Daily Digest - February 12, 2015

"We’ve tried to allow some exercise of conscience . . . and to open a space for grace where people can live together in unity with their different beliefs.”—The Rev. Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai on the Connectional Table’s sexuality proposal.

Church body proposes more open stance on homosexuality

MAPUTO, Mozambique (UMNS) – The United Methodist Church could have openly gay clergy and clergy could officiate at same-sex marriages if a proposal affirmed by a denomination-wide leadership body prevails. The Connectional Table plans to draft legislation that members hope can be “a third way” in the church’s long debate over homosexuality. Heather Hahn has the story.
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Meal, mobility ministries keep small church nimble

GLENCOE, Okla. (UMNS) — Glencoe United Methodist Church may be small in terms of membership – 44 people attend regularly – but the church is large in terms of serving its community. Glencoe hosted more than 400 at its 112th New Year’s dinner. The mobility ministry, started in 2010, provides motorized wheelchairs to those who can’t afford the needed equipment. Read more in the Oklahoma Conference Contact.
Read storyBeing visible in the midst of a cholera outbreak

BUKAMA, DRC (UMNS) — The church has rehabilitated a cholera treatment center in the Bukama Health Zone, Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, with the help of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau reports on the response to a cholera outbreak in the region.
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Virginia United Methodists connect with legislators

RICHMOND, Va. (UMNS) — Bundled against the cold and identified by bright red tote bags, United Methodists fanned out across the connected, multi-story buildings that house legislators’ offices during the 23rd annual United Methodist Day at the Virginia General Assembly. Neill Caldwell, editor of the Virginia United Methodist Advocate, has the story.
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What alcoholics can teach churches

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Ben Floyd is going more public with a story he's often shared in church basements about drinking and drugging at age 12. At age 26, he sobered up at a rehab center. Now Floyd, 42, is sharing his story from the pulpit of Daybreak Fellowship, a new faith community that borrows some ideas from Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12 Step recovery groups. Dale Neal reports for the Asheville Citizen Tribune.
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Mission placements help United Methodists find vocation

DETROIT (UMNS) – Amy Brown loves her job helping homeless people. She credits the US-2 mission intern program – now called Global Mission Fellows – with helping her find her vocation. Julia Kayser Frisbie and Laura K. Wise of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries have the story.
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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, Feb. 13
Inside Perkins – This all-day event at Perkins School of Theology, part of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, is for prospective degree and non-degree students. Those attending will meet faculty and students and get information on courses, financial aid and more. See schedule. For more information, contact Herbert Coleman or 214.768.2139.

Monday, Feb. 16 to Monday, March 30
Spiritual Journaling Online Course from Upper Room and BeADisciple.com – Participants will explore the practice of spiritual journaling as they share their experiences with others involved in the practice. The six-week course is based on the Upper Room book, “Journaling: A Spiritual Journey,” by Anne Broyles. The course fee of $75 includes a copy of the book signed by the author, which will be mailed to participants. Details

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