Daily Digest - April 17, 2015

"The past is not automatically worse than the present, nor is it a time of pristine example. But it is immensely instructive." — The Rev. Chris Momany, chaplain and professor at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan.

Class draws on Adrian’s abolitionist history

ADRIAN, Mich. (UMNS) — Former president John Quincy Adams is troubled. It is 1845, and he is part of a vicious debate surrounding Frederick Douglass and the former slave’s just-released autobiography. Recapturing this history is part of teaching students at United Methodist-related Adrian College about how to address modern-day slavery, writes the Rev. Chris Momany, college chaplain.
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‘We shall be raised!’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — “I believe in … the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” Christians have repeated these words for centuries. But what do they mean? Several scholars offer their perspectives. Cecile S. Holmes has the story in Interpreter magazine.
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Quick facts about The United Methodist Church

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Looking for a snapshot of The United Methodist Church’s numbers around the globe? The data services department of the General Council on Finance and Administration has put together a chart of church membership, attendance, total active churches and total active clergy.
See chart

Conference on environment and theology planned

CLAREMONT, Calif. (UMNS) — Nearly 1,000 presenters from some 30 countries plan to come together for an interdisciplinary conference on the environment June 4-7 at United Methodist Claremont School of Theology and Pomona College. Titled “Seizing an Alternative: Toward an Ecological Civilization,” conference speakers include Bill McKibben, a United Methodist layperson and founder of 350.org; Vandana Shiva, Indian eco-activist; Sheri Liao, climate activist in China; and a number of church leaders.
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Pension board receives international recognition

GLENVIEW, Ill. (UMNS) — Responsible Investor international news service, based in the United Kingdom, has nominated the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits for the RI Reporting Awards 2015. The nomination recognizes the board’s report “Sustainable Investing: Transforming Companies through Environmental, Social and Governance Best Practices.” The United Methodist board is one of only two U.S. pension funds to be nominated for an award.
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What do we mean when we pray for revival?

SAVANNAH, Ga. (UMNS) — The Rev. Ben Gosden, pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, wonders what United Methodists mean when they pray for revival. “When we pray for revival or renewal in the church, are we willing to hear God’s voice calling us to change?” he asks. He offers suggestions what such change might look like.
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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.

Friday, April 17

Author Rachel Held Evans speaks — 7 to 9 p.m. EDT at King Avenue United Methodist Church, 299 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. The best-selling author and popular Christian blogger will speak about her newest book, "Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church." Details.

Tuesday, April 21

Three brothers from Taizé Community in Taizé, France hold worship and workshop at Wesley Theological Seminary — Worship from 11:30 a.m. to noon and workshop on contemplative musical prayer from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EDT at Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington. The Taizé Community is an ecumenical monastic order in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, Burgundy, France. Details.

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