“You knew you were seen when this man looked at you. He was the incarnation of humility, grace and generosity.” — The Rev. Wanda Santos-Pérez, remembering Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop Devadhar, who led with kindness, dies
CINCINNATI, Ohio (UM News) — Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar’s unexpected death at age 72 has led to an outpouring of grief across The United Methodist Church. United Methodists are remembering the denomination’s first Indian American bishop for his compassionate leadership, deep spirituality and work for Christian unity. Heather Hahn reports.
Read obituary
Read Council of Bishops press release
Alabama-West Florida Conference
Child’s baptism request has multiplication effect
NAVARRE, Fla. — Following the closing session of vacation Bible school at Navarre United Methodist Church, one of the youngest students who participated approached the pastor and asked if she could be baptized. The girl’s request led to 12 baptisms, one baptism reaffirmation and five decisions to join the church by profession of faith. The Rev. David Morris has the story.
Read story
Greater New Jersey Conference
A vision for Deaf ministry in Tanzania
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Bishop John Schol and other leaders from Greater New Jersey recently had the opportunity to observe the Tanzania Conference’s vision for Deaf ministry. The team learned about the conference’s Deaf Ministry project, named Yatosha (“Enough”), and plans for a Deaf primary school and training center. Nyasinde Pablo reports.
Read story
Religion and Race
Agency releases open letter on Bishop Carcaño
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has released an open letter to the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops on the ongoing suspension of Bishop Minerva Carcaño. The bishop faces a church trial on undisclosed charges on Aug. 21-25. The agency reiterated its call for the charges to be disclosed and asked for more information about whether the bishop has received a fair process.
Read letter (PDF)
Read Western Jurisdiction statement
The Book of Discipline on complaints against bishops
WDSU-NBC
Louisiana church pokes fun at the heat
BATON ROUGE, La. — Jefferson United Methodist Church’s sign is causing people to do a double-take and laugh about the hot temperatures. The church put up a sign that reads, “TOO HOT TO KEEP CHANGING SIGNS. JESUS LOVES YOU. DETAILS INSIDE.” Farrah Reed has the story.
Read story and watch video
PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
Social media training for churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Church communications leaders have the opportunity to improve their social media outreach through a course that starts at the end of this month. “Revitalize Your Church’s Social Media,” offered by United Methodist Communications, features four weekly sessions, starting with “The Big Picture" on July 31. The cost is $29.99.
Read press release and enroll
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 UM News staff.
Upper New York Conference
Expecting the unexpected guest
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — The Rev. Daniel J. Bradley, pastor at Faith Journey United Methodist Church, reflects on how he has become a person who believes in inclusiveness, both personally and for the church he serves. He explains the importance of understanding that God’s grace and faithfulness binds all people no matter their differences.
Read commentary
Discipleship Ministries
Study reveals reasons for reduced giving
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Church leaders worried about reduced giving are getting helpful information about why that may be happening. Ken Sloane, director of stewardship and generosity for United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, offers five potential reasons for reduced giving, including inflation and other trends. He cites a study of 2022 giving by Giving USA.
Read commentary
RESOURCES
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
All welcome at Native American gathering
ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. — The annual Native Moccasins Rock event is set for Aug. 11-13 at Lake Benson in Bon Aqua, Tennessee. Activities will include storytelling, crafts, sustainability tips, a genealogy workshop and flute instruction. Cost is $90, which includes lodging for two nights. Less expansive packages are available for those who don’t want to spend both days.
Read press release
Learn more and register
Read UM News story about last year’s event
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Thursday, Aug. 10-Saturday, Aug. 12
MARCHA 2023
Friday, Oct. 13-Sunday, Oct. 15
Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation 2023
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