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Daily Digest - June 29, 2022

“It’s in the Methodist DNA. You see need and do something about it.” The Rev. Jana Krizova, who helps coordinate refugee ministries for the annual conference of The United Methodist Church in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Photo essay: United Methodists stand with Ukraine
UZHHOROD, Ukraine (UM News) — United Methodists in Eastern Europe have been welcoming Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of their country. Be it providing short- or long-term shelter, daily necessities, help securing lost legal documents or finding schools or employment, churches are offering hope in a hurting world. UM News reporter Joey Butler and photographer Mike DuBose traveled to Eastern Europe in late May to share stories of United Methodists’ humanitarian ministry. 
View photo essay 

Holston Conference
Church shares garden through ingenuity
TRENTON, Ga. — With the rising cost of food, Trenton United Methodist Church saw a need for a garden to provide its community with fresh produce. Now with help of a special irrigation system and community partners, the church is able to provide veggies to a retirement community, a regional food pantry and local schools. Annette Spence has the story.
Read story  

National Justice for Our Neighbors
Q&A with immigration ministry’s new co-leaders
WASHINGTON — Melissa Bowe and Alba Jaramillo are now co-executive directors of the National Justice for Our Neighbors, a United Methodist network that provides free and low-cost immigration legal services, education and advocacy across the United States. Bowe formerly was the ministry’s national deputy director, and Jaramillo formerly was executive director of Arizona Justice for Our Neighbors. They sat down for a joint interview. 
Read interview     

WDBJ-CBS
Church offers gas-station blessing
ROANOKE, Va. — Many who stopped by to pump gas at the Mt. Pleasant Citgo Quik Mart received a surprise the morning of June 25. Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church paid for the first $20 of each gas purchase. With recent gas price surges, the church is hoping to ease the pain for anyone who showed up. Patsy Montesinos reports. 
Read story    


PRESS RELEASES

National Association of Filipino American United Methodists
Amid division, group commits to be United Methodist
BURLINGTON, N.C. — Even as some depart the denomination, the National Association of Filipino American United Methodists released a statement announcing the group’s commitment to the mission and unity of The United Methodist Church. “As we move forward, we are committed to keep the main thing the main thing — the centrality of our faith in Jesus Christ,” said the statement. 
Read statement


RESOURCES

Discipleship Ministries
Christian Education Week curriculum available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lesson plans available from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries can help congregations learn about the impact of peacebuilders and how to become one themselves. The curriculum was released for use during Christian Education Week. Annual conferences set the date of Christian Education Week in their territories.
Read press release 
Download lesson plans 


RECENT HEADLINES

Church responds after mass death of migrants (updated)

Extra pay approved for bishops with extra workloads


EVENTS

Thursday, June 30
Resource UMC: Social Media Day

Thursday, July 14-Friday, July 15
2022 Mississippi Annual Conference 



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