Daily Digest - April 9, 2015

"It is important for everyone to know the basics in risk reduction and management, like disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and rehabilitation." — Bishop Ciriaco Francisco of the Davao area in the Philippines.

Filipino clergy hopeful for disaster risk reduction

PASAY CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — A United Nations report has identified the Philippines as one of the countries most at risk for disaster because of climate change. Clergy and others were grateful for a training session on reducing disaster risk, sponsored by the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story.
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Native American offering enriches heritage, outreach

GREENSBORO, N.C. (UMNS) — For the past two years, Carson Jones and his daughter, Sade, have been able to celebrate their heritage with other Native Americans at the Southeastern Jurisdiction Association for Native American Ministries — thanks to funds from the Native American Ministries Sunday offering. Jones, a member of the Lumbee tribe, explains to Interpreter magazine that without the financial assistance of the fund, they could not afford to attend.
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Get resources for Native American Ministries Sunday

Welcome to the church of ‘holy chaos’

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (UMNS) — Known as a church of “holy chaos,” the Haywood Street Congregation is a United Methodist mission church launched in 2009 as a place of welcome and ministry for people who are homeless or otherwise living on the margins in downtown Asheville. Duke Divinity School’s Faith and Leadership reports how the church is an example of “entrepreneurial and innovative ministry.”
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Father-daughter duo CD sales benefit Imagine No Malaria

PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — The Rev. Jeff Lowery and his daughter, Paige, have recorded a CD that they plan to sell to benefit Imagine No Malaria, The United Methodist Church’s campaign to reduce death and suffering from malaria. “Our most recent song and the final one for the CD is called ‘Can You Imagine’ and it is a theme song for the cause,” Lowery wrote.
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Learn more about Imagine No Malaria

Africana Hymnal Project preserves rich musical history

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Africana Hymnal Project, which provides music and worship resources from African-American traditions and preserves the rich history of music born out of slavery, is now available. Information about the project will be presented to musicians, dancers, visual artists and preachers in July in Indianapolis at Pathways 2015, the biennial convocation of The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts.
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7 reasons your church should have a front porch

TACOMA, Wash. (UMNS) — In this era where so many churches are struggling to grow and connect with new people, Patrick Scriven of the Pacific Northwest Conference wonders if it isn’t long overdue that we reevaluate where we spend our time and energy. He suggests why churches should adopt a front-porch orientation and get to know their neighbors.
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Agency names new vital congregations strategist

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Vance P. Ross has been named to the new position of director of annual conference relations/annual conference strategist for vital congregations at United Methodist Discipleship Ministries. Ross will begin his new assignment on May 11.
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Andrew College elects new president

CUTHBERT, Ga. (UMNS) — Linda Buchanan, most recently the vice president and dean for student life at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, was elected president of Andrew College by the board of trustees. She will take office on June 15.
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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.

Thursday, April 9
Webinar “Finding the Keys to Help Unlock Classroom Mysteries: Strategies for Working with Children with Communication and Behavioral Challenges” — 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. This program will discuss ways to make sure that those who are nonverbal, those who have aggression issues, those who have verbal outbursts, and those that "run away" from classroom settings are able to be actively included in church programs as safely as possible. Details.

Sunday, April 19
Native American Ministries Sunday — Gifts as part of this Special Sunday support Native American seminary students and congregations who serve God in the context of Native American cultures. UMCgiving.org provides resources. Details.

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