Daily Digest - November 20, 2017

NEWS AND FEATURES
 

‘Missio Dei’ proves challenging topic

BOSTON (UMNS) — United Methodist bishops and seminary professors struggled to find common ground at a Nov. 12-15 colloquy titled “Missio Dei and the United States: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness.” But participants saluted the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry for sponsoring an event to consider God’s mission for the denomination. Sam Hodges reports. 
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Agency employees to see changes in pay scales

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Employees at United Methodist general agencies will see changes to their pay scale under policies the denomination’s finance agency board approved Nov. 17. The board voted unanimously despite objections of agency top executives that the timing is bad. Heather Hahn reports.
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Appalachian Trail chaplain completes journey 

SPRINGER MOUNTAIN, Ga. (UMCOM) — The Rev. Matt Hall was joined by friends and supporters for the last mile of his 2,200-mile hike of the Appalachian Trail. Hall, the 2017 chaplain appointed to the trail by the Holston Conference, crossed the finish line Nov. 19. Asked what he would do the next day, he replied, “Probably go for a run and catch up on some reading.”
Read UMNS story of chaplain’s journey
 

FLORIDA CONFERENCE
‘A taste of home’ served at church’s Filipino potluck

MELBOURNE, Fla. — Every Sunday at First Church, a United Methodist community in Melbourne, 50 to 70 friends join for an authentic Filipino potluck meal. They share fellowship, speak their common language and enjoy dishes such as lumpia (egg rolls) and pancit (rice noodles). Anne Dukes reports for the Florida Conference on a 17-year-old tradition.
Read story 

COMMENTARIES

Lewis Center
Welcoming millennials by preserving anonymity

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Churches often welcome young adults with such urgency and expectation that younger visitors can feel overwhelmed. The Rev. Scott Chrostek, pastor of Resurrection Downtown, offers ideas for being hospitable while letting newcomers blend in.
Read commentary 

 

RESOURCES

Churches asked to test anti-domestic violence curriculum

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –– Headlines are full of reports on respected men sexually violating women. The Commission on United Methodist Men invites local churches to test a curriculum to help men address behaviors that objectify women and create a climate which tolerates violence against women.
Learn more 

 

No Daily Digest Nov. 22-24

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — There will be no Daily Digest Nov. 22-24 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

 

RECENT HEADLINES

United Methodist University in Sierra Leone opens

 

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