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Daily Digest - March 22, 2019

“My fear is that before it is all over with, 100 percent of the state will have been affected by this flood.” The Rev. Hollie Tapley, disaster response coordinator, Great Plains Conference.


NEWS AND FEATURES

United Methodists responding to Midwest floods

TOPEKA, Kan. (UMNS) — Every square inch of Nebraska may be hit with flooding before the waters recede, said a disaster response coordinator for the Great Plains Conference. Some people have been rescued using a tractor scoop, and cowboys from a nearby rodeo helped a local rancher round up his cattle after his fence was destroyed. The church is responding in nearby states, too. Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
UMCOR: Current disaster response
First glimpse of recovery in Hamburg, Iowa

National Justice for Our Neighbors
Texas JFON helps Congo prison survivor get asylum

SAN ANTONIO — A young woman who survived horrific torture in a prison in the Congo escaped and sought asylum in several countries before making her way to the port of entry at El Paso, Texas. Smaranda Draghia, attorney for the United Methodist Justice for Our Neighbors, found the woman in a detention center and helped her get asylum. “To go back to the DRC meant more torture, or even death. It’s a textbook case for asylum,” Draghia said. 
Read story

Florida Conference
Summer program teaches children about service

NAPLES, Fla. — Most churches offer a week of vacation Bible school each summer filled with music, games, snacks and typical childhood activities. But at North Naples United Methodist Church, the emphasis is a little different. With the idea that “no one is ever too young to serve,” the church created Serve Your World Camp. Last year, 48 campers logged 288 hours of service. Suzanne McGovern has the story. 
Read story

Methodist Church in Britain
‘Practice compassion’ during Brexit uncertainty

LONDON — As the Brexit discussions continued this week, the president and vice president of the Methodist Church in Britain released a statement encouraging church members “to offer love, practice compassion and speak justice to the communities we serve” during a time of uncertainty and fear.
Read statement
BBC News: Brexit — what just happened?


PRESS RELEASES 

National Council of Churches
Request for U.N. fact-finding on US racism

WASHINGTON  — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society and Commission on Religion and Race are among the 100 organizations that signed a letter asking the U.S. secretary of state to request a U.N. review on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
Read press release 

Higher Education and Ministry 
Guidebook offered for church financial management

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A guidebook for managing church finances, aimed at pastors and lay leaders, is now available from the United Methodist Board of Higher Education Ministry. “Church Finances for Missional Leaders: Best Practices for Faithful Stewardship” was written by Bonnie Ives Marden.
Read press release


RECENT HEADLINES 

UMCOR grants aid initial cyclone response

Questions about task force ricochet around church


EVENTS

Sunday, March 31

UMCOR Sunday


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