Daily Digest - August 29, 2018

I just actually did my finances the other day, and it looks like I’ll be graduating debt free … I thank God for it.” — Jacob Cogman, a Candler School of Theology student and Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship recipient.


NEWS AND FEATURES 

Scholarship program takes aim at seminary debt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist groups joined with the Lilly Endowment in creating a financial aid program for future elders and deacons attending United Methodist seminaries. Anecdotal evidence and a survey by the Board of Higher Education and Ministry show the Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship is easing seminary debt for many. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story 
Read Higher Education and Ministry press release 

Church works to fight, prevent Ebola in Congo
BENI, Congo (UMNS) — The Ebola virus has claimed the lives of at least 47 people, including a United Methodist lay leader, since a new outbreak was declared in the Congo’s Beni District on Aug Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports on the church’s efforts to raise awareness and help prevent the spread of the disease.
Read story 

Dakotas Conference
Second woman to get full clergy rights dies at 102
SPEARFISH, S.D. — The Rev. Grace E. Huck, the second woman to be ordained with full clergy rights in The United Methodist Church, died Aug. 12 at age 102. She served in churches throughout the Dakotas Conference and as a missionary in the Philippines. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
Read more 

Texas Conference
Pastor rescued flock in Harvey aftermath

PORT ARTHUR, Texas — When torrential post-Hurricane Harvey rains hit his community a year ago, the Rev. David Daviss made multiple rescue trips in his truck, helping members of St. Paul United Methodist Church find shelter in the parsonage and later the church. The pastor made supply runs, too, and found himself contemplating the Noah story anew. Sherri Gragg reports.
Read story 
Read more Texas Conference stories on Hurricane Harvey anniversary


 PRESS RELEASES

General Council on Finance and Administration
United Methodist Insurance partners with AmVenture
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Insurance has reached an agreement with AmVenture, a subsidiary of AmTrust Financial Services Inc., to provide property and casualty insurance to United Methodist churches and affiliated properties.
Read press release


COMMENTARIES

Board of Global Ministries Bringing attention to landmine removal in Iraq

ATLANTA — Last year, 68.5 million people around the world were forcibly displaced due to war, persecution or natural disaster, but often their situations receive little attention, writes Thomas Kemper, top executive of the Board of Global Ministries and co-executive director of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Since 2017, he points out, UMCOR has partnered with the Mines Advisory Group to save lives and ensure a safer future for men, women and children affected by the conflict in Iraq.
Read commentary  


RECENT HEADLINES

New group pushes Simple Plan as way forward

Hispanic/Latino caucus supports One Church Plan


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