Daily Digest - September 5, 2017

"There is no reason not to let these people to stay in this country. We’re here, we grew up in this country, and we participate in our communities." — The Rev. Orlando Gallardo, a United Methodist pastor and recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. 

Churchgoers stand with immigrant 'dreamers'

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — United Methodists are adding their voices to others calling for Congress to act on behalf of unauthorized immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Specifically, they are seeking ways for “dreamers” to remain in the U.S., continue contributing to their communities and be on the pathway to citizenship. Heather Hahn reports. 
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Bishop speaks at DACA rally    

Bishop with East German, Moscow ties is dead at 78

DRESDEN, Germany (UMNS) — When Bishop Rüdiger (Ruediger) R. Minor became the first United Methodist bishop to reside in Moscow, he was uniquely qualified to head a mission to oversee the denomination’s fledgling congregations and historic ties to Russia and other parts of the former Soviet Union. Minor, 78, died Sept. 3 in Dresden, Germany. Linda Bloom has the story.
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Pastors preach comfort to Harvey survivors

HOUSTON (UMNS) — United Methodists gathered to worship after Harvey, even as bishops from the Rio Texas and Texas conferences visited churches and communities that suffered damage. Kathy L. Gilbert and Vicki Brown have the story. 
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Read story about Bishop Robert Schnase visit to coastal area    
Watch video of Bishop Scott Jones   
Read Florida Conference information about Hurricane Irma 

Recalling the flood of human kindness after Katrina

PLANO, Texas — Disasters “erase the lines that divide us,” writes the Rev. Don Underwood, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church. 
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Wesley Foundation offers safe place during protest

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Wesley Foundation at the University of Tennessee offered prayers, communion and a place of safety and comfort amid a protest around a Confederate memorial near campus. Nearly 3,000 people turned out to protest a rally in support of the memorial. That rally was attended by about 35 people. Annette Spence reports for the Holston Conference. 
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COB president appeals for prayers, disaster relief support

WASHINGTON — Council of Bishops President Bishop Bruce R. Ough is urging all United Methodists to pray and offer support to the victims of the flooding in the Gulf Coast and the mudslides in Sierra Leone.
Read press release 

Changing lives, one home repair at a time

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Families will be safer, drier and warmer this winter because of Salkehatchie Summer Service, said Kathy Hart, the ministry’s chair. Jessica Brodie of the South Carolina Conference reports on the ministry that brings together teens, young adults and community leaders to repair homes around the state. 
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Ideas to grow as disciples

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Church members tend to agree that growing one’s own faith means engaging in spiritual disciplines with intentionality. Crystal Caviness shares tips from various United Methodists for being better disciples.  
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Looking ahead

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.

Friday, Sept. 15

United Methodist Day of Health — Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, Georgia. To further The United Methodist Church’s commitment to creating abundant health for all, Global Ministries — in partnership with the North Georgia Conference — is bringing together local United Methodist churches, health care coordinators, general agency representatives, global health partners and affiliates. The event will provide churches with resources to successfully implement new health care programs and ministries in their congregations and communities. Details

See more United Methodist events