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Local Church

Church Leadership
Caralyn Ware. Photo courtesy of the author.

When the shepherd strays: Addiction and clergy wellness

The United Methodist Church must act at every level to help pastors in crisis and create space for wellness.
Church Leadership
The Rev. Cathy Stone (right), associate pastor of First United Methodist Church of Austin, chats with a volunteer March 28 at the church. Stone is the driving force behind the church’s efforts to cater to the needs of unhoused people. Each Friday, volunteers provide women with food and pampering. Photo by Andrea Turner, UM News.

Pastor finds contentment serving the unhoused

Mission work is “a critical part of who we are as United Methodists,” says the Rev. Cathy Stone.
Local Church
Unhoused women wait for the doors to open on the morning of March 28 at First United Methodist Church of Austin, Texas. Each Friday, the women are able to get showers, pick out new clothing from donations the church has collected, have a meal or enjoy the luxury of sleeping in a safe environment. Once a month, they can get their hair washed, cut and styled. Photo by Andrea Turner, UM News.

Church provides pampering for unhoused women

Each Friday is a special day for 30-40 women without housing in Austin, Texas. That’s when they are treated to a spa day ministry hosted by First United Methodist Church.
Evangelism
Members of United Methodist Youth Fellowship in the Philippines participate in worship during a three-day workshop. Photo from video by Kyla Ragasa

Pananaw workshop teaches critical thinking for Filipino Youth

The United Methodist Youth Fellowship in the Philippines (UMYFP) recently conducted a “Pananaw” (Filipino term for ‘perspectives’) workshop is a three-day program centered on media literacy with focus on social media.

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