“We grieved over the loss. (But) I knew in my heart that God had a big plan; it was bigger and better than we imagined. God was faithful to us.” — Julie Fritz, on the reopening of Dodson Chapel Childcare at Hermitage (Tenn.) United Methodist Church, where her children attend.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Tornado destroys church, but not its ministry
HERMITAGE, Tenn. (UM News) — The tornado that destroyed Dodson Chapel United Methodist Church and its child care center would be described by insurance companies as an “act of God.” But the child care center’s resurrection 18 months after the storm is considered God’s will by those who united to save the ministry. Tim Ghianni has the story.
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Louisiana Conference
'Grinch' sparked pastor's Advent study
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Rev. Matt Rawle has written an Advent study titled “The Heart That Grew Three Sizes,” and it explores faith themes in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Rawle, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, talked about his book as a guest of the Louisiana Conference podcast Louisiana NOW.
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West Ohio Conference
Biscuit-making pastor lifts up praise
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Every Saturday morning as a child, the Rev. Curnell Graham woke to the smell of bacon and the sound of his grandmother singing hymns and praying aloud. One day, Graham decided to try it for himself. He began praising God while he mixed the dough for biscuits, sending up prayers for his family, friends and congregation. For 30 years, the tradition has continued. Kay Panovec has his story.
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Kentucky Conference
Steinway honors church pianist
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Vernon Cherrix, longtime piano instructor and Middletown United Methodist Church pianist, was recently inducted into the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame — an honor for Cherrix, but also a bit of a mystery that he’s still trying to unravel. Alan Wild has the story.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
Creating a Culture of Renewal
Renew Advent through time-honored prayer
CASPER, Wyo. — The season of Advent is one of hope, as Christians not only wait for the coming of the Christ child, but also for Jesus’ second coming. The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter admits the experience of the pandemic has made her weary of waiting. She suggests multiple prayers to help through an uneasy time.
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RESOURCES
Oregon-Idaho Conference
New online course focuses on clergy renewal
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Rev. Beth Estock, clergy coach and United Methodist elder, is offering a new online class, “Leading With Renewed Energy and Joy,” to help leaders thrive in uncertain times. The Jan. 3 seminar is open for enrollment for $125 through Dec. 7. The price increases to $250 after that. Kristen Caldwell reports.
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The Connectional Table
Inviting everyone to the Lord's table
CHICAGO — Edgardo Colón-Emeric leads the next “Tuesdays at the Table” online conversation, tackling the question, “What do you understand when you hear, ‘This is the Lord's table and we don't set the guest list’?” Colón-Emeric, dean of Duke Divinity School, will talk about what it means to invite everyone to the Lord's table. The discussion will premiere at 10 a.m. U.S. Central time Dec. 7 on Facebook.
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