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Daily Digest - January 3, 2018

"As a church, we need to pray for this country and the new leadership because its failure will be the country’s failure." — Liberia Area Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. on the need to support the country’s new president. 
 

NEWS AND FEATURES
 

Bishop: Support United Methodist president-elect in Liberia

MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Liberia Area Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. is calling on all Liberians, especially United Methodists, to support President-elect George Manneh Weah. A United Methodist and former soccer star, Weah is expected to be sworn in Jan. 22, replacing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who also is a United Methodist. Julu Swen reports.
Read story 

KXAS-TV 
Church becomes 'pop-up shelter'  

DALLAS — Oak Lawn United Methodist Church became what its pastor called a “pop-up shelter” during the recent freezing weather here. The church took in homeless people, offering meals and a warm place to stay. 
Watch KXAS-TV report 

18 ways to be more United Methodist 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — From riding a horse to studying the Bible, here are some ways to connect with your United Methodist heritage in 2018. Joe Iovino has the list of 18 United Methodist activities.
Read story 

South Carolina Conference
United Methodist Men work to draw younger generation

COLUMBIA, S.C. — If South Carolina men’s ministry leaders have their way, no man will be left behind when it comes to Christ. Jessica Brodie reports on how South Carolina United Methodist Men are shifting into overdrive to intentionally draw younger men into the fold. 
Read story 

Rio Texas Conference
Rio Texas Conference welcomes new congregation

AUSTIN, Texas — A former Free Methodist Church is becoming part of the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Austin New Church, nationally known for its focus on social justice and outreach to the homeless, will move to the campus of Faith United Methodist Church. 
Read story  

 

PRESS RELEASES
 

Discipleship Ministries
Interactive map for Wesley Pilgrimage

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new interactive map of The United Methodist Church’s annual Wesley Pilgrimage in England is now available, featuring videos of pilgrims visiting the places where John and Charles Wesley lived and served. Registration for the July 9-19, 2018, pilgrimage is underway.
Read press release

Virginia Wesleyan University
Scholarships for visiting Puerto Rican students

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — United Methodist-related Virginia Wesleyan University is raising funds to offer full scholarships for the spring 2018 semester for up to five visiting students from the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao, a school in one of the areas most devastated by Hurricane Maria.
Read press release  

 

RECENT HEADLINES

Gay United Methodist choir director fired

Pastor shares experience of California fire 

 

EVENTS

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.

Monday, Jan. 8-Monday, Jan. 22 
 

Online workshop: Developing a dynamic praise and worship experience

Monday, Jan. 8-Wednesday, Jan. 31

Online workshop: Crossing the bridge — life after loss

 

Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].

See more United Methodist events


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