Daily Digest - November 11, 2016

"The ultimate hope for our world does not lie in a political election, nor a political platform. It lies in Jesus Christ." — The Rev. Junius B. Dotson on how churches can help heal after a divisive presidential election.

Church holds domestic violence workshops

HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church has taken an active role in the campaign to reduce incidences of domestic violence in the country. In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the church sponsored two workshops, where 145 clergy and church leaders from the 13 districts in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area were educated about gender-based violence and how they can be involved in fighting it. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
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Commentary: Pastors can help heal after election

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Anxiety, grief, hopefulness, hopelessness or elation will surely be the mixed bag of emotions that will fill United Methodist pews this weekend. In the aftermath of the most contentious presidential campaign in recent memory, pastors will play a crucial role in healing the deep divide in this country. The Rev. Junius B. Dotson, top executive of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, offers advice about how pastors can help.
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Renovation uncovers treasures for old church

DALLAS (UMNS) — Wheatland United Methodist Church’s historic sanctuary had fallen into such disrepair that engineers declared it potentially unsafe. A renovation project yielded remarkable discoveries, such as a fireplace and stained glass hidden behind a wall. Jackie Blalock Robinson reports for the North Texas Conference.

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Video tells the stories of women clergy

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (UMNS) — The North Alabama Conference has collected the stories of clergy and lay women who have experienced abuse, harassment and discrimination based on their gender. The result is the video “#HerTruth: Women in Ministry Break Their Silence,” put together by the conference’s Commission on the Status and Role of Women. The hope is the video will help the church live into its promise of recognizing God’s gifts in all people.
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Agency, campus ministers collaborate on journal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Collegiate Ministry office of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is teaming up with collegiate ministers from across the denomination to develop a professional journal focused on liturgical, academic and social issues relevant to college campuses. “The Term: A Word for the Campus by the Campus” will be published each fall and spring semester.
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Commentary: Unity and community across differences

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (UMNS) — A trip with students to serve at the Haywood Street Congregation, which is in ministry to homeless people, began with anxiety. But the “raw, honest truth of Jesus” washed the fears away. Dustin Mailman writes for the Ministry With the Poor blog.
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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.

Monday, Nov. 14 to Wednesday, Nov. 16

Faith and Guns Forum — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society invites United Methodists to share and learn about gun violence, gun control legislation, and strategies for coalition building and mobilizing congregations to be the change God calls Christians to be. The forum will be at the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. $200 for those who need housing; $75 for those who do not. Details

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Webinar "Healthy Families Series: (Emotional Health) Strengthening Families" — 2 p.m. CST. Role modeling and mentoring is important for developing strong families. Join staff from the United Methodist Board Global Ministries as they share how the church can support families in this holy work. Details

More United Methodist events