Daily Digest - July 10, 2015

"We’re on a journey and we’re right in the middle of it. Taking the long view, I think, gives us a little better perspective about that." — The Rev. Alfred T. Day III, top executive, United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, about General Conference actions.

United Methodists achieve milestones despite differences

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Different viewpoints over societal changes have led some to question whether the unity of The United Methodist Church will hold when its top legislative body meets in May 2016. But the lens of history shows that significant General Conference actions occur despite serious disagreements, says the Rev. Alfred T. Day III, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History. Linda Bloom and Kathy L. Gilbert have the story.
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Lawrence to retire as Perkins dean

DALLAS (UMNS) — William Lawrence has announced that he’ll retire as dean of Perkins School of Theology, part of Southern Methodist University, on May 31, 2016. Lawrence, president of The United Methodist Church’s Judicial Council, has led Perkins since 2002. His tenure has seen construction of one building and major renovation of others.
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Retired bishop to address Tribunal

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Retired United Methodist Bishop Solito Toquero will speak to the International People’s Tribunal here, July 16-18, on behalf of the Filipino people. The tribunal is tackling allegations of human rights violations in the Philippines, which has seen an increased U.S. military presence.
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Three bishops, cabinets help forge ‘A Future with Hope’

OCEAN, N.J. (UMNS) — A Future With Hope, a Greater New Jersey Conference initiative, has inspired more than 9,000 volunteers from more than 38 states to help with Superstorm Sandy recovery. West Virginia Area Bishop Sandra Steiner-Ball and Pittsburgh Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, along with New Jersey Area Bishop John Schol, have all joined their conference leadership in volunteer teams helping with the rebuilding process. Chris Carter of A Future with Hope has the story.
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To-Do List: 1) Volunteer…

NEW YORK (UMNS) — From Colorado to Florida to New Jersey, communities struck previously by natural disasters still depend on volunteers during the long-term recovery process. Susan Kim, writing for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, tells how to help.
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New York church holds film festival

BRONX, N.Y. — The Rev. Nathaniel Dixon, pastor of St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, is a former professional saxophone player. Now the church – strongly committed to the arts – has a film festival. Isabel Angell of the Riverdale Press has the story.
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Follow action at annual conferences

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — New stories this week from conference gatherings include Iowa, New York, Oregon-Idaho, Pacific Northwest and Rio Texas. United Methodist News Service is posting reports.
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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.

Sunday, July 12
The Theology of Hope — This series featuring professors from Candler School of Theology continues at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church in Atlanta. The July 12 talk, beginning at 9:45 a.m., will be by M. Patrick Graham on “Hope in Giving.”

Monday-Wednesday, July 13-15
The Rule of Saint-Whatever-Your-Name-Is Retreat — Event is at Scarritt Bennett Center's Fondren Hall, 1008 19th Ave. S, Nashville, Tennessee. This retreat guides individuals through the spiritual practice of creating and sustaining their own Rule of Life, with the Rule of Saint Benedict as a guide. Robert Benson, author of more than a dozen books about the search for and the discovery of the Holy in the midst of our everyday lives, leads the retreat. Details.

Wednesday, July 15
Deadline to apply master's degree programs at Wesley Theological Seminary — The United Methodist seminary in Washington, D.C., has extended its deadline for the fall semester. Details.

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