Daily Digest - October 29, 2015

“Even now, there are literally thousands of people in need — thousands who are living outside their homes or in compromised or unhealthy situations.” — The Rev. Tom Vencuss, coordinator, New York Conference Sandy Recovery Ministry.

Still recovering: Third Sandy anniversary

NEW YORK (UMNS) — Today, Oct. 29, marks the third anniversary of Superstorm Sandy wreaking havoc along the coastlines of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. The New York Conference is looking at how the storm and recovery have affected homeowners, volunteers and those involved in coordinating the rebuilding efforts in New York and Connecticut. The Revs. Joanne Utley and Arthur McClanahan report.
Read more and watch videos
Information on volunteering
 

North Central Jurisdiction to retain 9 bishops

NORTH CANTON, Ohio (UMNS) — The General Council on Finance and Administration has rescinded its recommendation that the North Central Jurisdiction reduce its number of bishops, jurisdictional leaders announced Oct. 28. The finance agency used revised numbers from conference statisticians to recalculate jurisdiction’s membership. Earlier totals inadvertently had left out members from new churches.
Read statement
Read GCFA press release

What confirmation means to United Methodists

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Confirmation is not a sacrament in The United Methodist Church but is an important step in United Methodists’ journey of faith, writes Joe Iovino for umc.org. He explains this rite of passage.
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A pastor’s report from North Korea

KIRKLAND, Ill. (UMNS) — The Rev. Kay Keyong-Ah Woo visited North Korea recently with other leaders of the Committee on Peace of the Korean Association of The United Methodist Church. Woo shared her impressions in the newsletter of First United Methodist Church of Kirkland, Illinois, where she is pastor.
Read essay
 

S.C. Governor Haley distributes UMCOR health kits

COLUMBIA, S.C. (UMNS) — South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a United Methodist, has been traveling the state helping to hand out needed supplies, including United Methodist Committee on Relief health kits, to victims of the recent flooding. She has met with United Methodist early response team coordinators and volunteers working at flood relief centers to gather information about needs in the community.
See photos
How to make health kits
 

Ohio Wesleyan honored for interfaith service

DELAWARE, Ohio (UMNS) — Ohio Wesleyan University is among the top five colleges in the country honored for their work in interfaith community service. The United Methodist-related university has participated in the President’s Interfaith Community Service Campus Challenge since 2010. The honor is part of the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Honor Roll, which was expanded over the past year to recognize efforts in general community service, economic development, education and interfaith community service.
Read press release
 

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. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 8
International Days of Prayer for Persecuted Christians — The first two Sundays of November are set aside to remember and speak out on the persecuted church. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries offers resources for Christians to pray for other Christians who are living under persecution. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society also urges churches to participate. Worship resources

Sunday, Nov. 1
All Saints Day — This is a day of remembrance for the saints, meaning all Christian people of every time and place. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries offers prayers and litanies for the day. Worship resources

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