Daily Digest - September 11, 2012

"As horrifying as the 9/11 attacks were, I remember how the people of the United States pulled together, determined to make something positive out of a very negative experience." - Reggie Morrow, who watched the second plane hit the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

Sept. 11, 2001 - 11 years ago today

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - An organized series of attacks on the United States more than a decade ago left a wound that still is healing. As we reflect on this and other moments that have changed forever the U.S. national psyche, remember the United Methodists who continue to work to help that healing process. Today, we focus on those efforts:
Making peace after 9/11
Practicing 'shalom' for 20 years

Flight 93 Ambassadors honor 9/11 heroes

SHANKSVILLE, Pa. (UMNS) - In 2001, passengers of Flight 93 gave their lives to save others in the path of a hijacked plane. A permanent memorial in Pennsylvania was unveiled on Sept. 11 last year to honor those who died. Donna Glessner is one of about 40 United Methodist volunteers from the Shanksville area who educate visitors about the crash site. "We meet people from all walks of life here that are hurting in many ways, often unrelated to the Sept. 11 attacks. For them to be able to come here and unburden their soul to you, it's a privilege."
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Black caucus 'stands with' Bishop Talbert

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The United Methodist Church's African-American caucus announced Sept. 5 that it stands with retired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert. More than 70 United Methodist clergy and lay people have accused him of urging defiance against the denomination's stance on homosexuality.
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Emerging S. Sudan now faces malaria battle

LIGITORO, South Sudan (UMNS) - Today, the new country of South Sudan is a business hub, attracting traders and customers from the surrounding countries. But even with 50 years of warfare in the past, South Sudan still must battle a deadly enemy - malaria. The United Methodist Church is helping South Sudanese in the struggle against the disease.
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Church agencies look forward, not back

NEW YORK (UMNS) - Shrinking boards of directors - in some cases, to tiny proportions - are requiring adjustments in governance and representation for the denomination's agencies and commissions. Budget constraints dictate a streamlining of priorities and realignment of staffing needs. Renewed commitments to bilateral and multi-agency cooperation are focusing attention on shared services and common missional priorities.
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Joplin congregation back to 'sweet home'

JOPLIN, Mo. - As members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church filed out of the 10 a.m. service Sunday, Sept. 10, they heard the familiar strains of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," the Joplin Globe reports. The lyrics, however, had been modified to "sweet home St. Paul's" since it was the first time in the worship center after the building was destroyed in the May 22, 2011, tornado.
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California church sends 3rd team to Japan

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (UMNS) - The Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church sent a four-member Mission Team to Japan to assist with the relief effort, the Valley Community Newspapers reports. This is the third mission team the church has sent to Japan since the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami and resulting damage to a nuclear plant.
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Organist takes final bow after 57 years

TREMONT, Ill. (UMNS) - When organist Don Nieukirk played in front of Tremont Methodist Church on Sunday, Sept. 10, he left the stage to a standing ovation, reports the Peoria Journal Star. Nieukirk told the newspaper that he didn't see many of those in his 57 years on the church organ bench.
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