Central Conferences

Many annual conference gatherings scheduled for the first half of 2020 in Central and Southern Europe have been postponed again and some moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic. A decision is pending on the final form of the Hungary Provisional Conference, shown here in 2019. That meeting is now planned for the end of October. 2019 file photo by Urs Schweizer, Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe.

Many European conferences still unable to meet

Many annual conference gatherings in Europe were postponed until autumn due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, most will still be unable to meet in person.

Central Conferences

The Rev. Moore Ganda, senior pastor, prays for the congregation at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe. Due to COVID-19 and the country’s economic crisis, the congregation is being asked to help augment clergy salaries. Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, UM News.

Laity giving pastors a boost during pandemic

Lay leaders in the Zimbabwe East Conference are asking all church members to contribute $1 per month to help augment pastors’ salaries during COVID-19.

General Church

John Yambasu Jr. (left) and other mourners carry the casket bearing the remains of Sierra Leone Bishop John K. Yambasu, who was laid to rest Sept. 6 after a service of Remembrance and Rites of Passage in Freetown. The bishop died in a car accident on Aug. 16. Photo by Phileas Jusu, UM News.

Driver arrested in crash that killed bishop

The driver of the SUV that crashed into and killed Sierra Leone Area Bishop John K. Yambasu has been charged with seven counts, including speeding.

Local Church

United Methodists, led by the Rev. Recto Baguio, superintendent of the Mindanao Central East District, distribute food to communities struggling during the coronavirus pandemic in the Philippines. The relief packs include rice, canned goods, noodles, sugar, salt, dried fish and soap. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Recto Baguio.

Filipinos on the margins hurt by COVID-19

United Methodists from the three episcopal areas have come together to provide food and other assistance during the pandemic.

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