"I don't want them to feel so angry that it leads to a sense of ambivalence. I don't want them to leave so hurt or demoralized that they say the problem is so large that it's hopeless." — The Rev. Joe Connelly, Wesley United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, speaking about his congregation to NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday.
U.S. shootings draw continuing response
NEW YORK (UMNS) — As outpourings of concern, protest and prayer continued in the wake of last week’s shootings of two African-American men by police and the killing of five police officers in Dallas, United Methodists were among those responding. In May, the United Methodist General Conference passed a resolution calling for an end to the “criminalization of communities of color in the United States.” Linda Bloom reports.
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Engaging young people about racism
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Young People’s Ministries, a division of Discipleship Ministries, will convene a gathering on July 28-30 to identify more effective ways to resource the church for conversations with young people about racism. The Racism Gathering will bring young African-American leaders and allies from each of the five U.S. jurisdictions together at the Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Dallas, Texas, to create an action plan for more effective and additional resourcing on the topic of racism.
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Follow bishop election ballots
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist Communications offers two ways for people to keep up with U.S. bishop elections, set for July 13-16. You can follow the balloting on your phone by texting keyword ELECTIONS to 615-933-2737. You also can get updates via Facebook Messenger. Just type “Elections” in the link below and select the jurisdiction or jurisdictions you want to follow.
To sign up for Facebook Messenger alerts
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Disaster preparedness after Sandy
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Since 2012, the Rev. Tom Vencuss has taken a lead role in Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in the New York Conference. Today, in most of the communities worst hit by Sandy, recovery is shifting into preparedness. That doesn’t mean disaster-related work is over. “One key to an expedient and effective response is proper prior planning during ‘in-between’ times,” Vencuss said. Susan Kim has the story for the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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Churches support families living with Alzheimer's
LAKELAND, Fla. (UMNS) — From “brain fitness clubs” to a program that provides a support group and respite care, Florida churches are offering support to families living with Alzheimer’s disease. Anna Dukes reports for the Florida Conference.
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Annual health checkup for the church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCom) — Just as people need health checkups, so do churches. Tricia Brown, writing for United Methodist Communications, lists the vital signs churches should examine and some treatment ideas churches can use for a healthier future.
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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, July 15
Deadline for School of Congregational Development 2016 — Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 17-20. The workshops for United Methodist clergy and lay leaders will be in Evanston, Illinois, outside Chicago. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries and Global Ministries sponsor the gathering. $425. Details
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