Daily Digest - July 8, 2019

“Methodism … has had a remarkable anti-slavery commitment but at the same time made troubling concessions to racism.” The Rev. Alfred T. Day, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Slavery anniversary leads to new discussions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Three United Methodist agencies have assembled a collection of events and written material to help people study and commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first slaves brought to what is now the U.S. in 1619. Jim Patterson reports. 
Read story

Duke Today
Following in Georgia Harkness’ footsteps

DURHAM, N.C. — In 1939, Methodist theologian Georgia Harkness became the first woman to preach in Duke Chapel, at Duke University. Now Duke students are doing a summer research project to tell the stories of more than 75 other women who preached in the chapel between 1963 and 2001. Deja Finch reports.
Read story

First health center opens in rural Congo village
OSIO, Congo (UM News) — For many years the population of Osio was forced to travel long distances to receive medical care. Now the people can stay in the village. Judith Osongo Yanga reports.
Read story

Florida Conference
Transforming community takes commitment

ORLANDO, Fla. — Seven years on, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is still working to transform the low-income community of East Winter Garden. Based on community interactions, the church found that one way to help improve safety is to help improve homes’ curb appeal. Lilla Ross reports.
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.

Lewis Center for Church Leadership
4 ways preaching can boost attendance

ATLANTA — The Rev. Charley Reeb, pastor of St. John’s Creek United Methodist Church, details four preaching strategies to grow a church. His main idea is to connect with people’s interests and meet them where they are.
Read commentary


RECENT HEADLINES

Cal-Nevada says no to withholding funds, disaffiliation


Zimbabwe United Methodists focus on sports, recreation


EVENTS

Monday, July 15-Friday, Aug. 16

Online Course: Fun in the Sun: Summer Vacation Bible School for Adults


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now

UM News Digest - Feb. 21, 2025

Missionary strives to grow Madagascar church; Walking in the Wesleys’ footsteps; Top stories from the week

UM News Digest - Feb. 19, 2025

Program strengthens cross-racial ministry; Helping Congo flood survivors; Black Methodists’ contributions celebrated

UM News Digest - Feb. 17, 2025

Missionaries leave mark on agriculture, education; Liberians march for United Methodist Church; Responding to Los Angeles area fires

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved