Daily Digest - September 27, 2023

“We will study together the regionalization petition to be brought to the 2024 General Conference and seriously revisit the clamor for autonomy from all annual conferences.”Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella of the Manila Area, speaking on behalf of the newly elected bishops in the Philippines. 

NEWS AND FEATURES

Filipino lay leaders call for autonomy
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — United Methodist lay leaders in the Philippines are calling for the Philippines Central Conference to become autonomous from The United Methodist Church without going through the process laid out in the church’s Book of Discipline. The call was presented during the Board of Laity’s forum Sept. 2. However, the three newly elected bishops in the country, who attended the gathering, emphasized their commitment to preserving the unity of the church. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
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Kentucky Conference
Church for children reinvigorated
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A year ago, steadily worsening violent crime in Louisville was casting a shadow over the future of Grace Kids: A Church for Children. But now, with a partnership with Epworth United Methodist Church, the church for children has a new look, location and lease on life. Alan Wild has the story.
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Holston Conference
Women’s group celebrates 50 years
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Holston Conference United Women in Faith celebrated its 50th anniversary as an organization and welcomed Sally Vonner, newly elected top executive of the national United Women in Faith, as guest speaker. Donna M. Mosby writes about the gathering that drew some 70 members. 
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Peninsula-Delaware Conference
Volunteers still needed for cleanup
DOVER, Del. — The Peninsula-Delaware Conference Disaster Relief Team is still in need of volunteers and donations for cleanup efforts in Northern Delaware. A severe windstorm on Aug. 7 damaged over 40 properties, and 19 of these homes have been deemed unsafe to enter.
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Dakotas Conference
Pastor tries different kinds of church
MITCHELL, S.D. — For the Rev. Tia Felberg, church can happen in an ice cream parlor, coffee shop or a gas station as well as the traditional Sunday and online services. “People may like the idea of church, but maybe something is just standing in their way,” Felberg says. She says people have taken her up on her offer to meet them where they are comfortable. Doreen Gosmire reports.
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Lake County Leader
‘Misfit Minister’ serving in Montana
POLSON, Mont. — The new pastor at two churches here describes himself as the “Misfit Minister” because of his colorful attire and penchant for music, mountain biking and snowboarding. The Rev. Jon Umbdenstock began serving congregations at Mission Valley and Polson United Methodist churches in August. Kristi Niemeyer has his story.
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