Daily Digest - December 18, 2020

NEWS AND FEATURES

2020: Remembering notable United Methodists
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists this year marked the passing of civil rights giants, groundbreaking bishops, founding leaders of Africa University and a mathematician who charted the way for astronauts. Heather Hahn has 34 remembrances of notable church members memorialized in 2020.
Read story

Church puts love into action amid pandemic
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — As the coronavirus pandemic, prolonged droughts and economic deterioration leave millions facing unprecedented hunger on the African continent, members of The United Methodist Church are stepping in to care for children, seniors and other vulnerable communities. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
Read story

Celestial event recalls star of Bethlehem
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Do you see what I see? A rare planetary conjunction will be dancing in the night on Dec. 21. A United Methodist astronomer explains this year's “Christmas star” and what heavenly body might have guided the magi to the Christ child. Heather Hahn reports. 
Read story

United Methodist Communications, Discipleship Ministries 
Christmas choir videos to enjoy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two Christmas choir videos are available for small groups, Sunday school classes, online worship services and other uses. The first is a Christmas medley and the other is a version of “Silent Night” in three languages.
Watch medley video
Watch “Silent Night” video

Baltimore-Washington Conference
Church replaces new Black Lives Matter banner

WASHINGTON — After demonstrators tore down and burned a Black Lives Matter banner from the front of Asbury United Methodist Church last weekend, a new banner has been dedicated. More than 400 clergy, laity and faith leaders — including Baltimore-Washington Conference Bishop LaTrelle Easterling — gathered virtually and on the front steps of the church to put up the banner. Erik Alsgaard reports.
Read story

Pacific Northwest Conference
$100,000 UMCOR grant will aid wildfire relief

DES MOINES, Wash. — Recovery efforts from devastating wildfires in the state of Washington will be ramped up significantly in 2021 due to a $100,000 recovery grant the Pacific Northwest Conference received from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. “This sets us solidly on the path to do some significant work and we just feel blessed,” said Dana Bryson, co-disaster response coordinator. Kristen Caldwell reports. 
Read story
 
United Methodist Men
Virtual international watchnight service planned

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Men will post a virtual, international watchnight service on Facebook and YouTube. The one-hour service on Dec. 31 will include leaders of UM Men from Kenya, India, the Philippines, Estonia, Germany and the United States.
Watch on Facebook
Watch on YouTube on Dec. 31

No Daily Digest Dec. 21-30
This is the last UM News Daily Digest before Christmas. The digest will resume on Monday, Jan. 4. The staff at UM News wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 


RECENT HEADLINES

Publishing House among pandemic victims


How do United Methodists understand Epiphany?


EVENTS 

Thursday, Jan. 14

Blessed Are the Poor webinar: Spiritual Poverty

Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now

UM News Digest - Feb. 21, 2025

Missionary strives to grow Madagascar church; Walking in the Wesleys’ footsteps; Top stories from the week

UM News Digest - Feb. 19, 2025

Program strengthens cross-racial ministry; Helping Congo flood survivors; Black Methodists’ contributions celebrated

UM News Digest - Feb. 17, 2025

Missionaries leave mark on agriculture, education; Liberians march for United Methodist Church; Responding to Los Angeles area fires

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved