Daily Digest - April 15, 2015

"God saved me physically, emotionally and spiritually. That’s the only way I can explain it!" — Ruth Schwab, an Oklahoma City bombing survivor.

Oklahoma City bombing survivor says God helped her forgive

OKLAHOMA CITY (UMNS) — Ruth Schwab, a United Methodist, was working in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building when it was bombed on April 19, 1995. But she tells the Rev. Boyce A. Bowdon how she found peace even after the attack took her friends, her eye and her job.
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Zimbabwe churches embrace contemporary music

CHITUNGWIZA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — More and more, The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is turning to modern music to attract young adults. The use of contemporary music comes in response to the mushrooming of new churches perceived to be “modern and appealing” by younger members of United Methodist congregations. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
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Debates continue about what Bible really means

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — For countless numbers of people, the Bible is the most important guide to living a faithful Christian life. With an estimated 5 billion copies printed between 1815 and 1975, the Bible remains the top-selling book of all time. What the Bible really means to its readers, however, has been a constant source of debate. Tita Parham reports for Interpreter magazine.
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Two bishops talk about church’s future

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UMNS) — Michael Rich of the Western North Carolina Conference recently asked Bishops Charlene Kammerer and Ken Carter about the future they see for The United Methodist Church. Rich shares their response in this short audio interview.
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92-year-old pastor still working as ‘God’s salesman’

BUSHNELL, Fla. (UMNS) — The Rev. Haig Medzarentz, the 92-year-old senior pastor at St. Catherine United Methodist Church, jokes that he went from selling real estate to becoming “God’s salesman.” And he has no plans to slow down. Anne Dukes profiles Medzarentz for the Florida Conference.
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Two historic churches unite to create new place for new people

WACO, Texas (UMNS) — Establishing a new church is always fraught with peril, but merging two established congregations into one church comes with its own unique set of circumstances, decisions and emotions. The Rev. Jerry Roberson and Vance Morton report for the Central Texas Conference on how two Waco congregations that date to the 19th century are coming together as a new church.
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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 [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.

Saturday, April 18
Ending Violence Against Women and Children — The workshop runs 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the Alford Centrum at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio campus, 3081 Columbus Pike in Delaware, Ohio. Drew University Theological School professor Traci C. West will lead the workshop presented by the East Ohio Methodist Federation for Social Action, in partnership with the East Ohio MFSA and MTSO. Details.

Performance by Andean flute player to benefit Global Ministries' work in Bolivia — 6 p.m. CDT at Clapp Auditorium, Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center, 150 N. Skyline Drive, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Marcelo Peña, known as one of Bolivia’s premiere Quena (Andean flute) players will perform. An offering will be taken to benefit the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries' work in Bolivia. St. James United Methodist Church in Fayetteville is the presenter.

You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.