Daily Digest - October 23, 2015

“Accidents happen. Our bodies are fragile….There are lots of reasons that they might be thrown into suffering. I think suffering is inherent in the natural order.” —The Rev. Don Lee, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Sacramento, California.

United Methodists mobilize Philippines typhoon relief

CABNATUAN, Philippines (UMNS) — United Methodists began assessing damage and providing emergency relief after Typhoon Koppu dumped heavy rains that triggered mudslides and flooding. More than 50 people died and thousands were forced to flee their homes. Gladys Mangiduyos reports.
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Why does God allow suffering?

SACREMENTO, Calif. (UMNS) — Tragedy strikes. A loved one dies unexpectedly. Mental illness steals a family’s hope. In the midst of the pain, the question arises: “Why?” Emily Snell offers several perspectives for the “Faithful Questions” series in Interpreter magazine.
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Missouri Conference sells camps

COLUMBIA, Mo. (UMNS) — Three camps owned by the Missouri Conference were sold at auction Oct. 21. The Blue Mountain Camp, Wilderness Retreat and Camp Galilee went for a combined $1.75 million.
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Pilot project helps churches with disciple-making

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A pilot project by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries will help United Methodist churches in the United States engage in dedicated disciple-making as they become vital congregations. “The Building H.O.P.E. Project is a life-giving process for a local church to engage in to say, ‘We can make disciples and live into our mission,’” said the Rev. Sara Thomas, chief strategist for Vital Congregations.
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Solar batteries, projectors keep students going

KAMINA, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — Solar batteries and projectors let Kamina Methodist University students keep working even when electricity was off. The equipment, provided by United Methodist Communications and the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, also generated income for the university. The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau reports for the North Katanga Conference.
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Calling on leaders to address climate change

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is encouraging United Methodists to sign the Faith Climate Petition, an interfaith petition calling on leaders to address climate change issues.
See Faith Climate Petition
Warm Hearts, Cool Climate campaign
 

Wesley letters illuminate conflicts

DURHAM, N.C. (UMNS) — The Wesley Works Editorial Project has published another volume of John Wesley’s letters, covering 1756 to 1765. The Rev. Ted Campbell, a professor at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, edited the book. The letters offer insight into conflicts within the Methodist movement and the rift between Wesley and his brother Charles.
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Garrett-Evangelical hosts young Hispanic/Latino leaders

EVANSTON, Ill. (UMNS) — The Young Clergy Initiative at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary hosted a fellowship and mentoring session with Hispanic-Latino high school students, pastors and Garrett-Evangelical seminarians. With support from the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the YCI at the seminary seeks to help Hispanic-Latino youth and young adults explore their call to ministry.
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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.

Wednesday, Oct. 28
Vital Conversations: An Interactive Video Series on Today's Realities of Race and Racism — 6 p.m. PDT on the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race’s website. The series begins with Robin DiAngelo's "Misunderstanding of Racism." DiAngelo is a professor of multicultural education at Westfield State University and the author of “What Does it Mean to Be White? Developing White Racial Literacy.” Details.

Thursday, Oct. 29
2015 Halstead Lecture — 7:30 p.m. EDT. John Dominic Crossan will deliver a lecture on "The Historical Jesus and Divine Violence: How to Read the New Testament and Still Be a Christian" at the Concert Hall at Drew University’s Young Center for the Arts. Crossan is one of the best-known New Testament scholars, and the principal name associated with the contemporary quest for the historical Jesus. His “How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian: Struggling with Divine Violence from Genesis through Revelation” has recently been released and his Halstead lecture will be adapted from it. Admission is free and the event will be livestreamed. Register online.

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