Daily Digest - November 16, 2015

“I love the role reversal – to have the son be in charge, and I’m just working as an extension of his ministry. I’m having a ball.” — The Rev. Ron Holland on helping his son, a pastor who is also a mayor.

Pastor elected mayor calls on dad for help

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (UMNS) — The Rev. Mark Holland knew he would need help to remain a senior pastor after getting elected mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. So he turned to his father, the Rev. Ron Holland, to become his associate at Trinity Community Church. Mark preaches at the United Methodist church while Ron handles administration and pastoral care. Sam Hodges reports.
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Lawsuit against Chapel dismissed

MOUNDS CITY, Ill. (UMNS) — A Pulaski County Circuit Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Illinois Great Rivers Conference against a breakaway congregation that declared its independence in March, but the judge left open the possibility of the conference refiling its suit after “connecting the dots” in a case involving the denomination’s trust clause. Paul Black reports for the conference.
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Kalas, former Asbury president, dies at 92

WILMORE, Ky. (UMNS) — The Rev. J. Ellsworth Kalas, former president of Asbury Theological Seminary, has died at age 92. Kalas also taught homiletics at the school, and was a longtime pastor and prolific author, writing 13 adult study quarterlies for United Methodist Publishing House as well as books.
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Exploring Congo’s electoral process

WASHINGTON (WCC) — United Methodist Bishop David Kekumba Yemba, also the vice president of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Commission of Integrity and Electoral Mediation, was among those discussing the role of faith-based communities in the DRC’s electoral process. The Nov. 10 event was organized by the National Endowment for Democracy in collaboration with the World Council of Churches. United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, vice-moderator of the WCC Central Committee, also took part.
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Candler professor focuses on spirit, body

ATLANTA (UMNS) — Luke Timothy Johnson, R.W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, believes theology needs to go in a new direction. And he’s doing his part through his new book “The Revelatory Body: Theology as Inductive Art.” In it, he explores the body as an expression of spirit.
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Garrett-Evangelical issues strategic plan

EVANSTON, Ill. (UMNS) — Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, a United Methodist school, has issued its strategic plan for 2016-21. “These are exciting and challenging times that are truly historic in terms of the innovation necessary to respond to the shifting needs of the church and the world,” said President Lallene J. Rector.
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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.

Tuesday, Nov. 17
Webinar "Cancer Care Ministry: Compassion and Companionship" — 7 to 8 p.m. EST. This webinar will provide the participant with guidelines and suggestions for starting and maintaining a ministry to share the journey of people with cancer and their families compassionately. Details .

Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 17-19
Children's Ministry Forum: Rock On — The United Methodist Children’s Ministry Forum is for children’s ministries leaders in large-membership congregations (with at least 300 in worship). The gathering will be at First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, the United Methodist Publishing House and the Large Church Initiative are event sponsors. Details.

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