Faith Stories

Betty Pensavalle poses with her Tom Brady cutout. Pensavalle was one of the inspirations for the movie, "80 for Brady." Photo courtesy of the New England Conference.

Church member inspired new movie

The feature film “80 for Brady” is based on a group of real-life friends who bonded over their love of football and especially quarterback Tom Brady. One of the film’s inspirations is 'cradle Methodist' Elizabeth “Betty” Pensavalle.

Church Leadership

The Rev. Joel Mora Peña had a unique ministry trajectory, serving as a bishop in the Methodist Church of Mexico, then as a pastor in the Rio Grande Conference of The United Methodist Church. He died Jan. 3, at age 88. Photo courtesy of Meliza Gómez.

Mexican bishop became pastor in the US

The Rev. Joel Mora Peña served as an episcopal leader in the Methodist Church of Mexico before immigrating to the U.S. and leading United Methodist churches as a pastor in the Rio Grande Conference. He died Jan. 3 at age 88.

Faith Stories

The Rev. Carlton “Sam” Young has written a book about his long, fruitful career in church music, which includes editing The United Methodist Hymnal. Young titled his autobiography “I’ll Sing On: My First 96 Years.” Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

At 96, hymnal editor shares his story

The Rev. Carlton “Sam” Young’s autobiography covers his long career as a United Methodist composer, arranger, hymnal editor and scholar.

Mission and Ministry

Members of Capital City Christian Church in Frankfort, Kentucky, celebrate the congregation’s campaign to eliminate the medical debts of some of their neighbors in partnership with RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit based in Long Island, New York. Like Capital City, United Methodist churches in Michigan, Tennessee and Nebraska have staged successful medical bill forgiveness campaigns. Photo courtesy of Capital City Christian Church.

Churches help pay off medical debt

The fundraising campaigns of several United Methodist congregations have led to millions in medical debt forgiveness through RIP Medical Debt.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION