Daily Digest - March 27, 2015

"We have recognized the overall ministry that can be done through apportionments because we can do more collectively across the globe than we can do as an individual church." — The Rev. Carrie Myers, pastor of Hand Memorial United Methodist Church in Pelham, Georgia.

Record number of conferences at 100 percent giving

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — If The United Methodist Church had a “Paid in Full” rubber stamp, it would likely need more ink. That’s because a record number of U.S. conferences — looking at recent history at least — have paid 100 percent of their apportionments, part of an overall bright picture in denominational giving. Heather Hahn reports.
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Persistence, prayer, patience pay off for local churches

MACON, Ga. (UMNS) — With a focus on education and understanding — and a look toward the future — Ashburn First United Methodist Church paid 100 percent of its apportionments for the first time since 2006. It was one of a handful of South Georgia Conference congregations making full contributions in 2014. Kara Witherow of the South Georgia Advocate reports on how the churches did it.
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Prayers asked for families of 150 dead in German plane crash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Germany “is in mourning” for those who died in a March 24 plane crash, said the episcopal leader of The United Methodist Church there. Bishop Rosemarie Wenner said, “As Christians we bring all who are mourning in God's presence, we pray for those who are working hard to rescue the victims and we are grateful for the service of counselors and others.” Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Kurewa: ‘This has been like Jesus at the mountain’

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — John Wesley Kurewa compared the commitment by the Foundation for Evangelism to endow a professorship in Africa University’s Faculty of Theology to the experience of Jesus on the mountaintop. “Don’t you wish we could stay here forever?” he asked supporters of the United Methodist university who were gathered for the chancellor’s dinner during several days of celebrations surrounding the inauguration of the new vice chancellor, Munashe Furusa. Vicki Brown has the story.
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Michigan Area exceeds $1.5 million for Imagine No Malaria

LANSING, Mich. (UMNS) — Nearly two years after the Michigan Area Conference committed to raise $1.5 million for Imagine No Malaria, it has exceeded the goal. The year-end total for the Michigan Area stands at $1,542,269. The United Methodist Church has achieved 85 percent of the $75 million goal established in 2008.
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Pastor offers devotions for Holy Week

SUGAR LAND, Texas (UMNS) — The journey that began on the Mount of Olives on Palm Sunday and ended at the Empty Tomb one week later was the most significant passage in human history, writes the Rev. C. Chappell Temple, lead pastor at Christ United Methodist Church. The pastor and blogger offers devotions for each day of Holy Week.
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D.C. seminars for youth group, young adult leaders

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Youth group and young adult leaders are invited to attend a three-day “In Focus” familiarization event about United Methodist Seminars on National and International Affairs. The program will introduce the seminars, which are custom-designed to meet attendee requests, and will explain how to organize and lead a group for these tailored study experiences in the U.S. capital.
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Lent Quiz: What is another term for Palm Sunday?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Palm Sunday, the last Sunday in Lent and first day of Holy Week, is also referred to by another title. Do you know what it is?
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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, April 11

Deacon Day @ Drew — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT at Drew Theological School, Seminary Hall, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, N.J. This workshop is an opportunity to explore the identity and call of the deacon. In the morning, participants will have an opportunity to take advantage of Drew's Seminary Saturday offerings. In the afternoon, the Rev. Victoria Rebeck, director of deacon ministry development and provisional membership at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, will moderate a panel of deacons serving in diverse appointments. Free. Details.

Monday, April 13
Online Lay Servant Ministries advanced courses offered by BeADisciple.com — Three options: Leading Public Prayer, Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts and the polity course, Life Together in the United Methodist Connection.