"My brain said, ʽCap gun, bad joke.’ And then I was on the ground. I thought, ‘Nothing will ever be the same again.'" — Pam Simon, United Methodist, on being among those wounded in the Jan. 8, 2011, mass shooting near Tucson, Arizona.
Mass shooting victim works to reduce gun violence
TUCSON, Ariz. (UMNS) — Pam Simon keeps on her desk the bullet that went through her wrist and into her torso in the Jan. 8, 2011, shooting near Tucson that killed six and wounded 13, including former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords. Simon, a United Methodist, has become a strong advocate for gun violence prevention, working to bring churches into the cause. Sam Hodges reports.
Read about United Methodists and gun violence prevention
South Georgia churches respond to storm
MACON, Ga. (UMNS) — South Georgia United Methodists responded to Hurricane Matthew as swiftly as the storm ripped through the state. When mandatory evacuations were issued in six coastal counties, several churches opened their doors as shelters for those displaced by the storm. Kara Witherow, editor of the South Georgia Advocate, reports.
Valdosta opens doors to evacuees and pets
United Methodists among richest U.S. religious groups
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — United Methodists are among the 10 most financially successful religious groups in the United States, reports a new study by Pew Research Center. Using data from its 2014 Religious Landscape Study, Pew found about one in four U.S. United Methodists makes at least $100,000 a year. The study found that richer religious groups also tended to have higher levels of educational attainment.
Life lessons from a 95-year-old United Methodist
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (UMC.org) — In the latest episode of the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast, Shirley Bachelder shares what she has learned about life, love, faith, friendship, prayer and gratitude.
Status and Role of Women Commission organizes
CHICAGO (UMNS) — The 19-member board of the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women held its organizing meeting Oct. 6-8 at First United Methodist Church (Chicago Temple). The board elected Ohio East Area Bishop Tracy Malone as president and unanimously re-elected Dawn Wiggins Hare as the agency’s top executive.
Discipleship Ministries names new officer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Janet Jamieson, a certified public accountant with a passion for working with congregations and clergy to develop faithful and transparent ways of dealing with money in the church, has been named chief administrative officer/treasurer at United Methodist Discipleship Ministries.
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email newsdesk@umcom.org and put Digest in the subject line.
Thursday, Nov. 3
Webinar “Spiritual Practices with Children and Youth” — 7 to 8 p.m. EDT. This webinar will explore how to teach spiritual practices to children and youth. Topics will include different ways to pray and resources for creating prayer stations. Debbie Kolacki, a certified Christian educator and United Methodist lay servant, will lead. Details
Friday, Nov. 4 to Sunday, Nov. 6
“Imagine What’s Next” conference — Sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the gathering in Atlanta is designed to help college students connect their gifts with innovative discipleship. Details
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