Daily Digest - August 17, 2021

"We were struggling to find a good curriculum. When Saving Grace came along, we were like, 'This is perfect.'" — The Rev. Katharine Yarnell, speaking of a personal finance program offered by Wespath and the United Methodist Publishing House.

NEWS AND FEATURES

A Wesleyan take on personal finance
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Jesus talked a lot about money. So did John Wesley, Methodism's founder. Wespath and the United Methodist Publishing House have collaborated on a personal finance program called Saving Grace that is meant to reflect Wesleyan Christian values. Sam Hodges reports.
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Florida Conference
Church hearts and hammers help Keys rebuild

BIG PINE KEY, Fla. — Steve Steiro isn't searching for his lost shaker of salt. He and other members of Big Pine United Methodist Church have started Hearts, Hammers & Hands to help rebuild the hurricane-tossed Florida Keys and restore their Margaritaville-style charm. Joe Henderson has the story.
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Winston-Salem Journal
Olympics theme composer rests at local church

HAMPTONVILLE, N.C. — Put this in the "Who knew?" category. French-born Leo Arnaud made his name as a composer, most famously of "Bugler's Dream," better known as the Olympics theme song. As a local historian learned, his final resting spot is in the cemetery of Asbury United Methodist Church in Yadkin County. Scott Sexton has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES

United Methodist Communications
A look at COVID-19's impact on churches

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications has released the final phase findings of its Impact of COVID-19 Study. The agency began surveying local church leaders about the pandemic's impact on worship, giving and church activities starting on March 26, 2020. The fourth phase looked at local church ministries, finances and clergy well-being.
Read press release
Read Impact of COVID-19 Study

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.

Leadership lessons from Bishop Shamana
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (UM News) — Larry R. Hygh Jr., a full-time lecturer in the communication studies department at California State University San Bernardino, reflects on the life and legacy of the late Bishop Beverly J. Shamana. He shares some of the leadership lessons he learned from her in his time as director of communications for the California-Pacific Conference — her home conference.
Read remembrance
UM News: 'Renaissance' Bishop Beverly Shamana dies at 81

California-Nevada Conference
Why wildfires are so wearying

SUSANVILLE, Calif. — "Every type of natural disaster has its own personality and wildfires are no different," writes the Rev. Charles White. The pastor of Susanville United Methodist Church writes about the unique demands wildfires place on communities and churches. He also suggests ways to help.
Read commentary
Quick tips on being a part of wildfire recovery

RECENT HEADLINES

Standing with Haiti amid quake and storm

2021 annual conference reports

EVENTS

Monday, Sept. 27

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston Golf Invitational Benefiting Africa University


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