Daily Digest - March 9, 2015

"There is a great shortage of people who will be the teacher of the teachers."
— The Rev. M. Douglas Meeks, a divinity school professor.

Does U.S. theological education have a future?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A longtime scholar says if trends persist, the modern way of training United Methodists pastors could disappear. The Rev. M. Douglas Meeks and nearly 40 other scholars recently met to discuss the denomination’s theological education crisis and what to do about it. Heather Hahn has the story.
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2 clergy face suspensions for performing same-sex weddings

GLEN ALLEN, Va. (UMNS) — Two Virginia United Methodist clergy will face suspensions for officiating at same-sex weddings under resolutions reached in each complaint, Virginia Area Bishop Young Jin Cho announced March 6. Heather Hahn reports.
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Eyewitness to Selma

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMTV) — In March 1965, a nonviolent protest about voting rights for African Americans turned tragic when police attacked demonstrators on what would come to be called “Bloody Sunday.” When the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. asked faith leaders to join him for a second march, a young Methodist pastor in Boston heard King’s call. Like so many, the Rev. Gilbert Caldwell can never forget that spring 50 years ago.
Watch UMTV video

World Methodists, Baptists continue dialogue

SINGAPORE — Members of the Baptist World Alliance and the World Methodist Council met last month at the Methodist Girls’ School in Singapore, The occasion was the second round of conversations of the international dialogue between Baptists and Methodists.
Read Baptist Global News story
Read World Methodist Council report

Taking the UMCOR relief-kit challenge

SPRINGFIELD, Va. (UMNS) — A joyful assembly line forms at Messiah United Methodist Church as people stand beside long tables laden with towels, soap, bandages and other supplies. They have accepted the challenge, part of the 75th anniversary celebration of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, to assemble 1,000 health kits in around four hours. Susan Kim reports for UMCOR.
Read story

Malaria campaign receives innovator award

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – Imagine No Malaria’s 2014 World Malaria Day campaign has been selected to receive the Care2 Innovator Award, an honor given to nonprofit causes that make a difference.
Read press release

Lent Quiz: Jesus and the Resurrection

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Three days after he died, Christ was resurrected as he predicted. Whom did Jesus first speak to after he arose from the dead? Test your knowledge with today’s question.
Take today's quiz

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.

Tuesday, March 10

Webinar "Cross+Generational Engagement" — 7-8 p.m. EDT. This webinar from United Methodist partner Practical Resources for Churches, will discuss how to do intergenerational ministry. Linda Staats of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the instructor. Details

Thursday, March 12

2015 Willson Lecture: “Formation for Ministry: Twenty-first Century Opportunities” — 9 a.m. CDT. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is hosting the 2015 Willson lecture, delivered by the Rev. Russell E. Richey at the Harambee Auditorium, Scarritt Bennett Center, in Nashville, Tennessee. Details

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