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Daily Digest - June 18, 2020

“The blessings that we’ve received in this time are not due to process. I think it’s due to people who love Jesus and are faithful to the church.” The Rev. Brad Stapleton, pastor of East Stone Gap United Methodist Church in Virginia.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Local churches show resilience in crisis

BIG STONE GAP, Va. (UM News) — Three months into pandemic-related restrictions, many U.S. United Methodist churches are more optimistic about their finances and see hope for the “new normal.” Heather Hahn reports. 
Read story

Global Ministries
Coming together for health in Zimbabwe

ATLANTA — Hannah Mafunda understands fine lines and how to walk them as she manages multiple projects to meet the health needs of Zimbabweans seeking care from United Methodist health facilities. But Mafunda doesn’t walk this fine line alone. She’s accompanied by faith-based friends who form a coalition across religious communities to make the most of Zimbabwe’s health resources. Christie R. House has the story.
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

Church and Society
Agency urges observation of Juneteenth

WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society urges fellow churchgoers to reflect and take action on Juneteenth, the oldest national celebration of the end of slavery. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when blacks in Texas first learned of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation, signed more than two years earlier. To commemorate and celebrate, Church and Society has made June 19 a paid holiday for all employees.
Read press release
About Juneteenth


COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.

Black father prepares sons for racial injustice
ATLANTA (UM News) — “As a black father, from the moment my son was born, there was a stark reality: I could not insulate him from racial injustice, therefore he needed to be equipped and prepared for it,” writes the Rev. Byron Thomas, senior pastor of Ben Hill United Methodist Church. Thomas, the father of two sons, also calls on white fathers to teach their children about racial injustice.
Read commentary
 

RESOURCES

Greater New Jersey
A video primer for church reopening

GLASSBORO, N.J. — Reopening a church under COVID-19 guidelines can be, well, complicated. So, the Rev. John Inverso used a bit of humor to create a matter-of-fact tutorial for members of First United Methodist Church. Ready to reserve a pew?
Watch video

United Methodist Communications
Training available on worship, video recording

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications has launched two free learning series. “Leading Remote Worship” delves into how to provide meaningful worship across great distances. “Recording Great Video” will teach about how to use technology many people already own and a few accessories.
To register for Leading Remote Worship
To register for Recording Great Videos


RECENT HEADLINES

Renewed vigor in the fight against racism

IT heroes kept church going during COVID-19



EVENTS

Friday, June 19 

Announcement of “Dismantling Racism” campaign

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