"Eric and I talked a lot about the spotlight that was being shined on us and our wedding. We realized there was a window where we could bring others into that light with us rather than standing alone." — Brittney Jackson says of asking for Freedom School donations instead of wedding gifts.
No wedding gifts, just cash for Freedom School
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Eric Brown, 31, and Brittney Jackson, 27, asked friends and relatives to donate to Freedom School instead of giving them wedding gifts. They raised $7,000 for the free summer reading program for children in grades K-8. Kathy Gilbert has the story.
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Emanuel AME is latest victim of violence against black churches
WASHINGTON (RNS) — For African-Americans, the June 17 attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church was not just another mass shooting but the reflection of random, racialized violence against religious institutions, reports Adelle M. Banks of Religion News Service.
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Commentary: Remembering God’s presence in the wake of tragedy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — After the tragic shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Christians seek to draw closer to God. The Rev. Joe Iovino writes about how we can remember God's presence and our call to be agents of healing to a broken world.
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United Methodists send message of healing
Nashville, Tenn. (UMNS) — In response to the tragic shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, United Methodist Communications is sending a message of healing, hope and peace through a full-page color ad that will appear in the Charleston Post and Courier on June 21.
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Wesley faculty recall pastor who died in church shooting
WASHINGTON — Faculty members at the United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary mourn the loss of the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, who was among nine killed when a gunman opened fire at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The Revs. Lovett Weems and Bobby McClain talk about their admiration for Pinckney, a doctoral candidate at the seminary. Fox News Channel 5 has the story.
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Young adults on pilgrimage to South Korea
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Fourteen college students from the United Methodist Mississippi and South Carolina conferences will travel to South Korea next month to explore parallels of peace between South Korea and the United States. They will be accompanied on the 10-day pilgrimage by five adult leaders, including two United Methodist Board of Church and Society staff members who planned the trip.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday, June 25
Spaghetti Supper Benefit, 5-7 p.m. CDT. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 8320 South St., Lincoln, Nebraska. Proceeds benefit the family of church administrative assistant Stacey Lienemann, whose husband Larry died in an accident. Tickets are $10 per person or $20 per family. Phone 402-489-1510. Details
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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