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Daily Digest - August 2, 2017

"When the church, including my own tradition, has practiced what it preached, we have stood with the pushed down, the pushed out and the pushed around." — Retired United Methodist Bishop Joel Martinez of San Antonio, Texas.

Rallying against Texas 'bathroom bill'

AUSTIN, Texas (UMNS) — United Methodists headed to Austin on Aug. 1 to send a message to Texas legislators: “Y’all Means All,” encouraging lawmakers to vote against a North Carolina-style “bathroom bill.” About 200 United Methodists were among the 500 people attending the interfaith advocacy event hosted by Texas Impact. Mary Jacobs reports.
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Pastor leads devotions on the water

ROANOKE, Va. — The Rev. Gary Heaton paddles his canoe each Wednesday to lead devotions for summer boaters and joggers near the Roanoke Greenway. “It’s taking the gospel into a setting where people can happen by it,” he said. The Virginia Conference’s Madeline Pillow writes about this ministry, and Nick Ruxton has video.
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Watch video 

Oklahoma United Methodist's got talent

OKLAHOMA CITY — A marching band, color guard, cheerleaders and an excited crowd set the scene in the parking lot of United Methodist Church of the Servant for a “homecoming” video featuring young ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer. The 12-year-old and the video will be featured in this season’s first live episode of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” on Aug. 15. Chris Schutz reports for the Oklahoma Conference.
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Vietnamese church celebrates in global style

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — History was made in 1987 when a Grand Rapids congregation became the first Vietnamese United Methodist church chartered anywhere in the world. On July 30, 280 Vietnamese clergy and their families from around the world joined in celebrating the congregation’s 30th anniversary. Kay DeMoss of the Michigan Area reports. 
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The secret to forgiveness: Focus within

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Letting go of resentment can be difficult. A United Methodist counselor offers tips to help people move away from holding a grudge and into forgiveness. Joe Iovino of UMC.org reports.
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Looking ahead

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.

Friday, Aug. 4

Room at Registration deadline for Summer Preaching Seminar: Getting to Grace — 1 p.m. CDT. United Theological Seminary, 4501 Denlinger Road, Dayton, Ohio. Paul Scott Wilson, professor of homiletics at Emmanuel College of the University of Toronto, will explore theological and practical matters of preaching grace. Other presenters at the Aug. 9-11 seminar include Joni Sancken, associate professor of homiletics at United; Richard Eslinger, professor emeritus of worship and homiletics at United; and Elise Eslinger, compiler and editor of “The Upper Room Worshipbook.” This seminar is eligible for 1.4 CEUs. Details

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