NOTE: This is a digest of news features provided by United Methodist Communications for March 24 - March 28. It includes summaries of United Methodist News Service stories and additional briefs from around the United Methodist connection. Full versions of the stories with photographs and related features can be found at http://umns.umc.org.
News around conferences
United Methodists ready to assist after mudslideSNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. (UMNS) - United Methodist Early Response Teams stand ready to assist after the deadly mudslide in Washington State, but coordinator Jim Truitt doesn't expect a call soon, due to the extensive debris and damaged roads.
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Bishop urges prayer after mudslide
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. (UMNS) - Bishop Grant Hagiya, who leads the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area, is asking for prayer for those affected by this weekend's deadly mudslide in Washington. Patrick Scriven of the Pacific Northwest Annual (regional) Conference shares the bishop's words and an update.
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Missouri Conference gives $150,000 for Joplin
JOPLIN, Mo. (UMNS) - The Missouri Annual (regional) Conference on March 19 gave a check for $150,000 to Rebuild Joplin to help more families affected by the catastrophic May 22, 2011, tornado. The Rebuild Joplin development director told Fourstateshomepage.com the gift is a game changer to clear the current waiting lists for homes.
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Hearing his call in the beat of a drum
THONOTOSASSA, Fla. (UMNS) - Meet Dock Green Silverhawk, the spiritual leader of the American Indian Christian Circle of Thonotosassa. The circle meets at Thonotosassa United Methodist Church and gives Native Americans the opportunity for Christian worship that honors their spiritual and cultural heritage. Kathy Steele of the Florida Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
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Church shops and sells with a purpose
LYONS, Ga. (UMNS) - It's not often that shopping and service come together, but that's exactly what happens each time a purchase is made at the Wings of Hope Thrift Store, a new ministry of Lyons First United Methodist Church. The South Georgia Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
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2 conferences join forces for mission trip
LAKELAND, Fla. (UMNS) - The Florida and Western North Carolina annual (regional) conferences are sending a joint delegation to deepen relationships with the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. Each conference has sent three representatives for the two-week mission trip that began March 24.
Read Western North Carolina story
Read Florida Conference story
News around the connection
Chicago faith leaders join call to end deportationsCHICAGO (UMNS) - United Methodist Bishop Sally Dyck joined Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Mexican immigrant Elvira Arellano and other faith leaders in a rally and sit-in at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office March 27 in an act of civil disobedience. Watch for coverage on www.umc.org/news and the Northern Illinois Annual (regional) United Methodist Conference www.umcnic.org.
UMNS Facebook page
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Dallas pastor faces complaint for same-sex service
DALLAS (UMNS) - The Rev. William McElvaney says he is the subject of a formal complaint for going against United Methodist Church law by officiating at a March 1 same-sex wedding. He confirmed to UMNS the details of a letter he sent to members of Northaven United Methodist Church in Dallas, where he once was pastor and now is pastor emeritus.
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Supervisory response begins for Dallas pastor
DALLAS (UMNS) - A supervisory response is under way for the Rev. William McElvaney, the retired pastor who officiated at a same-sex union in violation of United Methodist Church law. "It is my prayer that our members, both clergy and laity, affirm the goals of this process with their prayers and respect for the confidential nature of this process, which seeks reconciliation as its ultimate goal," Bishop Michael McKee said in a March 24 statement to the North Texas Annual (regional) Conference.
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Scholarships help youth leaving foster care
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - For youth aging out of a foster care home and unsure of how they will pay for rent and food, much less tuition, funding a college education can seem an impossible dream. However, that dream is becoming a reality for many, thanks to scholarships through the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
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'Band of Angels' assists Sandy survivors
NEW YORK (UMNS) - A family in New Jersey was barely hanging on to a faint glimmer of hope when a "band of angels" came to their door. Before Hurricane Sandy swirled through, the father, an ironworker, became disabled when he hurt his back at work. Then, the family was devastated when they lost one of the children, 6 years old, to cancer. Susan Kim reports for the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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United Methodists work to protect water
NEW YORK (UMNS) - Two of the denomination's general agencies are providing material to help understand the threat to water resources throughout the world. The United Methodist Committee on Relief joined with the United Nations to mark World Water Day on March 22. "Water, Holy Water" is the theme of this year's Earth Day resource from Creation Justice Ministries of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. The material for the April 22 day to remember the environment explores "water as a gift from God being threatened by overuse and pollution."
Five ways to make water last
"Water, Holy Water" (Earth Day 2014)
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Communications relief progresses in Philippines
TANAUAN, Leyte (UMNS) - United Methodist Communications is continuing to work on communications relief for the survivors in Central Philippines. Its work has included funding mobile tools seminars conducted by partner Inveneo to equip organizations working in the disaster areas to respond more efficiently.
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Agency's board prepares for General Conference
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Members of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race's board recently dedicated three days of prayerful discernment and preparation for the agency's work at the 2016 General Conference. The focus was on monitoring, supporting delegates and preparing legislation for the denomination's top lawmaking assembly to help further the values of institutional equity.
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Study Bible award finalist
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The CEB Study Bible, the first study Bible available for the Common English Bible translation, has been selected as a finalist for an award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Abingdon Press, part of the United Methodist Publishing House, distributes the Common English Bible and related materials.
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Resources and educational opportunities
How to protect your church from theftNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Often, people are shocked to learn of the significant losses congregations face from embezzlement and dishonesty by church workers. Paul Stephens, vice president of marketing and risk-management services for The Church Insurance Agency Corp., offers ways churches can reduce their risk.
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See series on protecting churches when disaster strikes
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Event will focus on churches in mission
POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. (UMNS) - The Rev. Jorge Acevedo of Grace United Methodist Church in Fort Myers, Fla., and Brian Fikkert of the Chalmers Center will be keynote speakers for the Beyond These Walls Mission Conference, May 1-3, at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church. The event will focus on churches interested in or doing mission work. Early registration discount is available until April 1.
Learn more
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History of Hymns: 'Blessed Assurance'
DALLAS (UMNS) - This hymn is the creation of two notable Methodist women - the prolific poet Fanny Crosby and song composer Phoebe Palmer Knapp. This is the story of the song that helped generations of Christians to be "Praising my Savior all the day long."
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United Methodists in the news
Rebuilding Haiti, one computer at a timeTHOMAS, Haiti (UMNS) - The international news service Reuters features how individual United Methodists and United Methodist Communications are providing technology for development and improving lives in Haiti.
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Google honors United Methodist
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - The late Dorothy Irene Height, famed as "the godmother of the civil rights movement," was the Google doodle on Monday, March 24, what would have been her 102nd birthday. She also was a member of the Methodist movement for most of her life. You can read more about her contributions to her church and country.
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Alabama church to remember Palm Sunday tornado
PIEDMONT, Ala. (UMNS) - March 27 marked the 20th anniversary of what has become known as the Palm Sunday tornado. Forty people died in that tornado, 20 of them inside the Goshen United Methodist Church. The Anniston Star reports that the church will have a special service March 30 to reflect on the events of that day and what has happened since.
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Katrina survivors training to help others
NEW ORLEANS (UMNS) - The horrifying images of the destruction when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005 are hard to forget. For those who lived there, the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief is something never to be forgotten. Now, some residents of the Gulf Coast are in training to give the kind of care they received. Nola.com has the story.
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About the Epworth Project
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Minneapolis church reaches out to homeless teens
MINNEAPOLIS (UMNS) - The Rev. Rachel Morey, pastor of Brooklyn Mosaic United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Center, has been working with city officials, other denominations and civic groups to help build what will be a shelter for homeless teens. "They go to incredible measures to hide the fact they have no place to do laundry or sleep at night," Morey told the Star-Tribune.
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Listen to Minnesota Public Radio story
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Church honors Civil War soldier
WESLEY, N.Y. (UMNS) - They gathered March 22 in the one-room Wesley United Methodist Church to remember Anson Park, who died on that day 150 years ago during the Civil War. The land for the church and its nearby cemetery was given by Park's family generations ago and some of his descendants remain active in the church. Salamancapress.com describes a ceremony replete with Civil War remembrances.
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Storage pod becomes portable medical facility
BRIDGE CITY, Texas (UMNS) - It took almost a year but the Orange County United Methodist Men have turned a storage pod into a portable medical facility that soon will go to Belize. 12newsnow.com explains how this project came together.
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Three years after blaze, church almost rebuilt
SOUTH SEAVILLE, N.J. (UMNS) - Lightning struck South Seaville United Methodist Church in June 2011 and the building was lost to fire. It has taken three years but the rebuilt structure is about to resume its place as a community hub. The pressofatlanticcity.com explains how the congregation overcame the obstacles.
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How to protect your church
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North Carolina couple make sure youth are fed
GASTON, N.C. (UMNS) - Preston and Martha Taylor joined with their church, First United Methodist, more than 10 years ago to perform an act of kindness. The Feeding the Children Ministry now provides food for more than 300 area children on school breaks when free and reduced lunch programs are not active. Charlotteobserver.com reports the Taylors also prepared a manual for any other churches interested in starting a similar ministry.
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Ministry with the Poor
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Milwaukee project aims to de-stigmatize poverty
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (UMNS) - United Methodist Children's Services, a nonprofit organization that helps Milwaukee citizens living in poverty, is a finalist in this year's Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Initiatives. Neighborhood News Service explains how this project is working to de-stigmatize poverty.
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Ministry with the Poor
University and seminary news
Huston-Tillotson University president to retireAUSTIN, Texas (UMNS) - Larry L. Earvin, now in his 14th year as president of United Methodist-related Huston-Tillotson University, has announced he will retire June 30, 2015. The university's board has established a presidential search committee to find Earvin's successor, who will be Huston-Tillotson's sixth president.
Learn more about Huston-Tillotson
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Reinhardt University president to depart
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (UMNS) - J. Thomas Isherwood, the 19th president of United Methodist-related Reinhardt University, has announced he plans to leave the university June 30, 2015.
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News of interest
Alban Institute closingHERNDON, Va. (UMNS) - The Alban Institute, which has long provided support to mainline denomination congregations through consulting and publications, is closing amid financial struggles. United Methodist-related Duke Divinity School is in discussion with Alban Institute officials about carrying on some of the work, the Religion News Service reports.
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Urgent call to end violence against Bangladeshi minorities
GENEVA (UMNS) - Persecution of minorities in Bangladesh is not an "overnight crisis" but is a phenomenon deeply rooted in the country's history and politics and women suffer the most, say participants in a March 26 meeting organized by the World Council of Churches' Commission of the Churches on International Affairs and the Bangladesh Minority Council.
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Student group seeks U.S. regional co-chair
NEW YORK (UMNS) - The World Student Christian Federation North American Regional Committee is now accepting applications from U.S. students and recent graduates to serve a two-year term in the volunteer position of U.S. co-chair of the Regional Committee. The application deadline is April 1.
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Re-organized NCC to host national gathering
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - The National Council of Churches will have its first national gathering May 18-20 since a 2013 reorganization that reduced the size of its governing board and created four 'convening tables' responsible for key mission and programs. Jim Winkler, a United Methodist, is the NCC's top executive.
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Blogs and commentaries
Chaplains: Part of the medical teamLAFAYETTE, Ind. (UMNS) - The Rev. Chris Madison, a United Methodist elder in the Indiana Annual (regional) Conference, shares why he is a hospital chaplain and the important role chaplains play in medicine. "Chaplains don't want to ever be underfoot or in the way. We often work as liaisons between medical staff and families in crisis," he writes.
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'Protect the common good'
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - "As a Christian, I reject this use of my faith as a weapon when the core message of Christianity is the commandment to love and care for one another," Katey Zeh told a March 25 rally in support of the Affordable Care Act. Zeh is project director of the Healthy Families, Healthy Planet initiative of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. The Supreme Court heard arguments on a case in which a private company is challenging the act on religious grounds.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email newsdesk@umcom.org and put Digest in the subject line.Deadline to register for online course "United Methodism 101," Monday, March 31 - Course offered April 2 to May 14, an overview of the denomination's history, structure, beliefs, ministries and challenges from United Methodist Communications. $9.99. Details.
Webinar "Multiplying Disciples: Part 2," Monday, March 31 - 6:30 p.m. CT, spiritual leaders learn together to build an intentional congregational plan for making disciples. To register.
Deadline to apply for Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy, Tuesday, April 1 - The chaplain's office at United Methodist-related Adrian College will help host a leadership academy June 25 to 28 for Hispanic United Methodist youth and young adults in eighth through 12th grades. Click here for a pdf of the registration form.
Webinar "Monitoring Reports: Increasing Participation through Gentle Mutual Accountability," Tuesday, April 1 - 7:30 p.m. CT, part of a series of leadership webinars offered by the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women. To see schedule and register.
Deadline to register for the 2014 United Methodist Women Assembly, Tuesday, April 1 - April 25 to 27, Louisville, Ky. Details.
Welcome Table at Wesley Theological Seminary, Thursday, April 3 - 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET events for prospective students include a campus tour, networking opportunities and the chance to attend a class. Details.
Webinar "Developing Your Ministry Plan 3: Discovering Your Discipleship Process," Thursday, April 3 - 6:30 p.m. CT, this session focuses on three key areas of congregational life: values, small groups, and social outreach. To register.
Webinar "Reaching out to children of unchurched parents," Thursday, April 3 - 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET, offered by Practical Church Resources. Details.
The Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries conference, Thursday through Sunday, April 3-6 -Asheville, N.C., Continuing education for administrative assistants and any office workers in United Methodist churches. Details.
Webinar "New Children's Ministers," Tuesday, April 8 - 10 a.m. CT, how successfully to recruit people to serve as well as provide tangible online, print and verbal tools for identifying and encouraging adults both to connect with children's ministry programs and continue serving. To register.
Webinar "Teaching the Way of Jesus," Tuesday, April 8 - 6:30 p.m. CT, What does it mean for us to educate "followers of Jesus" for faithful living in the world? A look at six key directions to focus our ministries in Christian education. To register.
Webinar "Pastors Read: 'American Saint: Francis Asbury and the Methodists,'" Wednesday, April 9 - 10 a.m. CT, discussion of John Wigger's book, which gives an overview of how the Methodist movement started in the United States. Wigger will be part of the discussion. To register.
"Means of Grace" Webinar - Holy Communion, Fasting and Feeding the Hungry, Thursday, April 10, 7 p.m. CDT,sponsored by The Upper Room and Interpreter Magazine, registration deadline 12 noon CDT, Tuesday, April 8. Register.
Live Well Event: A Different Kind of Women's Fair, Saturday, April 12 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Wichita, Kan. United Methodist Church at the Well is also a sponsor. Tickets cost $5 for individuals, $8 for pairs. Details.
Palm/ Passion Sunday, April 13 - The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers worship resources.
Holy Week, Monday-Saturday, April 14-19 - The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers worship resources.
Deadline to register for Church Communication: 10 Things, Tuesday, April 15 - Clinic sponsored by the Memphis Conference Communications Action Team, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT, Thursday, April 24, First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tenn. $25 per person, $20 each for groups of three or more. Details.
Webinar "Media: What's Trending in Elementary School," Tuesday, April 15 - Noon CT, a discussion of how to extend community to children through healthy media use. To register.
Easter Sunday, April 20 - The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers worship resources.
Beyond These Walls Mission Conference, May 1-3, at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, Powder Springs, Ga. Focus is on churches interested in mission work. Early registration discount is available until April 1. Learn more or email ourmissions@mceachernumc.org
A Gathering of the Aldersgate Covenant, Friday-Saturday, May 16-17 - A 20-hour prayer for revival with guest speakers from across the United States at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kan. Details.
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