Mission and Ministry

Living the vision

UM News is spotlighting thriving congregations and ministries that embody The United Methodist Church’s vision to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
Disaster Relief
The Rev. Godfrey Gaga (right,) Malawi Provisional Conference superintendent, removes the ribbon from the door of Annie Katumbi’s new home in Ngabu Village in Chikwawa, Malawi. The house was built as part of the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Phase 2 recovery efforts after Cyclone Freddy devastated the area in 2023. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.

3 years after cyclone, recovery continues in Malawi

Phase 2 of the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Cyclone Freddy recovery initiative is delivering long-term shelter, clean water and agricultural support across cyclone-affected districts.
Local Church
Once a week, the ShowerUp truck comes to Cookeville First United Methodist Church in Tennessee. The church provides free towels and toiletries so that unhoused guests can clean up and enjoy a free hot lunch during their visit. Photo by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Church showers unhoused neighbors with love

Hot showers, fresh meals and plenty of helping hands — see how one Tennessee congregation is taking ministry beyond the church doors.
Church History
Holding a banner for the Bishop Richard Allen Way street renaming celebration Oct. 7 at Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church in Philadelphia are (from left): the Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal  Church; Yvonne Studevan, an Allen descendant; AME Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green Sr.; United Methodist Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi; and the Rev. William Wilson Sr., pastor of St. George’s. Surrounding them are other descendants and members of the Prince Hall Masons lodge named for Bishop Allen. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

United Methodists help honor AME Church founder

Philadelphia renamed the street in front of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church as Bishop Richard Allen Way, honoring the formerly enslaved Methodist preacher who founded the denomination in 1816.

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