Daily Digest - June 2, 2015

"For 49 years, we have partnered with Afghans and others to work on community health needs in various places around the country, in the best and worst of times." — David Wildman, executive with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

Supporting community life in Afghanistan

NEW YORK (UMNS) — The daily struggles of those living in Afghanistan’s remote rural areas rarely make the news. Yet these communities are where United Methodists have offered support during decades of war and political turmoil, says David Wildman, an executive with the denomination’s Board of Global Ministries who travels frequently to Afghanistan.
Read story and post a comment

The spiritual issue of racism

BALTIMORE (UMNS) — United Methodist Bishop Marcus Matthews was a survivor of the shootings of student protesters at South Carolina State University in 1968. He draws on that experience in calling the church to recognize racism as a spiritual issue. Matthews, who leads the Baltimore-Washington Conference, shared his thoughts through an op-ed column in the Baltimore Sun.
Read column

Quiz: Test your knowledge of United Methodist history

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Do you know what year the first female bishop was elected on the continent of Africa? Try the latest question in the UMC.org church history quiz.
Take quiz

Children get first Bibles — and lifelong lessons

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — How old where you when you got your first Bible? The tradition of United Methodist churches presenting Bibles to children continues, often accompanied by meaningful activities. Cindy Solomon reports for Interpreter magazine.
Read story

History of Hymns: ‘Breath of God, Breath of Peace’

DALLAS (UMNS) — Looking for a new hymn to add to the worship experience? Contemporary hymn writer Adam M.L. Tice composed this celebration of how God breathes life into creation. The 2004 hymn is No. 3145 in the United Methodist “Worship and Song.” Gabriel Edwards, a student at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, writes about how this hymn could add to understanding of the Trinity.
Read story

United Methodist seminaries in FTE cohort

EVANSTON, Ill. (UMNS) — Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Boston University School of Theology and Claremont School of Theology, all United Methodist seminaries, will be in the first cohort of The Fund for Theological Exploration (FTE) Institutional Doctoral Network. Cohort members explore how seminaries and doctoral programs can help scholars and graduate students of color to thrive.
Read press release

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.

Wednesday, June 3
Camp registration deadline — Wellspring United Methodist Church, 33 S Florissant Road, Ferguson, Missouri, is partnering with The United Methodist Missouri Conference in collaboration with Eagle Lake Camps for five full days of fun. Enthusiastic staff cares for the individual needs of each child. Some scholarships are available. Details.

Thursday, June 4
Webinar “Spiritual Refreshment for Busy Sunday School Teachers and Leaders” — 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. This webinar discusses ways to incorporate rest and renewal through spiritual practices, creative spiritual activities and self-directed mini-retreats. Debbie Kolacki, a certified Christian educator and certified United Methodist lay servant, will lead. Details.

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