Daily Digest - June 17, 2020


"We do believe that there will be a day when we will dismantle racism." — Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi of the Western Pennsylvania Conference.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Renewed vigor in the fight against racism
WASHINGTON (UM News) — As United Methodists look toward a General Conference in the city where George Floyd died in police custody, they are recommitting themselves to fighting racism. A new program, "Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom," launches this month. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Read press release

Ask The UMC
What does the church say about racism?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 2020 killings of black Americans sparked a national outcry, and United Methodists have joined together to "take a stand against the oppression and injustice that is killing persons of color." Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on the church's history and ongoing commitment to end racism.
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Read more Ask The UMC

North Georgia Conference
Taking on a new appointment in pandemic

DALLAS, Ga. — As some clergy prepare to begin new appointments July 1, they are asking how they can make that transition work well during the coronavirus pandemic. The Rev. Mark Jordan knows the feeling. He began a new appointment on April 1. Sybil Davidson writes about lessons Jordan learned.
Read story

PRESS RELEASES

General Secretaries Table
Top agency executives commit to racial justice

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The top executives of the 13 United Methodist general agencies and the Connectional Table have committed to work toward ending systemic racism. As part of this pledge, they "commit to look with new eyes" at matters relating to staffing, leadership and allocation of resources.
Read statement

Friends of Estonia
Mission group moves gathering online

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Because of travel restrictions and health concerns raised by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the annual gathering of Friends of Estonia, a United Methodist group, will take place virtually June 26-27. The event will be a pair of two-hour webinar sessions, starting at 11 a.m. Central time. The organization coordinates support with U.S. congregations for church growth and renewal in Estonia.
Read press release
To register

RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
12 rules of church during COVID-19

COVINGTON, Tenn. — As United Methodist congregations return to in-person worship, they can expect some changes because of COVID-19. To help churchgoers know what to expect, First United Methodist Church has posted a video of its Pandemic Praise Team singing new lyrics to a familiar Christmas tune. The Rev. Kathy Noble has the story.
Read story and watch video

RECENT HEADLINES

Back in church: 'Like Easter and Christmas'

Yed Angoran, a global leader, dies at 73

EVENTS

Sunday, July 12-Wednesday, July 15

All-digital: Hymn Society Annual Conference


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