Daily Digest - April 8, 2015

"I was standing over a book printed in 1521 with an iPad in my hand as I entered the author’s name into the search engine. That essentially said it all in terms of the changes in publishing." — The Rev. Brian Milford said of the United Methodist Publishing House’s rare book collection.

Publishing House deals with rare books before move

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The planned relocation of the United Methodist Publishing House has been complicated — in a good way — by a collection of old, rare religious books, including what may be a first edition of the King James Bible. Assessing the collection, and deciding what to do with it, are punch list items before the big move. Sam Hodges reports.
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Judicial Council to meet April 15-18 in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio (UMNS) — Requests for decisions on resolutions related to sexuality, conference committees on investigation and an African bishop’s salary reduction are among the seven docket items the United Methodist Judicial Council will consider when it meets April 15-18 in Columbus, Ohio. The top court’s regular spring meeting includes an oral hearing at 11 a.m. April 15. Linda Bloom reports.
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Côte d’Ivoire guest house to provide lodging, jobs

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — House of Hope, a United Methodist missionary guest house, will provide jobs and generate income for the denomination’s mission work. The guest house was inaugurated March 31 by Bishop Benjamin Boni and government representatives.
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A faux pas in the pew: What to do?

FREEVILLE, N.Y. (UMNS) — Amy Dickinson, the syndicated advice columnist behind “Ask Amy” and a United Methodist, gets her fair share of emails from church members who are fed up with the behavior of certain pew neighbors. Susan Passi-Klaus shares the advice of Dickinson and other United Methodists on both good manners and forgiveness.
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Vermont church gives Easter take to “Uptown Funk”

BURLINGTON, Vt. (UMNS) — First United Methodist Church gave worshippers a special reason to get up and dance in the pews on Easter. Minister of music Adam Hall turned pop hit “Uptown Funk” into “Christ is Risen Up.” It will have you singing “Hallelujah!” Don’t believe me? Just watch.
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How Wesley Foundations can strengthen faith

STEPHENVILLE, Texas (UMNS) — Parents of college students often wonder if their kids’ faith will crack under pressure. Directors of Wesley Foundation campus ministries deal with those kind of concerns all the time. Vance Morton of the Central Texas Conference offers the example of three Tarleton State University students who found their Christian faith restored or strengthened through their Wesley Foundation.
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Death and resurrection of an urban church

INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) — Broadway United Methodist Church is turning the model of the urban church inside out — beginning with killing off the food pantry, clothing ministry and after-school program. Duke Divinity School’s Faith and Leadership reports how the church has created new ways to connect and support the community surrounding it.
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Easter marks an end for Wichita congregation

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH12) — For many, Easter symbolizes new beginnings. But for members at Grace United Methodist Church, which just celebrated its 129th anniversary, Sunday's services marked the end of a chapter in their lives as the church closed its doors. Emily Griffin reports for KWCH12-TV.
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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.

Friday-Monday, April 17-20
Ecumenical Advocacy Days — This Washington event’s goal, through worship, theological reflection and opportunities for learning and witness, is to strengthen the Christian voice and to mobilize for advocacy on U.S. Capitol Hill. This year's focus in on ending mass incarceration in the United States. Article by Bill Mefford of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society and more details.

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