Daily Digest - July 2, 2015

"A couple of the kids who have been moved to live with family come back to the orphanage to eat because they are hungry. They will walk an hour to get a meal." — Mary Beth Zollars, member of Nyadire Connection, Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe financial woes increase orphanage struggles

NYADIRE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — A United Methodist orphanage is struggling to become self-sufficient. But government requirements mean big changes are ahead for the 18 children at Home of Hope. Vicki Brown has the story.
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Congregation bringing ‘homeless Jesus’ to Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) — In an effort to start a new conversation around the plight of those without homes or shelter, Roberts Park United Methodist Church, in partnership with several other community organizations, is working to bring the ‘Homeless Jesus’ sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz to one of the popular cultural districts of the city. Skyler E. Nimmons, Indiana Conference communications director, has the story.
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Asia-Pacific missionaries gather in Japan

HIROSHIMA, Japan (UMNS) — Twenty United Methodist missionaries and family members serving in the Asia-Pacific region met together in June. The Rev. Ron Whitlatch reports for the denomination’s Board of Global Ministries.
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John Lewis asks clergy to ‘fix’ Voting Rights Act

WASHINGTON (RNS) — U.S. Civil rights veteran and Congressman John Lewis urged black clergy to work for changes in the Voting Rights Act on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that removed key provisions of the law. Adelle M. Banks of Religion News Service reports.
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Magazine examines life, work of Francis Asbury

WORCESTER, Pa. (UMNS) — The latest issue of Christian History magazine examines the life and work of Francis Asbury, the early Methodist leader. “Francis Asbury — Pioneer of Methodism, America’s Most Explosive Church Movement” is published by the Christian History Institute and is available at no cost by subscription on its website.
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Follow action at annual conferences

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — New stories this week from conference gatherings include: Greater New Jersey, Northern Illinois, North Georgia, Poland, Susquehanna, Texas and Yellowstone. United Methodist News Service is posting reports.
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Commentary: Changing the culture of a church

TUCSON, Ariz. (UMNS) — What does changing a football team have to do with changing a church? The Rev. Karen Vannoy, a retired United Methodist pastor, says the process can be the same. Her advice to pastors: Trying to go easy can mean nothing changes.
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The Daily Digest will return Monday, July 6. United Methodist News Service wishes our readers a blessed weekend.

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 5
Online registration deadline for Pathways 2015: A Gathering of Worship Artists — Pathways 2015 on Monday-Thursday, July 20-23 at the Indianapolis Marriott East, is the biennial convocation of The Fellowship of United Methodists In Music and Worship Arts. It is a gathering for musicians, dancers, visual artists, preachers and all those who seek to serve God's people by designing and leading participatory worship experiences. Featured leaders include Mark Miller, Constance Cherry, Nadia Bolz-Weber, John Holbert and Michael Hawn. Use code “UMC” to receive $30 off registration. $329 plus accommodations and meal plan. Details.

Sunday-Thursday, July 12-16
SOULfeastretreat — The Upper Room, part of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, sponsors a time of worship, prayer, fellowship and study. Costs vary. Details .

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