Daily Digest - August 10, 2021

"If the small church can see that they, in fact, are on the edge of the next wave, as opposed to the ones who are left behind, I think there's a different sense of hope that starts to rise." — The Rev. Thomas Tumblin, dean of Beeson School of Practical Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Don't count out small, rural churches
PULASKI, Tenn. (UM News) — While the demise of small, rural churches sometimes seems irreversible as United Methodist faithful grow older, strategies are out there to revitalize these congregations by focusing on what their communities most need. Bigger and younger is not always better, say some United Methodist experts. Jim Patterson reports.
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UM News: Rural churches emerging from coronavirus

California-Nevada Conference
Church helping Dixie Fire survivors
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — United Methodists are helping survivors of the Dixie Fire, the largest fire in California history. Churches in Quincy, Portola, Greenville and Susanville are assisting evacuees. More than $10,000 worth of gift cards, emergency hygiene kits, wildfire buckets, cleaning supplies and local church assistance have been distributed. Steve Elliott reports.
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To make a donation

Church and Society
Faith leaders support worldwide vaccine access
WASHINGTON — As citizens in many countries remain unprotected from the coronavirus, United Methodists and other faith leaders view access to the COVID-19 vaccine as a human right, along with other basic health care needs. The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, was among the religious leaders who met virtually Aug. 4 with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to express support for waiving vaccine patents to increase COVID vaccine access for developing countries. Linda Bloom reports.
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PRESS RELEASES

United Methodist Communications
Site offers photo resources for churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In observance of World Photography Day on Aug. 19, United Methodist Communications has gathered photographic resources to help local churches tell their stories through compelling imagery. Tools available include a searchable media library of downloadable images, a training course on capturing better smartphone photos and a video tutorial on making photo slideshows. The new website also will feature an interview with United Methodist News photojournalist Mike DuBose, who shares stories, tips and examples to help viewers improve their picture-taking skills.
Read press release
See resources
Register for smartphone training

Methodist Federation for Social Action
Webinars to explain Doctrine of Discovery
DETROIT — A webinar series will explore the history and impact of the Doctrine of Discovery, the legacy of conquest inherited by Christians. Over five sessions, attendees will learn about the impact of the ownership of land and the theological basis to respond, repair and repent. The first session is Aug. 11, titled "What is the Doctrine of Discovery?" The series is sponsored by the Methodist Federation for Social Action, United Methodists for Kairos Response and the Native American International Caucus.
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Register for first session

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 the UM News staff.

Creating a Culture of Renewal
Jesus offers model of how to unplug
CASPER, Wyo. — When Jesus took time for spiritual renewal, he went into the wilderness, writes the Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter. She suggests that to connect with God, Christians take some time away from their laptops, calendars and smartphones.
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RECENT HEADLINES

'Renaissance' Bishop Beverly Shamana dies at 81

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EVENTS

Saturday, Aug. 21

Webinar: Visions and Dreams — the Unfinished Business of an Unfinished Church