Daily Digest - September 26, 2012

"I think we should take it very seriously as an example of debates going on in early Christianity." - Mark A. Chancey, a professor of religious studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, regarding a papyrus fragment where Jesus seems to refer to a wife.

Judicial ruling sought on E. Africa funds

PITTSBURGH (UMNS) - For almost six years, unanswered questions and accusations have clouded several mission projects by U.S. United Methodist conferences working in the denomination's East Africa Annual (regional) Conference. Some of those questions and accusations will be front and center when the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference puts its case before the Judicial Council, the denomination's top court.
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Did Jesus have a wife?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - If Jesus had been married, don't you think Paul or the biblical Gospel writers would have mentioned it? United Methodist scholars and others weigh in on the papyrus fragment in the Egyptian language Coptic that includes the phrase: "Jesus said to them, my wife."
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Demand grows for older adult ministries

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - With Americans reaching age 65 at the rate of 10,000 a day, congregations must become even more intentional about providing appropriate ministries for older adults, said the Rev. Richard H. Gentzler Jr., director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. He recently presented a comprehensive plan for older adult ministries to help annual (regional) conferences.
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Greenwaldt to retire as Discipleship head

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, announced Sept. 25 that she will retire on Dec. 31, 2013. : She will have served as the agency's leader for 13 years.
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