodist Church celebrates the special offering for Native American Ministries Sunday on May 1. 
Watch video 
Download resources for Native American Ministries Sunday 


PRESS RELEASES

Higher Education and Ministry
Bishop Steiner Ball elected as board president

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry has elected Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball as the president of its board of directors.  Steiner Ball — who jointly leads the West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania and Susquehanna conferences with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi — follows Bishop William McAlilly, whose term has expired. Steiner Ball “brings a wealth of resources and knowledge to GBHEM,” said the Rev. Greg Bergquist, the agency’s top executive.
Read press release


RESOURCES 

Due West United Methodist Church
Church workshop planned on dementia

MARIETTA, Ga. — Due West United Methodist Church plans to hold a multifaith and community leaders workshop on serving families facing dementia. The free workshop is set for 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern time May 17 at the church, at 3956 Due West Road. Retired United Methodist Bishop Kenneth Carder and other dementia ministry advocates will be among the speakers.
Learn more
Register 


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