Daily Digest - April 26, 2017

"Girls, I’ll give you shelter and God will give us bread." — Mary "Madam" Volino, who in 1895 turned her brothel into a Methodist rescue mission for prostitutes.

The San Antonio, Texas brothel run by Mary “Madam” Volino would in 1895 become a rescue ministry for young women in prostitution. The change came after Volino’s dramatic conversion. The Methodist-supported ministry would soon shift its focus, arranging adoptions of babies born there to young women pregnant out of wedlock. This undated photo shows the infant room. Photo courtesy of Providence Place.

Madam turned brothel into Methodist mission 

SAN ANTONIO (UMNS) — In 1895, a San Antonio madam converted to Christianity and turned her brothel into a Methodist mission rescuing women from prostitution. Soon it would become a refuge for young women pregnant out of wedlock. Now known as Providence Place, it’s still a vital, United Methodist-supported ministry. Sam Hodges reports.
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2017 annual conference reports

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist News Service is posting reports from all annual conference sessions. Reports so far include Bulgaria-Romania, Hungary, Serbia-Macedonia, Sierra Leone and Southern Nigeria. 
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Diversity is key to discipleship

WASHINGTON — To really be the church God intends, United Methodists “need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” said the Rev. Ramon Jackson of Inspire D.C. Jackson was one of seven members of the Baltimore-Washington Conference who traveled to a Path One Multiethnic Church Conference. Melissa Lauber of the Baltimore-Washington Conference reports on lessons from the event.
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South Carolina completes near-rebuild for flood victim

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Eighteen months after floodwaters left her house a mess of mold and ruined wood, Annie Taylor can finally go home. On April 7, members of the South Carolina long-term disaster recovery team gathered with other volunteers outside Taylor’s house to do a blessing of the home and unveil the surprise Taylor had been waiting for: a tour of her rebuilt home. Jessica Brodie of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate reports.
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Quilt of vestments celebrates ministry

NEWBERN, Tenn. — After the Rev. Richard T. Carruth died, his daughter decided to honor his ministry and vocation by having his many clergy stoles and robes made into a quilt. But it took the United Methodist connection to help Amanda Carruth Peevyhouse find someone to make that quilt. Lane Gardner Camp reports for the Memphis Conference. 
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LOOKING AHEAD

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.

Saturday, April 29

Leadership Training for the Missional Congregation — 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Central, First United Methodist Church of Mendota, 100 East Sixth St., Mendota, Illinois. This event is a half-day workshop for pastors and congregational leaders who want to learn more about what it takes to be a congregation focused on God’s mission. The Rev. Rick Rouse will share the vital signs of a missional church and ways to help congregations reclaim their vocation as a mission outpost and training center for today’s disciples. Details 

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