Daily Digest - February 8, 2021

NEWS AND FEATURES

Ask The UMC
Black women who led the way in US Methodism

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In celebration of Black History and Women’s History months, Ask The UMC remembers four of the pioneering Black women in U.S. Methodist history in a two-part series. Part 1 celebrates Ida Bell Wells-Barnett and Mary McLeod Bethune, while Part 2 features the Rev. Sallie A. Crenshaw and Bishop Leontine T.C. Kelly.
Read Part 1
Read Part 2
Read more Ask The UMC

Upper New York Conference
Church focuses on health equity 

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo is one of the most racially segregated cities in the nation, with the city’s east side being almost completely African American. One of the biggest problems plaguing the east side is health inequity. Knowing this, the Rev. George Nicholas, pastor at Lincoln United Methodist Church, helped create the Buffalo Center for Health Equity in 2015. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit East Buffalo hard, Nicholas sprang into action to help the community. Shannon Hodson reports. 
Read story

United Methodist Communications
Marking Ash Wednesday in a pandemic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Medical professionals are urging that the safest way to hold an Ash Wednesday service this year is through a virtual or private household service. Philip J. Brooks reports how United Methodists have stepped up with creative ways to observe the Lenten season.
Read story
10 ideas for a more meaningful Ash Wednesday

West Virginia Conference
Bishop presents award to Girl Scout troop

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Some of the girls made blessing boxes, little free libraries and collection bins for retired American flags. All found ways to serve their community. For that reason, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball recognized the Girl Scouts of Troop 37400, sponsored by Emmanuel United Methodist Church, with the Bishop’s Award for Scouting. Audrey Stanton-Smith has the story. 
Read story


COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.

United Methodist Communications
What is Christian nationalism?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Christian nationalism has a long history in the United States. The Rev. Ryan Dunn talks to scholars and writes about the dangers he sees in conflating Christian and American identity. “Christian nationalism makes an idol of the nation,” Dunn writes. 
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RESOURCES

United Methodist Publishing House
Webinar offers Holy Week tips

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Worship leaders will share creative tips for Holy Week during a live webinar at 2 p.m. U.S. Central time Feb. 11. Topics will include how to engage members who choose to stay home, Easter rituals appropriate to mark the events of the past year and involving children and families.
To register


RECENT HEADLINES

Clergy record free music videos for Lenten season


Churches inject energy into vaccine access


EVENTS

Monday, Feb. 15-Friday, March 26

Online course: Walking with Christ

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