Daily Digest — August 31, 2015

“We are still struggling with racism, with being an inclusive society. Could Gulfside be a place to come to talk about those issues?” – Mississippi Bishop James E. Swanson Jr.

Gulfside Assembly re-imagining future of historic site

WAVELAND, Miss. (UMNS) – The Gulfside board of directors, which includes Mississippi Bishop James E. Swanson Jr., is rethinking the assembly’s purpose since Hurricane Katrina demolished every building on the 60 acres. Kathy L. Gilbert and Mike DuBose have the story and photos. Eighth in a series.
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Next: The United Methodist Church was there after Katrina, but much still remains undone.

MARCHA 2015 focuses on equity, justice and peace

MADISON, Wisc. (UMNS) – The local church is the foundation of ministry, the Rev. Amaury Tañon-Santos told the annual gathering of MARCHA, United Methodism’s Hispanic/Latino caucus, during its Aug. 13-16 meeting. Michelle Maldonado reports.
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For Yitzhak, a rebuilt home after wildfire

NEW YORK (UMNS) – A home for Yitzhak, an Israeli who moved to the U.S. after suffering religious persecution in Morocco, was the first to be rebuilt after last year’s Carlton Complex fire by a long-term recovery group that includes United Methodists. It was one of two houses dedicated as new fires raged nearby.
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Relief for those fleeing Washington fires

Black Methodists: U.S. can act on racism

WASHINGTON (UMNS) – The historic black Methodist denominations — the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal churches — will hold a press event Sept. 2 at the National Press Club to outline specific areas where the nation can take action on racism.  Jim Winkler, a United Methodist and president of the National Council of Churches, also is among the speakers.
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Joining in prayers for creation on Sept. 1

GENEVA (WCC) – Joined in prayer, Christian churches around the world will again observe the ecumenical “Time for Creation” from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, bolstered by Pope Francis’s recent proclamation of Sept. 1 as the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.”
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Liturgical resources

Kansas Wesleyan, Saint Paul set theological collaboration

SALINA, Kan. (UMNS) – Kansas Wesleyan and Saint Paul School of Theology are establishing a 3-plus-3 theological studies undergraduate program. Under the program, students from the United Methodist-related university will condense the four-year degree for the Christian Ministry major into three years, followed by the completion of the three-year Master of Divinity degree at Saint Paul, a United Methodist seminary. This allows students to prepare for ordination and entry into the ministry in six years instead of the usual seven.
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Game Changers addresses technology for social good

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – Learn how the latest technological tools, including humanitarian drones, 3D printers and alternative energy, are reshaping the way we understand and interact with the environment to benefit underdeveloped communities throughout the world. The Game Changers Summit 2015, hosted by United Methodist Communications, will be Sept. 17-19.
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Two join Religion and Race staff

WASHINGTON (UMNS) – Catherine Payling, a chartered accountant with more than 25 years in non-profit management experience, and Michael Woestehoff, a communicator who has worked most recently in the Office of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior, have joined the staff of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race.
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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, Sept. 4

Early-bird registration deadline for the Leadership Institute at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas — The pre-institute will be Wednesday, Sept. 30 and the institute will be Thursday-Friday, Oct. 1-2. This mainline church training event brings together clergy, church staff and volunteers who share a passion for renewing the church. The gathering includes more than 80 different ministry workshops in a variety of ministry areas. Before or on Sept. 4, registration is $45 per participant for the pre-institute and $149 per participant for the institute. Special rates for participants 28 and younger. Details

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