Daily Digest - August 30, 2023

“If you look at why John Wesley objected to slavery, if you look at his idea of salvation, redemption and grace offered to all, you just can't tolerate any kind of unequal treatment.” — The Rev. John Elford, author of “Our Hearts Were Strangely Lukewarm.”


NEWS AND FEATURES

Leaders, scholars confront racism in the church 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Despite some progress, racism remains a persistent issue in The United Methodist Church. While there is talk of change, some church leaders say actions still support the status quo. Three new books by United Methodist authors reflect the discussion around racism in the church and how to end it. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story 

Florida Conference, UMCOR
United Methodists ready to respond to hurricane
LAKELAND, Fla. — The Florida Conference geared up to respond to Hurricane Idalia before it made landfall Aug. 30 in the state’s Big Bend region, where the panhandle and peninsula connect. The United Methodist Committee on Relief already has processed a grant to the conference for emergency supplies and worked with conference leaders to review their disaster-response plan. In a video from the conference’s Disaster Recovery Call Center, Bishop Tom Berlin shares details of that plan. The conference also will hold a webinar on post-hurricane insurance claims at 2 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Aug. 31. United Methodists are asked not to self-deploy to the disaster zone. Prayers and donations to UMCOR are always welcome.
Watch video
See disaster-response updates
Join post-Hurricane Idalia insurance claims webinar
Donate to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery
 
United Methodist Communications
Tips for helping church guests feel welcome 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Displaced United Methodists are gaining insight into how it feels to be accepted and safe as they seek to find new church homes after their congregations voted to disaffiliate from the denomination. What they’re learning may offer guidance to others seeking to offer radical hospitality within the church. Crystal Caviness reports.
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West Ohio Conference
Orphanage teaches trades to youth
WORTHINGTON, Ohio — With unemployment at 90% in Kamina, Congo, young people often struggle to make a living. The West Ohio Conference has teamed with the North Katanga Conference to teach youth at the Kamina Children’s Home vocations such as agriculture, tailoring and carpentry. Amy Graham has the story. 
Read story
Support Kamina Children’s Home

Mississippi Conference
New Thing Sunday leads to creative worship
MOSS POINT, Miss. — Bishop Sharma D. Lewis dedicated June 25 as New Thing Sunday in the Mississippi Conference. On this special Sunday, laity came up with fresh ideas for holding Sunday worship while clergy took a sabbath. The initiative led Safe Harbor United Methodist Church to head outdoors. Matthew Johnson reports.
Read story 


PRESS RELEASES

Update on church-trial preparations
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Plans for the church trial of Bishop Minerva Carcaño continue to unfold as the Sept. 19 start date nears. With the trial being an open session, new guidance also has been made available for people wishing to attend and follow the proceedings. Plans are for the church trial to be livestreamed. The online address for the livestream will be announced later.
Read press release


RESOURCES

Upper New York Conference
Back-to-church resources available
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — End of summer means back to school and, in many cases, back to church. Many are looking to get back into or begin a new routine. The Upper New York Conference is compiling resources for effective ways churches can welcome newcomers or those who haven’t been in a while. 
View resources


RECENT HEADLINES

Short docket brings more church-exit questions

2023 United Methodist annual conference reports


EVENTS

Wednesday, Sept. 6-Tuesday, Sept. 12
Online course: Congregational Leadership — Church Administration

Monday, Sept. 11-Thursday, Sept. 21
Online course: Awe and Wonder — The Arts in Worship