Friday Digest
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Dec 11, 2023
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“If it were not for the women, where would we be?” — The Rev. Sondrea Tolbert, executive director of Scarritt Bennett Center, speaking at the dedication of a house named for Barbara Campbell and Joyce Sohl.
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Joyce Sohl visits the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn., to take part in its 35th anniversary celebration. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
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Scarritt Bennett honors women during 35th anniversary
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — On a bright fall day, Joyce Sohl and Barbara Campbell sat on the front porch of a historic house at the corner of 18th Avenue and Grand Street, under a sign designating it the Campbell Sohl House as part of the 35th anniversary of Scarritt Bennett Center. At the recent dedication, the Rev. Sondrea Tolbert, executive director of the United Methodist-affiliated center, said the house was being named for two women who made sure the naming and purpose of the center remained true to the values of those who came before. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
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Image by 41330, courtesy of Pixabay
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New England Conference Bishop requests prayers for Maine
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METHUEN, Mass. — New England Conference Bishop Peggy A. Johnson called for prayers in response to the Oct. 25 mass shooting in Maine. She also joined United Methodist clergy from Maine in an online prayer service.
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Michigan Conference Theater facility advances ministry
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LANSING, Mich. — A theater and worship space in an old church building represents a new ministry approach for Sycamore Creek (United Methodist) Church. Stage One Performing Arts Center is a creative collaboration between Sycamore Creek’s multicampus congregation, Peppermint Creek Theater Company, the Hope Central Urban Arts after-school program and several Lansing area small businesses. “A lot of people talk about doing community, but this is words put to action,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. Faith Green Timmons reports.
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Texas Conference Empowering senior members at church
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HOUSTON — Congregations in the Texas Conference are finding new ways to support and empower older members. Adult ministries for seniors include game nights and community outings. At Norris Chapel United Methodist Church, the Rev. Vastine Watson said that recognizing the presence of older members is key, as is responding to their needs. Lindsay Peyton has the story.
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United Methodist Communications 'The Recap' offers snapshot of denomination news
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of “The Recap” video series remembers those affected by war in the Middle East, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and highlights United Methodists putting their faith into action. Produced by United Methodist Communications, “The Recap” helps viewers gain a better understanding of what is going on in The United Methodist Church, find inspiration in stories of ministry and learn how the denomination is transforming the world.
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Council of Bishops Retired Bishop Machado dies at 77
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WASHINGTON — Retired Bishop João Somane Machado has died. He was 77. Machado was elected to the episcopacy in 1988 and assigned to the Mozambique Area, where he served until his retirement in 2008. UM News will have a feature obituary on Machado in next week’s Daily Digest.
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New England Conference Memorial service for Bishop Devadhar
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CONCORD, N.H. — The New England Conference will hold a memorial service for Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar on Oct. 28, beginning at 1 p.m. U.S. Eastern time. The service will be at Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord and will be livestreamed. Bishop LaTrelle Easterling will preach. Devadhar, the denomination’s first Indian American bishop, died July 18 at age 72.
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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 UM News staff.
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Wespath Benefits and Investments 3 Wesley rules guide investing
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GLENVIEW, Ill. — Three simple rules outlined by United Methodist founder John Wesley help guide the investments made by Wespath Benefits and Investments. Karen Manczko, director of institutional relationships, explains how “Do no harm,” “Do good” and “Stay in love with God” relate to sifting through investment opportunities.
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Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, you can add it to the calendar by clicking here.
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Monday, Nov. 6-Friday, Nov. 17
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Monday, Nov. 6-Friday, Nov. 17
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New vehicles ease bishops' travel in Congo
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KINDU, Congo (UM News) — Bishops of the Congo Central Conference recently received sport utility vehicles, thanks to financial support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. The vehicles will make it easier for the bishops to travel around their regions, many of which have dirt roads that are impassable during the rainy season. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
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Bishop Stockton remembered for joyful spirit
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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (UM News) — Bishop Thomas B. Stockton, who died Oct. 18 at 93, is being remembered for his optimism and commitment to tending to the needs of underprivileged people. Services are set for Oct. 28 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem. Jim Patterson reports.
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Praise the Lord and pass the pumpkins
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GEORGETOWN, Texas (UM News) — Large pumpkin patches pull in big crowds, and they make for good photos, too. Two Texas churches — First United Methodist of Georgetown and Grace Avenue United Methodist of Frisco — are well-known in their communities for their pumpkin patches. Andy Sharp shared his photos from the Georgetown church, and the Frisco church contributed images from unloading day for its Pumpkins on the Prairie.
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Higher Education and Ministry Bergquist to retire; Fernandes to lead GBHEM
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries are moving toward greater missional and operational alignment with the announcement that the Rev. Greg Bergquist will retire next year and Roland Fernandes, top executive of Global Ministries, will assume leadership of both agencies. Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, Higher Education and Ministry board president, described the decision not as a merger of the two agencies but a way to make each agency stronger, more resilient and more effective around the world.
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