Daily Digest - November 13, 2015

“Our denomination has been a leader in going outside the four walls of the church and trying to address community concerns. I think that goes back to the time of John Wesley and some of his work, particularly with the poor..” — Jim Thornton, a United Methodist and mayor of LaGrange, Georgia.

United Methodists ‘give back’ through politics

DALLAS (UMNS) — High-profile United Methodist politicians have included presidents, but across the U.S., many more serve part time in state or local offices. They often balance careers as well as deep involvement in church. But they find challenge and satisfaction in public life. “It’s like church work,” said Lee Denney, a state representative in Oklahoma. “It’s an opportunity to give back.” Sam Hodges reports.
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Coming Monday: A United Methodist pastor and full-time mayor depends on his father, a retired pastor, to help at the church

Church born in a stable

HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) —St. Philip Kambuzuma United Methodist Church started in a stable in 1964. In 51 years, the church has founded six more churches in Zimbabwe. Those churches in turn founded another 13 churches. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo has the story.
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Climate and its effects on the marginalized

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — For United Methodists in the Philippines, advocacy work on climate justice “is rooted in the collective struggles, voices and experiences of the marginalized,” writes Jennifer Ferariza Meneses for the Warm Hearts, Cool Climate campaign of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. She is part of a delegation to the U.N. climate summit in Paris.
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United Methodist Women launches digital magazine

NEW YORK (UMNS) — A new digital version of the United Methodist Women’s magazine, “response,” will be published 11 times a year. The hope is that offering a digital edition as well as print will increase mobility, sustainability and accessibility for readers. "Digital response is just another way to receive and share stories of women in mission," said interim editor Tara Barnes. "It's an especially appealing option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint or increase or decrease text size."
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Devotional for Advent

BIG ISLAND, Va. (UMNS) — The Society of St. Andrew is offering a free devotional booklet, “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” to mark the Advent season. The devotion also is available in a downloadable eReader version or in daily devotions via email. Deadline for ordering is Nov. 16.
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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.

Sunday, Nov. 29
United Methodist Student Day — Offerings during this Special Sunday provide scholarships for United Methodist young people to attend a college or university. Resources for Student Day.

Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 17-19
Early-bird deadline for the Pre-General Conference Briefing in Portland, Oregon— At the Wednesday-Friday, Jan. 20-22 briefing at the Oregon Convention Center, delegates and church communicators will learn what's new and different at the 2016 General Conference. General Conference is May 10-20, 2016, in Portland. The briefing is for up to four members of each annual conference's delegation, including the first-elected lay and clergy delegates. The early-bird registration rate is $199. Details.

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