Daily Digest - June 26, 2023

"I am so proud of the 1973 United Methodist Church, having the compassion and grace to help the families grieve their loss." — Louisiana Bishop Delores J. Williamston, on the church’s response to a deadly arson attack at a gay bar.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Louisiana Conference
Church marks 50th anniversary of tragic fire
NEW ORLEANS — June 24 marked 50 years since a 1973 fire at the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar, killed 32 people. When city leaders failed to investigate the suspected arson and churches  across New Orleans denied the victims proper funerals, St. Mark's United Methodist Church opened its doors and held a funeral service for all affected by the deadly fire. The congregation gathered on the anniversary to honor those lost and remember. The Rev. Todd Rossnagel has the story.
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Check out UM News on TikTok
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — UM News is now providing news and features through TikTok. Find us on the social media platform as unitedmethodistnews. Initial stories focus on such diverse topics as The United Methodist Church’s growth in Madagascar, a “Moral Monday” march in Tennessee, the chartering of a Samoan congregation in Alaska and the impact of a prison ministry in West Virginia. Vernon Jordan brings the stories. 
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Conference sees developments in 2 lawsuits
JONESBORO, Ark. — A judge ruled that the Arkansas Conference will have temporary control of the Jonesboro First United Methodist Church property as of Aug. 1. That means members who disaffiliated from The United Methodist Church must vacate the building while a group that wants to stay United Methodist can return at least until a trial scheduled in January. Meanwhile, another congregation in Searcy seeking to break away from the denomination said it was dropping a lawsuit against the conference.
Read Arkansas Conference statement
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Court rules in Jonesboro church’s dispute
UM News: 3 church disaffiliations blocked

Discipleship Ministries
‘Messy Church’ getting results in Georgia
AUGUSTA, Ga. — The “Messy Church” model is helping Aldersgate United Methodist Church get revitalized. The starting point was a monthly interactive experience for kids and adults. The events gained momentum and are now averaging 50 people each meeting. Aldersgate members are careful not to pressure anyone to attend their traditional Sunday service, but some have done so on their own. Church members say this is just the beginning. The Rev. Brett DeHart has the story. 
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PRESS RELEASES

Candler School of Theology
Candler receives Southeastern Jurisdiction archives
ATLANTA — Pitts Theology Library at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology has acquired the archives of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. The collection consists of more than 200 linear feet of materials spanning from 1940 to the present. Candler is one of 13 United Methodist-related seminaries in the U.S.
Read press release


RESOURCES

Center for Health and Hope
Planned giving webinar available
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Jon Kraus, executive director of gift planning at the University of Denver, will lead a webinar at 10 a.m. U.S. Mountain time June 29 about planned giving. “Doing Good: In This Life & Beyond” will feature options available to individuals who want to continue to make a difference with the resources they have accumulated over the years. The event is hosted by the United Methodist-led Center for Health and Hope. 
Read press releases
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