Annual Conferences

Nathan Jans, bundled up for the cold, assists with a recent food distribution at First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, S.D. With economic distress accompanying high COVID-19 numbers in the state, the church has become a partner with the nonprofit Feeding South Dakota. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Sara Nelson.

Dakotas Conference feels pain of COVID-19

United Methodist churches in North and South Dakota step up ministry even as clergy and members join ranks of those infected.

Human Sexuality

The Executive Committee of the United Methodist Church in Germany agreed to become more open and inclusive on matters relating to human sexuality during a video meeting Nov. 20-21. The decision seeks to preserve unity through a perspective of respectful coexistence as a way forward. Photo by Klaus Ulrich Ruof, United Methodist Communications Germany.

Norway, Germany move to more inclusivity

Top committee of German church agrees to be more open on human sexuality matters, while Norway Conference plans to issue a public apology to LGBTQ people.

Annual Conferences

A view of GNTV Media Ministry’s video control room during the Baltimore-Washington Conference annual gathering shows multiple computer screens, audio equipment and busy technicians. Photo courtesy of GNTV Media Ministry.

Conference sessions go virtual, with mixed results

Pandemic-prompted online gatherings offer efficiencies, but technological glitches have occurred and delegates miss being together.

General Church

More than seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial outlook for conferences is decidedly mixed. But even with reduced giving, conference treasurers are saying the situation is not as dire as it appeared in the spring. Photo by Kathryn Price, United Methodist Communications; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Conferences persevere under financial strain

United Methodist conferences are offering churches relief and finding ways to still minister amid pandemic-caused hardships.

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