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Daily Digest - March 16, 2020

“We want them to be in relationship with one another even if that’s through technology.”The Rev. Patty Groot, a minister at Christ Church United Methodist in Louisville.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Virus alters but does not stop Sunday worship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — From a kitchen island to a comfy sofa, in pajamas or a T-shirt, on a laptop or a mobile phone — a number of United Methodists went to church online this past Sunday, some of them for the first time. Linda Bloom and Sam Hodges report.
Read story
Churches adapting to coronavirus restrictions

Ask The UMC
How can we livestream worship services legally? 
 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Livestreaming can be an effective way for church and community members to remain connected with worship. United Methodist Communications’ Ask The UMC has more on copyright considerations for livestreaming legally. 
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC

GC2020 organizers to consider postponement
MINNEAPOLIS (UM News) — Amid escalating concerns about the coronavirus, General Conference organizers plan to meet March 21 to discuss possibly postponing the global legislative assembly. The Council of Bishops executive committee urged postponement because of the virus.
Read updated story
Read press release

Response Magazine
Living the legacy in India

LUCKNOW, India — Educating girls was not a very popular idea in India in 1870, so when Isabella Thoburn opened a simple classroom for six girls in a mud-walled room off the market, she posted a guard at the door with a big club. Today, Isabella Thoburn College remains a premier school for young women in India and is supported by United Methodist Women members' mission giving. Paul Jeffrey has the story.
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

Connectional Table
Connectional Table affirms Christmas Covenant

CHICAGO — The Connectional Table has received many questions about the relationship between its legislation to create a U.S. regional conference and the recently released Christmas Covenant legislation that seeks to create regional conferences around the world. In a statement, the Connectional Table affirmed that the Christmas Covenant accurately reflects its legislation. 
Read statement
See legislation chart
Read legislation


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.

Dallas Morning News
World War II vet offers perspective on pandemic 

DALLAS — As a 94-year-old World War II veteran, John Gould has seen his share of hard times. The faithful United Methodist shared with Dallas Morning News columnist Sharon Grigsby his advice for coping with the coronavirus: “Take it easy, pray for each other and look after your neighbors, even if you don’t know them that well — especially those who are lonely or really fragile.”
Read commentary 


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