“DeLaris is strong and confident, yet gentle in spirit, with a delightful sense of humor. Sitting and talking with her was like being at her kitchen table with a gracious lady and lifelong friend.” — Celinda J. Hughes, co-chair of a reception honoring DeLaris Johnson Risher, one of the first Black women to integrate Scarritt College in Nashville, Tennessee, 70 years ago.
NEWS AND FEATURES
She 'dared to stand up for women of color'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — DeLaris Johnson Risher doesn’t look, act or talk like a trailblazing, fearless woman — but she is. In 1952, she and Leila Robinson Dabbs, both Black women, quietly integrated Scarritt College for Christian Workers in Nashville, two years before segregation in education was ruled unconstitutional. Risher looks back on those days and her long career, which includes being the first Black Methodist deaconess. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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UMC.org
The mysterious, connectional act of prayer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The acts of asking for prayer, praying for others and reciting prayers together are built into Christian faith tradition. Jesus modeled it, and Christians repeat it. But do they understand it? United Methodist spiritual leaders offer help unraveling the complexity of prayer. Crystal Caviness has the story.
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East Ohio Conference
$30,000 donation used to help families
WELLINGTON, Ohio — Thirty-two families were helped by Wellington First United Methodist Church after an anonymous donor made a $30,000 gift. The money was used in several ways, including paying utility bills for struggling families. Brett Hetherington reports.
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Central and Southern Europe Central Conference
Churches welcome Ukrainian refugees
ZURICH — United Methodists in countries bordering Ukraine continue to offer aid and encouragement to Ukrainian refugees. Some of those displaced also are joining in local church activities, including worship. Urs Schweizer reports. UM News is rerunning this item from Friday’s Digest because it linked to a previous report.
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PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
Press freedom yields stories that inform, inspire
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — World Press Freedom Day is May 3, a day of support for and awareness of the importance of freedom of the press. For The United Methodist Church, World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity to celebrate United Methodist News, the official newsgathering agency of the church. Tim Tanton, chief news officer, said telling the stories of the church is both a mission and sacred responsibility that inspires people as well as informs them.
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Greater Northwest Area, Alaska Conference
New Alaska Conference superintendent appointed
WILLOW, Alaska — Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky has announced plans to appoint the Rev. Christina DowlingSoka as conference superintendent for the Alaska United Methodist Conference, effective June 1. DowlingSoka’s new appointment comes as the Alaska and Pacific Northwest leaders actively explore what it will mean to be a "mission district" within the Pacific Northwest Conference. She will also continue as co-pastor of Willow United Methodist Church, alongside her husband, the Rev. Joe-d DowlingSoka.
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RESOURCES
California-Nevada Conference, Discipleship Ministries
Webinar explores including kids in worship
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — JB Brayfindley, with her snail puppet Mort, has been helping California-Nevada Conference churches engage more children in worship during the pandemic. Her ministry includes a new worship model that allows churches to collaborate by sharing video clips that are edited into a 20-minute experience. Discipleship Ministries will offer a webinar featuring Brayfindley at 3 p.m. U.S. Pacific time April 26. The Rev. Kevin Johnson has the story.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Report released on church's net-zero efforts
Commentary: Postponing General Conference may be a good thing
EVENTS
Sunday, May 1
Native American Ministries Sunday