Daily Digest - August 21, 2020

“We are indeed worried for our lives as teachers that we might get infected with this virus and infect many other souls. But at the same time, it is important that we learn how to live and work in this environment.”Sabelo Nofenele, a member of Cape Town Circuit United Methodist Church, on returning to school in South Africa.


NEWS AND FEATURES

African schools adapt to health requirements

NAIROBI, Kenya (UM News) — With more than 1 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa, United Methodist schools and universities face unprecedented challenges. Many are turning to e-learning to make sure education continues while others focus on safety protocols as students return to school. UM News communicators from around the continent share how schools and churches are adapting. 
Read story
 
East Ohio Conference
Church connects through student meals

MILAN, Ohio — During the pandemic, Edison Memorial United Methodist Church has continued its four-year ministry of working with the Salvation Army and Second Harvest Food Bank to provide meals to students in the local school district. Brett Hetherington reports.
Read story
Churches step up to help salvage school year

Michigan Conference
Flood relief continues in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Five case managers are working to help Michigan citizens recover from disastrous flooding in May. The United Methodist Committee on Relief funded and trained the managers. Kay DeMoss has the story.
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

Council of Bishops
Bishop Yambasu's funeral set for Sept. 6
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Bishop John K. Yambasu, the late resident bishop of the Sierra Leone Conference, will be laid to rest on Sept. 6 after a series of services that will celebrate his life. All churches in the Sierra Leone Conference have been asked to conduct services of remembrance on Aug. 30.
Read press release
UM News remembrance: Sierra Leone bishop dead at 63

Higher Education and Ministry
Agency launches anti-racism campaign

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry has introduced #ColortheConversation, a new discussion and listening campaign to address racism in the fields of higher education and ministry. The campaign invites others to respond with their own topics and video stories.
Read press release


RESOURCES

United Methodist Publishing House
Preparing for Advent in unparalleled times

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — How can church leaders imaginatively prepare for the Advent season without the traditions of its typical events and rituals? The Promise of Advent webinar series, hosted by the Rev. Adam Hamilton, will discuss church leaders’ hopes and concerns around Advent planning with a panel of pastors, theologians and worship leaders. The four-part series begins Aug. 25 and concludes Sept. 3. 
Learn more and register


RECENT HEADLINES 

Churches embrace outdoor worship during pandemic


Deaf ministries navigate COVID-19 challenges


EVENTS

Wednesday, Aug. 26 

Town Hall: Emerging leaders discuss dismantling racism

Friday, Sept. 4
Deadline to apply for grants from Church and Society

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