“Imagine the strength of character, the undaunted courage, the ethical heart that a young 30-something woman from south Alabama would have to write a book about racial injustice before the Civil Rights Act had even passed.” – Dawn Wiggins Hare, speaking of fellow United Methodist Harper Lee.
Harper Lee was United Methodist in word, deed
DALLAS (UMNS) – Harper Lee’s death at age 89 brought expressions of sadness from fellow United Methodists, as well as gratitude for her writing. The Alabamian’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which includes references to Methodism, is regarded as a classic coming-of-age tale that also grapples with racism in the Depression-era South. Sam Hodges reports.
Successful run for McKendree coach
LEBANON, Ill. (UMNS) ─ Harry Statham has become the first collegiate basketball coach among four-year colleges and universities to earn his 1,100th victory in a career that spans 50 years at United Methodist-related McKendree University. Paul Black reports for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.
Alabama-West Florida raises over $1 million to fight malaria
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (UMNS) — The Alabama-West Florida Conference has raised more than $1 million for Imagine No Malaria. “It was humbling to see United Methodists of all ages participate in this challenge of saving 100,000 lives,” said Bishop Paul L. Leeland.
Learn more about Imagine No Malaria
Strangers in the land
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) — As Middle Eastern refugees have trickled into Florida, Hyde Park United Methodist Church has taken six refugee families under its wing. Susan Ladika reports for the Florida Conference.
St. Andrew delivers food to refugees
BIG ISLAND, Va. (UMNS) — Each Wednesday, a truck with a Society of St. Andrew volunteer behind the wheel makes a 60-mile round trip from a distribution center in Monroe, North Carolina, to Refugee Support Service in East Charlotte, where about 60 families will help unload up to 2,000 pounds of donated produce. Jean Blish Siers tells the story on the society’s blog.
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These songs are popular, but are they Wesleyan?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) ─ Just because a worship song is popular does not mean it fits in well with Wesleyan theology. A United Methodist team of scholars and worship leaders recently examined the top 100 songs licensed by Christian Copyright Licensing International in 2015 and offered their take on what works best in United Methodist settings.
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Lent-Easter quiz: A question about eggs
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Why are eggs associated with Easter? You can test your knowledge of the season with this and other questions from now until Good Friday.
Take the quiz
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Friday, Feb. 26
Deadline for scholarship applications for United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training — The 2016 United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training will be Monday-Thursday, April 18-21 at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky. The gathering will be in conjunction with the National Workshop on Christian Unity. Click here, to download a scholarship application
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