Daily Digest - November 18, 2015

“The Syrian refugees – they’re running for their lives.” — The Rev. Wes Magruder, board president of Refugee Services of Texas, criticizing calls to keep Syrian refugees out.

Speaking out for Syrian refugees

DALLAS (UMNS) — Some United Methodists are protesting calls by U.S. governors to close borders to Syrian refugees after the Paris terrorist attacks. Bishop Gary Mueller of the Arkansas Conference agreed with the need for stepped-up security, but said “it solves nothing to categorically exclude a group of people whose lives have been torn apart.” Sam Hodges reports.
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Sierra Leone project aims to educate, create entrepreneurs

TAIAMA, Sierra Leone (UMNS) — Operation Classroom and United Methodists in Sierra Leone are collaborating on a school that will provide hands-on career training with the goal of creating entrepreneurs. Phileas Jusu reports.
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Eastern Pennsylvania completes revote

MACUNGIE, Pa. (UMNS) — More than 500 Eastern Pennsylvania Conference members took care of unfinished business on Nov. 14 at Bethany United Methodist Church. They approved a 2016 budget and elected delegates to the 2016 General and Northeastern Jurisdictional conferences. The original election at the annual conference this past May was invalidated because of errors discovered later.
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Read updated 2015 annual conference report

Church comforts Pauley Perrette after attack

LOS ANGELES (UMNS) — Pauley Perrette, the “NCIS” star, attended worship at her home congregation just days after being attacked by a homeless man. Jackie Willis of ET reports on the service at Hollywood United Methodist Church. “Even though this man was punching her and threatening her life, Pauley prayed for her safety and for him,” the Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma told the congregation.
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How did God call you to ministry?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodists are asked to record and submit a video that explains why they feel called to do the work they do and how that work makes a difference. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is collecting these stories at MyCallStory.org. Select videos will be featured at the 2016 General Conference.
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Pastor’s wife gives gift of hope, life

OCILLA, Ga. (UMNS) — Kathy Roberson is a giver, but one of the best gifts she ever gave wasn’t wrapped in shiny paper or topped with a card. Kara Witherow of the South Georgia Conference has the story of the pastor’s wife who gave a kidney to a United Methodist whose need she learned about through Facebook.
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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 — Offering during this Special Sunday provides scholarships for United Methodist young people to attend a college or university. Resources for Student Day.

Monday, Nov. 30
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 designed 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.