“At least so far, they (religiously unaffiliated voters) have not been turning out in proportionate numbers.” — Robert P. Jones, Public Religion Research Institute.
Charting U.S. religious change in an election season
NEW YORK (UMNS) — This week’s Iowa caucuses demonstrated the political influence of a state’s white evangelical Protestants. While Iowa has bucked the trend of a U.S. Protestant decline, other parts of heartland America have not, says Robert P. Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute. He spoke during a Feb. 3 webinar sponsored by the Religion Communicators Council. Linda Bloom reports.
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Panthers or Broncos? God does not care
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — Americans may believe “his eye is on the sparrow” but they don’t think God’s eye is on the gridiron, a new LifeWay Research survey finds. According to the evangelical research agency, 85 percent of Americans say God has no interest in whether the Broncos or Panthers win the big NFL matchup on Feb. 7. Cathy Lynn Grossman reports for Religion News Service.
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United Methodists adopting new tech
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist pastors and church leaders match or exceed the average U.S. adoption rates for eight of 15 emerging technology categories, according to new research from United Methodist Communications.
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Church helps foster care alums
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (UMNS) — Young people aging out of foster care risk becoming homeless, and to keep that from happening, North Scottsdale United Methodist Church has created a ministry. It works with other nonprofits to help young people find work and transportation, and even provides gift cards for professional-looking outfits used in job interviews.
District helps bring tech center to rural Ghana
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (UMNS) — The South Carolina Conference’s Orangeburg District is helping to build a 6,000-square-foot technology center and library in rural Ghana. The walls are up, Jessica Brodie reports for the conference. Next comes a fundraising push to finish and furnish the building. The Methodist Church of Ghana is a partner in the project.
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Church gives young musicians sounds of hope
OKLAHOMA CITY (UMNS) — An after-school music program at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is helping struggling kids become star musicians. The program uses the same practices as El Sistema, the well-regarded youth orchestra program in Venezuela. Chris Schutz reports for the Oklahoma Conference.
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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.
Wednesday, Feb. 10
Ash Wednesday — United Methodist Discipleship Ministries has worship resources.
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 12-13
Lead Like Jesus Encounter Training Workshop ─ First United Methodist Church, 263 King St, Oviedo, Florida, will host this gathering. Facilitators are Debbie Piper and Jim Boesch of the Commission on United Methodist Men. The cost is $99 per person, and $180 for couples. United Methodist Men has endorsed Lead Like Jesus. Details
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