Daily Digest - February 7, 2024

“I have been trying to be Sojourner Truth all my life.” — Angella Patricia Current-Felder, on her father’s suggestion to name her after the American abolitionist.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Living up to the Sojourner Truth moniker
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — When Angella Patricia Current-Felder was born, her father suggested naming her after American abolitionist Sojourner Truth. “That started me on my path,” she said. Kathy L. Gilbert talks to Current-Felder about her life of advocacy and longtime work at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. 
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Louisiana Conference
Church became his home, employer
NEW ORLEANS — When Jose Torres was threatened with deportation, First Grace United Methodist Church gave him sanctuary. He lived at the church 24/7 for most of a year. The El Salvador native received his green card earlier this year, and he’s facilities manager at the church that sheltered him in a time of great need. Mark Lambert writes about Torres’ special relationship with First Grace.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Undies for Easter: An act of love
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Prison Ministry and Restorative Justice Team has launched its Undies for Easter campaign. The 2022 campaign led to the donation and delivery of 2,000 briefs and 2,000 undershirts to men in Philadelphia’s prisons, who receive only one pair of briefs upon entry. The new campaign will run until Palm Sunday, March 24, so that donated items can be delivered by Easter. Marilyn Schneider reports.
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To donate

United Methodist Communications
Embrace silence, hear God
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Imagine a space where you are free to explore your questions and get in touch with the deep parts of your soul, all without the distractions and clamoring of the external world. The Rev. Ryan Dunn, minister of online engagement for United Methodist Communications, explores ways to incorporate silence into your spiritual practice.
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NBC-Washington
Church packs millionth meal to fight hunger
OAKTON, Va. — Volunteers at Vale United Methodist Church reached a major milestone in their efforts to end hunger: They packed their millionth meal. The church works with the group RISE Against Hunger and uses the proceeds from Christmas tree sales to pay for the foodstuffs. Derrick Ward has the story. 
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PRESS RELEASES

Wespath
Wespath’s Zellner announces retirement
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Dave Zellner, chief investment officer at Wespath Benefits and Investments, has announced his plans to retire on Aug. 1. Zellner has served as Wespath’s CIO for more than 27 years. He will be succeeded by Johara Farhadieh, deputy chief investment officer. “I’m very proud of what we accomplished over the years, and I know that I’m leaving our investment operations in the great hands of incredible colleagues,” Zellner said.
Read press release

United Methodist Global AIDS Committee
AIDS meeting planned before General Conference
CHARLOTTE, N.C.  — The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee is set to host the Breaking Barriers AIDS Conference April 22 at First United Methodist Church in Charlotte. The event is free and open to all individuals and organizations committed to eradicating the stigmas surrounding HIV and AIDS. Registration is required and can be completed online before March 31. The conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. U.S. Eastern time. General Conference, The United Methodist Church’s legislative assembly, is set for April 23-May 3 in Charlotte.
Read press release
To register


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EVENTS

Monday, Feb. 12-Friday, March 29
Seeing Differently: A Lenten Journey With Your Camera

Wednesday, March 6-Saturday, March 9
Black Methodists for Church Renewal 57th General Meeting