“Will you continue to allow the gun to be the golden calf of our age? As pastors and Christians, we are begging you to choose peace, both on the house floor and in our streets.” — The Rev. Shelby Slowey, pastor of South End United Methodist Church in Nashville.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Tennessee clergy speak out for gun reform
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist and other Christian clergy joined together at the Tennessee State Capitol to advocate for gun-safety legislation in the wake of a deadly school shooting in Nashville. They also spoke out against the removal of three state representatives, who are being threatened with expulsion after leading a chant in favor of gun control. The vote on the three representatives’ status is scheduled for April 6. Heather Hahn reports.
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UM News: Helping kids heal from trauma of gun violence
Retired pastors step up amid disaffiliations
JONESBORO, Ark. (UM News) — United Methodists who want to remain with the denomination are in need of leadership in the wake of disaffiliations over sexuality issues, and retired pastors are putting their golden years on the back burner to help. Three formerly retired United Methodist clergy reflect on their decision to return to ministry. Jim Patterson has the story.
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South Georgia Conference, Grice Connect
‘Pillowcase Angels’ sew with love
BROOKLET, Ga. — A group of women at Brooklet United Methodist Church is in the business of pillowcase making. The group has been dubbed by local foster care organizations as “The Pillowcase Angels.” Brandon Robinson has the story.
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West African Writers
Upgrades coming at church university campus
GBASON TOWN, Liberia — Plans call for adding education and business programs to the agriculture focus of the Gbason Town campus of United Methodist University of Liberia, said Yar Donlah Gonway-Gono, president of the university, during a visit to the campus. During her March 31 to April 3 stay, Gonway-Gono said the university was positioned to create jobs for Gbason Town residents. E Julu Swen reports.
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New annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News continues to post 2022 annual conference reports as they are available. New this week are the Central Nigeria, North East Nigeria, Northern Nigeria and Southern Nigeria annual conferences.
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No Digest on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday
There will be no Daily Digest on April 6 and 7 in observance of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The UM News staff wishes everyone a holy and blessed Easter. Feel free to download and share this Easter meme on Facebook or other social media.
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PRESS RELEASES
Archives and History
Grant for Black history preservation offered
MADISON, N.J. — Congregations and researchers working to preserve the history of African Americans in Methodism may apply for the Bishop Forrest C. Stith Grant until May 31. The $5,000 grant may be used by congregations to recover, preserve and/or present their histories or by individuals doing historical research or projects. Funds may not be used for equipment or researchers’ salaries. The grant is offered by The African American Methodist Heritage Center.
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Disability Ministries Committee
Church marks Deaf History Month
PASADENA, Md. — Magothy United Methodist Church of the Deaf marked National Deaf History Month during its March 26 worship service. The observance takes place in April this year, instead of the traditional March 13 to April 15. In his sermon at Magothy, the Rev. Leo Yates spoke about the church’s history as part of the Deaf community. The church’s ministries have included Deaf sensitivity trainings at police departments and outreach to the Deaf community, such as visiting Deaf and hard-of-hearing inmates in the nearby prison.
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EVENTS
Monday, April 17-Sunday, April 30
Dementia Ministry: Serving the Forgotten Through a Spiritual Lens
Monday, April 17-Friday, May 5
Online course: Planning for the Church Emergency
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