Local Church

Oretha Goyanvator receives a certificate during training led by United Methodist Women in Monrovia, Liberia. As part of the new Village Saving Scheme program, participants learned to make soap, detergent and sanitary pads to help them earn and save money during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by E Julu Swen, UM News.

Empowering women in Liberia amid COVID-19

UMW project teaches women to make soaps and sanitary pads to generate income and provide needed products in rural villages.

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.

Worship

Churches embrace outdoor worship during pandemic

During the coronavirus pandemic, churches have had to weigh whether to continue only worshipping online or to reopen buildings in limited capacities. Others have begun to move outside.

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