Daily Digest - March 11, 2015

"When the disaster happens in your town, you own the disaster." — The Rev. Randy Burbank, disaster response coordinator, North Alabama Conference.

At 75: UMCOR training extends church’s reach in disasters

NEW YORK (UMNS) — Call it the “Katrina effect.” As the United Methodist Committee on Relief celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the focus on formal training for church members responding to disasters has increased, most notably over the past decade. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Netball, others sports are win-win for Zimbabwean women

CHITUNGWIZA, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — The St. Peter’s United Methodist Church netball team for women has proved something of a prodigy, despite challenges with the playing field and transportation. Eveline Chikwanah reports for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
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UMTV: Finding God on the Natchez Trace

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (UMTV) — United Methodist Troy Waugh said he was surprised to find God calling him to take a long journey from Mississippi to Tennessee, yet he learned that God gives the faithful strength beyond their own. He used the walk to support a United Methodist ministry.
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2015-2016 Dempster Scholars named

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Ten students have been selected by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry as Dempster Scholars. The graduate fellowship supports doctoral students who plan to serve the church by becoming professors who will educate the next generation of the denomination’s pastors.
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Society of St. Andrew names top contributors

BIG ISLAND, Va. (UMNS) — United Methodist Men of the Virginia Conference contributed $21,713 to the Meals for Millions Fund of the Society of St. Andrew, the highest total of all U.S. conference groups. The United Methodist partner, which fights hunger in the United States, announced the top 10 contributors to the fund. Rich Peck of United Methodist Men reports.
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How MLK used the Bible

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) — Preachers often debate whether they should make the Bible relevant to culture or the culture relevant to the Bible. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., did not make that distinction, writes the Rev. Dave Barnhart in a commentary for Ministry Matters. The United Methodist pastor suggests ways King’s biblical citations might inform Christians today.
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Lent Quiz: True or false, Jesus predicted his death and Resurrection?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Test your knowledge of Lent by answering questions like this one each day.
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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.

Saturday, March 14
"Truth to Power: Eradicating Racism" webcast — 1 to 4 p.m. CDT. Churches Uniting in Christ, which includes The United Methodist Church, will present a webcast focused on bringing together those disaffected throughout society with faith communities and leaders to create a new network for justice work. Christian Chapel Temple of Faith, a Christian Methodist Episcopal congregation in Dallas, will stream the event online. Details.

Sunday, March 15
One Great Hour of Sharing — The offering from this Special Sunday supports the administrative costs and relief work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the denomination's humanitarian response organization. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the agency now known as UMCOR. Resources for the day.

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