Daily Digest - November 19, 2019


“It may be easier for the kids to talk with me because I went through it.” — David Stradling, youth director at Valencia United Methodist Church and science teacher at Saugus High School, on the aftermath of a shooting at the school.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Churches open doors after school shooting ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, Calif. (UM News) — Two United Methodist churches near Saugus High School held vigils and reached out to the community after a shooting at the school. The youth director at one of the churches is also a teacher at the school. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
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Budgeting for an uncertain future
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Faced with the denomination’s uncertain future, United Methodist agencies are tightening their belts and budgeting for a potential plunge in giving in 2020. This is in addition to planning for deep cuts contained in the 2021-24 general church budget — the smallest in more than 20 years. Heather Hahn reports.
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Read General Council on Finance and Administration press release

Oklahoma Conference
Pecan tree planting honors missionaries

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Conference planted a pecan tree in honor of a United Methodist missionary couple who recently visited and shared about their work at Cambine Mission in Mozambique. John Nday runs a farm project, and his wife, Florence Kaying, is a nurse practitioner. The mission serves its community of more than 14,000 people through schools, an orphanage and a health center.
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RESOURCES

United Methodist agencies
Last-minute ideas for Advent

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Advent begins Dec. 1. United Methodists around the connection offer free and low-cost resources to deepen this season of anticipating Christ’s coming. Philip J. Brooks has compiled a list.
See resources

PRESS RELEASES

Council of Bishops
Scholarships offered to attend workshops

WASHINGTON — First-time attendees of workshops about radical hospitality and ecumenical communication are eligible for $300 scholarships. The workshops will be held March 23-26 in Houston.
Read press release

RECENT HEADLINES

Gathering dreams of inclusive future

Ebola takes toll on United Methodists

EVENTS

Thursday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 24

Interfaith Peace Conference at Lake Junaluska


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