Daily Digest - September 12, 2023

“Work should not be what defines us. There are other parts of our lives — rest, restoration, community, personal well-being, communal well-being, worship, ritual — all of these things are equally important parts of life.” — Norman Wirzba of Duke Divinity School


NEWS AND FEATURES

Reviving the Sabbath
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — A documentary on American Public Television is promoting reconsideration of how Christians and others observe a Sabbath day each week. “Sabbath: An Ancient Tradition Meets the Modern World” is a two-hour documentary that looks at how various groups observe a weekly Sabbath and argues for the importance of the practice. United Methodists are part of the team that made the film and appear in it. Jim Patterson has the story.
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United Methodist Committee on Relief
Prayers for people of Morocco, Libya
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Committee on Relief is joining in prayer for the people of Morocco affected by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake on Sept. 8 and for those devastated by severe flooding in Libyaover the weekend. In Morocco, more than 2,900 people have been killed in the strongest earthquake in the country in more than a century. In Libya, more than 2,000 people are dead as whole neighborhoods were swept into the sea by flash floods. UMCOR urges prayer for those grieving and in need of healing and for first responders as they continue search and rescue efforts. The relief agency is coordinating with regional partners to determine how it might help in both countries. 
Donate to UMCOR’s International Disaster Response and Recovery
AP: What to know about the Morocco earthquake and efforts to help
Reuters: Libya floods wipe out quarter of city, 10,000 feared missing

Greater Northwest Area
Church celebrates Safe Parking Program
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Lake Washington United Methodist Church recently celebrated surpassing over a decade in which it has been providing the congregation’s safe parking program. The initiative, which started in July 2011, offers a secure place for individuals living in their vehicles and provides support services. Patrick Scriven has the story and photos. 
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North Georgia Conference
Home welcomes women reentering society
ATLANTA — Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and City of Refuge, a faith-based organization focused on families transitioning from crisis, have opened their first Welcome Home House. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house will be a transitional house for women reentering society from prison. North Georgia Conference staff report. 
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Texas Monthly 
Moving on after disaffiliation 
MABANK, Texas — A vote to disaffiliate by First United Methodist Church of Mabank has led to the creation of a new United Methodist congregation and has strained relationships and broken some hearts. But both churches report growth and greater unity — and both are looking forward. Robyn Ross reports.
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UM News: Trying to heal after church disaffiliation votes
 

RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
Preparing for World Communion Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — World Communion Sunday on Oct. 1 this year is an opportunity for United Methodists to call attention to the unity of all Christians at the Lord’s table. The United Methodist Church also has designated it as a special Sunday to support United Methodist students in the United States and worldwide.
See resources
Ask The UMC: What is World Communion Sunday?


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EVENTS

Thursday, Sept. 14
Status and Role of Women Coffee Chats with Denise Smartt Sears

Thursday, Sept. 14
What Every United Methodist Child Should Know About Generosity