“It’s giving a more accurate and full expression of Methodism throughout the world.” — The Rev. Ted Campbell, on the World Methodist Museum Collections at Bridwell Library.
New stage, new look for historical collection
DALLAS (UM News) — Out of sight for more than two years, the Methodist historical collection that had been at the World Methodist Museum in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, is back on display and in a new home — Bridwell Library at Dallas' Perkins School of Theology. Sam Hodges reports that while John Wesley remains front and center, women and people of color who had a key role in Methodism’s growth are also highlighted by the exhibit.
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NEWS AND FEATURES
Michigan Conference
Art ministry helps those in recovery
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — An art show at the Art Center of Battle Creek features works by students from the Men’s Life Recovery Program at The Haven of Rest Ministries and the Rev. Sue Trowbridge, a retired United Methodist pastor. Trowbridge teaches painting and other artistic media at the yearlong recovery program for persons with addictions. The paintings by Trowbridge and her students are on sale, and profits will benefit The Haven of Rest Ministries. Glenn M. Wagner has the story.
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Wallowa County Chieftain
Church women's group helps newborns
ENTERPRISE, Ore. — The United Women in Faith group at Joseph United Methodist Church is helping growing families and their new babies. The women’s group donated two heaping boxes of onesies, blankets, pajamas, socks and hats to the obstetrics department at Wallowa Memorial Hospital. Bill Bradshaw has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Arkansas Conference
Hendrix honors Archives and History leader
CONWAY, Ark. — United Methodist-related Hendrix College will hold its 39th annual Steel-Hendrix Awards Banquet on Feb. 5, and among the honorees is Ashley Boggan D., top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History. She’s getting the Mary and Ira Brumley Award for Religious Education. Well-known author and speaker Diana Butler Bass will give the annual John and Marjem Gill Preaching Workshop at Hendrix on Feb. 6.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Wisconsin Conference
The rewards of worshipping all night
WAUWATOSA, Wis. — Spending a sleepless night worshipping can be a valuable experience, says Pastor Brady Henderson of Bethany-Calvary United Methodist Church. Henderson writes about his 15-hour vigil praying, reflecting, consoling, discussing, laughing and listening on Dec. 21, which was the longest night of 2023. “As you plan your church’s days in 2024, please consider planning a night as well,” Henderson writes. “It made an enormous difference for me as a minister at exactly a time when I needed it.”
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RESOURCES
Discipleship Ministries
Learn about AI instead of fearing it
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The possibilities and challenges of artificial intelligence are just beginning to be explored, and two educational sessions are being offered about it on Jan. 23 and Feb. 6. The first session is titled “Introduction to AI and Its Applications in Church Operations.” The latter is “Implementing AI for Enhanced Productivity.” Both sessions can be accessed for $20.
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Monday, Jan. 29-Friday, Feb. 9
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Biblical Storytelling I