Daily Digest - June 22, 2022

"This is the close of a chapter for us and a promise that God has fulfilled in bringing us to this day. It is a promise that we now carry forth for our families, the university and those who come after us, that we shall not let you down or squander this gift we have been given.” 
— Tanyaradzwa Laura Chemwayi, Africa University class of 2022 valedictorian.

Africa University celebrates 28th commencement
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The academic achievements of 712 graduates from 18 African countries were recognized at Africa University's 28th commencement. The graduates were encouraged to imagine their place and role in creating Africa’s future. The AU communications team has the story.
Read story

NEWS AND FEATURES

United Methodist Communications
John Wesley and the Enneagram 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Suzanne Stabile is a bestselling author, a longtime United Methodist and the wife a United Methodist pastor. She also is internationally known as the Enneagram Master. On the latest episode of the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast, Stabile shares how she uses the Enneagram to feel closer to God and why she believes John Wesley’s Enneagram number influenced his founding of Methodism.
Listen to podcast

North Georgia Conference 
Church's mission week transforms 2 counties

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Wesley United Methodist Church recently completed its “Hometown Mission Week.” Altogether, 100 teens and 40 volunteers worked at 14 project sites spread across two counties. Sybil Davidson reports.
Read story

West Ohio Conference
Tornado cleanup continues in Kentucky

WORTHINGTON, Ohio — The West Ohio Conference has sent three teams in the past month to help Kentucky as it continues to recover from a tornado that struck in December. More than 50 volunteers have cut up trees, removed debris, put tarp on roofs and torn out and rebuilt walls. Three more teams are set to continue the work in the summer and fall.
Read story

World Council of Churches
Methodist global family discusses its challenges

GENEVA — Retired United Methodist Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, who now works with the World Methodist Council, was among the speakers at the World Council of Churches central committee meeting. She and other leaders of various Methodist denominations shared their prayers. They also discussed the challenges that affect their ministries around the globe. The World Council of Churches has the story. 
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PRESS RELEASES

The Foundation for Evangelism
31 grants awarded to strengthen churches

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The Foundation for Evangelism announced that 31 grants have been awarded in its inaugural Equipping the Local Church Grants 2022 cycle. The grants total $230,000, with each of the 31 recipients receiving $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000 depending on the proposed initiatives. Among the recipients is Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church, which is seeing new life in Knoxville, Tennessee. 
See list of recipients
UM News: Knoxville church banks on outreach

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.

United Methodist bishops in global perspective
ATLANTA (UM News) — Different rules around retirement and the holding of episcopal elections are just two examples of how processes regarding bishops vary across the global United Methodist Church. Dr. David W. Scott, with Global Ministries, explains the differences and the history behind them, as well as the potential challenges they pose for the future.
Read commentary

RESOURCES

Lewis Center for Church Leadership
How church can come home

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The pandemic showed how church can happen outside church buildings. Ann Michel of the Lewis Center interviews the Rev. Dave Barnhart, author of “Church Comes Home,” on how small, home-centered worshipping communities can connect with people who may never cross the threshold of a church building.
Read interview

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EVENTS


Saturday, July 9-Tuesday, July 19
Wesley Pilgrimage in England: An Immersion in Wesleyan Spirituality

Monday, July 11-Saturday, Aug. 13
Online course: Celebrating God's Creation

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