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Daily Digest - October 5, 2021

“Sales are directly linked to the rate and magnitude of return to in-person worship, Sunday school and other congregational activities.” — The Rev. Brian Milford, president and publisher of the United Methodist Publishing House.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Publishing House moves pension plan, sells campus
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Publishing House, hard hit by the pandemic, has finalized the sale of its Nashville property and the transfer of a pension plan to Wespath. The self-supporting Publishing House has leased space in the United Methodist Communications building for some IT and finance staff. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story

South Carolina Conference
Pastors recharge at Black clergy retreat 
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Some participated from home, and some from a conference room a short walk from the beach. But at the end of their set-apart time at the Carolinas Black Clergy Leadership Retreat, attendees came away filled with new ideas for ministry in a world vastly changed by a pandemic. The retreat, which also included non-Black clergy, brought together pastors from the South Carolina, North Carolina and Western North Carolina conferences. Jessica Brodie reports. 
Read story

California-Nevada Conference
Church helps kids apply for DACA
PLEASANTON, Calif. — When social workers with Pleasanton Unified School District said that they needed help supporting students who were applying for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Lynnewood United Methodist Church found a way to help. The conference has the story. 
Read story

Connectional Table
Talking about United Methodist identity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — David N. Field, theologian and ecumenical staff officer for the Council of Bishops, spoke about United Methodist identity during the first of the Connectional Table’s online “Tuesdays at the Table” series. Field, who grew up in an independent church in South Africa, explained how he was first drawn to The United Methodist Church while teaching at Africa University. 
Watch video 
Learn more
UM News: Conversations address going separate ways

PRESS RELEASES

Status and Role of Women
Progress detailed in virtual meetings
CHICAGO — Board members of the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women previewed a new resource to help victims navigate the denomination’s complaint process for addressing sexual misconduct. The Do No More Harm system is set to launch Oct. 12. Also during its Sept. 9-11 virtual meetings, the board approved the 2022 budget and celebrated how staff developed new programming and resources by adapting to the extended quadrennium.
Read press release

Finance and Administration
Vanco ministry partnership renewed through 2024
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, has renewed the ministry partnership with Vanco Faith through 2024. Vanco Faith provides churches with online giving tools, a church engagement app and a variety of giving options. 
Read press release

RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
Communicating during seasons of change
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications is launching Communicating During Seasons of Change, a four-week online course that will be led by communications experts and include opportunities for interaction. Sessions will take place 1-2 p.m. U.S. Central time each Tuesday and Thursday, Oct. 18-Nov. 12. Registration is open through Oct. 15. 
Read press release
Learn more and register

RECENT HEADLINES

Church builds shelter for orphans in Congo

Pastor helps churchgoers explore 'The Chosen'

EVENTS

Monday, Oct. 25-Wednesday, Oct. 27
Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference

Friday, Oct. 29-Sunday, Oct. 31
California-Nevada Annual Conference


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