Daily Digest - November 13, 2023

“We call for the release of hostages and for the killing to stop. We also call for the immediate allowance of unrestricted humanitarian assistance.” — Council of Bishops in a statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Bishops call for peacemaking in Holy Land
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Council of Bishops, during its fall meeting, released a statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict, seeking investment in peacemaking. On the same day the bishops released their statement, Christian leaders in Jerusalem urged their flocks to prepare for a solemn Advent and Christmastide focused on providing relief for the war’s victims. Heather Hahn reports. 
Read story
Read Council of Bishops statement 

Greater New Jersey Conference
Grant helps nonprofit support families
TRENTON, N.J. — Faith-based nonprofit The Maker’s Place was established in 2018 to meet a crucial need of many low-income families: diapers. A 2023 Peace with Justice grant from the Greater New Jersey Conference will go to support its two main ministry programs, the Diaper Depot and YOUFirst, which offers respite care and mental health support for mothers. Krista B. Jefferies has the story.
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North Alabama Conference
Conference board boosts Birmingham-Southern
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The North Alabama Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits has approved investing $2.5 million in United Methodist-related Birmingham-Southern College, contingent on the city of Birmingham making a separate investment of at least that amount. Birmingham-Southern has been scrambling to stay afloat, but officials are pointing to the board’s move and others as highly positive developments.
Read conference statement
Read AL.com news story

Global Ministries
Holistic mission thrives in Cambodia
ATLANTA — The Rev. Andrew Soon Lee and wife Janice Sehyung Lee lead a multifaceted ministry in Cambodia, where they have served as Global Ministries missionaries since 2017. Working with the Methodist Church of Cambodia and area nonprofits, they have helped to build 90 wells, operate a school, develop a Sunday school curriculum and more. “When we do any kind of mission, it’s all about people,” said Janice Sehyung Lee. The staff of Global Ministries has the story.
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

Connectional Table, Council of Bishops 
2022 State of the Church Report released 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Church has released the 2022 State of the Church Report. The report centers on how the people of The United Methodist Church have dug deeper into their Wesleyan roots to reclaim, revive and renew their identity as United Methodists.
Read press release
See report
Watch video

Finance and Administration
Payroll Partners named ministry partner
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, has welcomed Payroll Partners to its Ministry Partner Program. Payroll Partners is a national cloud-based payroll, timekeeping and human resources solution provider.
Read press release
Learn more 


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. 

Creating a Culture of Renewal 
3 strategies for guiding with gratitude
CASPER, Wyo. — During the Thanksgiving season, religious leaders possess a unique role in leading their communities in discovering the purpose and significance of expressing thankfulness. The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter offers suggestions for pastors to guide their churches with gratitude. 
Read commentary


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EVENTS

Monday, Dec. 4-Saturday, Dec. 16
For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts

Tuesday, Dec 5
United Women in Faith: Voices From the Field — Home Missioners in Ministry