Daily Digest - February 13, 2013

"It was very frightening. As the firefighters entered the sanctuary, suddenly the bell fell all the way through the floor and the roof began to collapse." - The Rev. Wanda H. Lancaster, Gideon Grove United Methodist in Stokesdale, N.C.

Arsonists torch four neighboring churches

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - It is tragic when fire is deliberately set at one church. When this happens in four neighboring United Methodist churches in less than three weeks, it is incomprehensible. However, that is what occurred between Dec. 22, 2012, and Jan. 10, 2013, in the Western North Carolina Annual (regional) Conference. In the second of a four-part series on churches damaged by fires, United Methodist News Service reports on how that conference deals with the losses and challenges.
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Take 'A Lenten Journey'

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Reflect personally on the 40 days of Lent through photos and singing of "Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown" in a special presentation called "A Lenten Journey." The Rev. Romeo del Rosario, a United Methodist missionary, sings the lyrics. Photographs were taken by United Methodist News Service photographers Mike DuBose and Kathleen Barry.
Watch "A Lenten Journey"

Share your Lenten introspections

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Whatever your practices as we enter this season of Lent, Rethink Church invites you to join a photo-a-day challenge and share with the community how you perceive each word or phrase for the day.
How to share

Surviving Sandy in Cuba

EASTERN CUBA (UMNS) - When asked to tell a story from his visit to Cuba shortly after Hurricane Sandy swept through the Caribbean nation last October, the Rev. Juan Vera, former bishop of Puerto Rico and a disaster response consultant for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, finds it hard to stop at just one.
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Chuck Knows Church: Ash Wednesday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Ever seen a little smudge mark on someone's forehead as they walk out of church? That's a sign of the cross and it means it's Ash Wednesday during Lent. Chuck tells you about this important worship service!
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UMCOR's Hazelwood to take Memphis post

MEMPHIS (UMNS) - The Rev. Tom Hazelwood has been named director of connectional ministries for the Memphis Annual (regional) Conference of The United Methodist Church. Hazelwood, now head of disaster response for the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, will take office in Memphis June 1.
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Wesley celebrates Black History Month

WASHINGTON (UMNS) - United Methodist-related Wesley Theological Seminary will celebrate African-American History Month with a series of special chapel services, lectures and events throughout the month of February. On Feb. 19, Wesley will examine the impact and legacy of the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with a full day of special events.
See schedule