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Daily Digest - May 26, 2016

“We had this beautiful space and Fletcher and Tylur’s plans gave us the chance to brighten our downtown neighborhood and highlight the rebuilding of our church.” — The Rev. Andy Rambo, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Memphis.

 

New Southeast Asia conference approved

PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — In a historic action, General Conference 2016 approved a new geographical provisional unit — called a “central conference” — for Southeast Asia and Mongolia. The first such conference established in many decades is in response to the growth of United Methodist congregations in the areas it covers. Elliott Wright has the story on that vote and other General Conference actions for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

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As church rebuilds, it offers public art

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Public art is First United Methodist Church's way of saying life goes on for a 190-year-old congregation that lost its landmark sanctuary to fire nearly a decade ago. Wayne Risher of The Commercial Appeal reports how the art is brightening downtown Memphis even as the church’s rebuilding continues.

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‘One Great Hour of Sharing’ becomes ‘UMCOR Sunday’

PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church has renamed a popular special Sunday observance that includes an offering to cover disaster relief costs. “UMCOR Sunday” replaces “One Great Hour of Sharing,” a change approved by the 2016 General Conference. The title refers to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Elliott Wright reports for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

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Oklahoman-Russian partnership flourishes

ULYANOVSK, Russia (UMNS) — St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City and Ulyanovsk United Methodist Church have a fruitful partnership. United Methodists in Eurasia share the story of the longtime friendship.

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Becoming the person God created you to be

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. (UMNS) — “Spiritual growth is in large part a journey toward knowing not only who God created us to be but who God is calling us to become,” writes the Rev. Laurie Haller. In a commentary for the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, the United Methodist pastor offers advice on following that call.

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