Daily Digest - February 6, 2024

“Take the truth, whatever amount you have learned, as God clarifies it, and invest it in the world, in the issues that affect the lives of people, their pain and their joy. The linkage of a life like that fulfills the expectation of Jesus when he said, ‘Ye are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.’” — Bishop Roy C. Nichols, in his sermon at the ordination service of the New York Annual Conference in 1984.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Ask The UMC
Celebrating the legacy of Bishop Nichols
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Roy C. Nichols was the first African American elected to be a bishop in The United Methodist Church. The late bishop is remembered as an advocate for social justice and racial equality who was at the forefront in the struggle for integration. Ask The UMC has more on this pioneering leader.
Read story

California-Pacific Conference
United Methodists deal with California storms
PASADENA, Calif. — Since the weekend, Southern California has experienced massive storms resulting in widespread flooding, mudslides and extensive power outages. While the full extent of damage is still unknown, the California-Pacific Conference reports that United Methodists are forming disaster relief teams. The conference also is asking for prayer and financial donations to disaster relief. 
Read update
Donate to conference disaster relief fund
Donate to the UMCOR U.S. disaster response
 
Greater Northwest Area
Velma McConnell, bishop’s wife, dies at 94
PORTLAND, Ore. — Velma Merle Stutzman Duell McConnell, wife of the late Bishop Calvin D. McConnell, died Jan. 24 at Willamette View Retirement Community. She was 94, seven weeks from her 95th birthday. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. U.S. Pacific time Feb. 24 at Rose City Park United Methodist Church. The service will be livestreamed.
Read obituary

Great Plains Conference
Church signs up for Super Bowl
PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. — Asbury United Methodist Church has fun and draws attention with its outdoor sign, often creating messages tied to Kansas City’s NFL and Major League Baseball teams. The Super Bowl-bound Kansas City Chiefs have provided lots of fodder, including one sign that referred to Chiefs fan Taylor Swift. David Burke has the story.
Read story

East Ohio Conference
Bishop shares hopes for future at rallies
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Bishop Tracy S. Malone spoke about “unshakable confidence” at launch rallies for the four new districts in the East Ohio Conference. The events marked the transition from 10 to four districts. “In times like these, in the midst of uncertainty, we must rely on the promises of God, place our trust and be confident that the same God who has brought us this far is the same God who will not leave us now,” Malone said. Rick Wolcott reports.
Read story


RESOURCES

United Theological Seminary
Seminary plans webinar on artificial intelligence
DAYTON, Ohio — The Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary plans to hold a webinar, “Using A.I. Tools in the Church,” led by United Methodist Jason Moore, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Feb. 27. Individual registration costs $29. United is among 13 United Methodist seminaries in the U.S.
To register 

Higher Education Foundation
Deadline approaches for higher-ed scholarships
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Students have until March 1 to apply for scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, a nonprofit that awards more than $2 million each year to students attending United Methodist-related colleges, universities and seminaries. 
Learn more and apply


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EVENTS

Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 18
Exploration 2024

Thursday, Feb. 29-Friday, March 1
Livestreamed General Conference orientation for delegates