Daily Digest - March 8, 2017

“Bishop Kelly’s ability to convey a true sense of conviction and enthusiasm is what I admired the most about her.” — Ruby Bago, talking about a woman who inspired her as a United Methodist. 

Women in ministry find shoulders to stand on

NEW YORK (UMNS) — Women in The United Methodist Church often draw inspiration from those who have helped pave the way for them, from historical figures to more recent groundbreakers like Bishop Leontine T.C. Kelly, the denomination’s first African-American female bishop. Even today, however, clergy and laywomen are challenged simply because of their gender. A few women share their thoughts for Women’s History Month. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Ministry idea: Church youth teach tech 

SAVANNAH, Ga. (UMNS) — Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church recently offered an unusual workshop — the congregation’s youth group taught elder members how to use new technology. “This is a great way to build one-on-one relationships between the generations,” said a church member. Kara Witherow reports for the South Georgia Conference. 
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Pastor: Men's ministry hard but needed

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Rick Vance, director of men’s ministry for United Methodist Men, acknowledges the work is “hard and messy.” However, the ministry is critical. Vance will be leading a workshop at the 12th National Gathering of United Methodist Men, July 7-8, in Indianapolis. Rich Peck of United Methodist Men has the story. 
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Learn more about the National Gathering

New Wesleyan sound in the works

NEPTUNE, N.J. (UMNS) — A church worship director hopes his new album will ignite worship revival within The United Methodist Church. Eric Drew wrote and performed the music in the “Center of it All” project, supported by a grant from the Greater New Jersey Conference. Half the proceeds from sales will go to the conference mission fund, the rest to creative worship projects. Josh Kinney reports. 
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A Wesley hymn devotion for Lent

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Charles Wesley’s “Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast,” extends the invitation to Holy Communion in song. Joe Iovino writes in a devotion that the hymn is an important reminder that Lent is not only a time for engaging in reflection but also extending welcome.
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What does the church say about fasting?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — There is a strong biblical base for fasting, particularly during the 40 days of Lent leading to the celebration of Easter. John Wesley fasted weekly and considered fasting an important part of a Christian's life. But does The United Methodist Church have official guidelines on fasting? InfoServ, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has the answer in the latest installment of Ask the UMC.
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Ask the UMC 

LOOKING AHEAD

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.

Thursday, March 23-Friday, March 24

Preaching Conference: "Preaching a Relevant Word: Politics, Policy and the People" — 7 p.m.–noon EDT at Candler School of Theology, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta. This preaching conference sponsored by Candler is designed to assist pastors and congregants in better understanding and addressing contemporary sociopolitical issues. The keynote speaker is the Rev. William Barber II, chair of the North Carolina NAACP and the Rebuilding Broken Places Community Development Corporation. The conference is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Details

Sunday, March 26

UMCOR Sunday — Gifts to UMCOR Sunday lay the foundation for all United Methodist Committee on Relief work by covering the costs of doing business. This means all contributions designated to specific programs can go 100 percent to these programs because UMCOR’s basic expenses are covered. Resources

See more United Methodist events