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Daily Digest - October 26, 2020

“After the fire, there was an unfavorable book-to-student ratio of 1 to 40, which led to ineffective learning and, eventually, negatively affected student performance.”Shorwi Kawadza, headmaster at United Methodist Hartzell High School in Zimbabwe, on the challenges facing students after a 2019 fire.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Effort underway to restock library after fire

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — After fire gutted parts of United Methodist Hartzell High School last year, the school’s former students wanted to help. The Hartzell Old Student Association set its sights on restocking the library, which lost an estimated 40,000 books. Kudzai Chingwe reports.
Read story

Great Plains Conference 
Megachurch began in funeral home

LEAWOOD, Kan. — The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection had its start 30 years ago in a funeral home. It has become the best-attended church in the denomination. Todd Seifert’s latest “In Layman’s Terms” podcast features the Rev. Adam Hamilton and other key leaders of the church.  
Listen to podcast

WATE-TV
Hiwassee lacked ‘management oversight’ 

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. — An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office found that the now-closed Hiwassee College had operating deficiencies related to “a lack of management oversight and inadequate maintenance of accounting records.” The United Methodist-related college closed in 2019 after the board of trustees determined the college’s financial struggles were insurmountable. Robert Holder reports. 
Read story
UM News: Hiwassee College closing


PRESS RELEASES

SBC21
7-day prayer vigil and fast for voting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century is holding a seven-day prayer gathering and fast for voting that began Oct. 26. The group is challenging pastors and clergy leaders to strive to have a 100% voting congregation. Join in prayer at 7:14 a.m. U.S. Central time and, if possible, then fast until 7:14 p.m. The prayers are via Zoom or Facebook.
Learn more or register

National Justice for Our Neighbors
Monologues present immigrant experiences

ANNANDALE, Va. — Four leaders of Justice for Our Neighbors will present monologues written by undocumented immigrants at 8 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Oct. 28 on Facebook. The presentation is intended to encourage understanding and thoughtful engagement on the challenges and contributions of immigrants in the U.S. 
To register


RESOURCES

General Council on Finance and Administration
Webinar looks at church technology challenges

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration will host a webinar with Subsplash on strategies for common church administration and technology frustrations. The webinar is scheduled for 10 a.m. U.S. Central time Oct. 27. Subsplash is a United Methodist ministry partner that offers churches digital giving and livestreaming tools. 
To register
Learn more about Subsplash


RECENT HEADLINES 

Should General Conference go virtual?


Bishop calls for dialogue on police reform in Nigeria


EVENTS 

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Dismantling Racism panel examines intersectionality



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