Congregations

Local Church

Members of the Kivu Annual Conference, meeting in Goma, Congo, pray for 19 civilians killed in a massacre in Mamove. Among those killed were six United Methodists who were traveling to a church meeting. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

United Methodists among 19 dead in Congo massacre

Six United Methodists were among 19 civilians killed in a massacre blamed on the rebel group Allied Democratic Forces.

Disaster Relief

Caton Darling, 17, secures a tarp over the roof of his family’s home in Lake Charles, La., after Hurricane Laura toppled trees that damaged the roof.

Amazing grace comes in many ways for storm survivors

Hurricane Laura destroyed churches, homes and businesses but failed to drown the United Methodist spirit of caring.

Local Church

Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah, Ga., is leaving The United Methodist Church in support of LGBTQ inclusion. The church, with more than 300 members, is the first since 2016 to leave expressly in opposition to the denomination’s bans on same-sex weddings and “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy. Photo courtesy of Asbury Memorial Church.

Church exits denomination for LGBTQ equality

The United Methodist Church has seen multiple disaffiliations lately, but a Georgia church is the first in recent years to leave expressly in support of its LGBTQ members.

Congregations

Parishioners sit apart from one another during worship at Franklin (Tenn.) First United Methodist Church. The church, which recently returned to in-person worship, has adopted safety protocols, including social distancing, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Churches begin returning to in-person worship

Progress made with virtual worship will remain a part of the church experience as some sanctuaries reopen for Sunday services.

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