Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Local Church

Mission and Ministry
Mary Ellis and Steve Richardson conduct a free church disability audit. Steve is chair of the Holston Conference’s Disability Concerns Committee. Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Accessibility audits ensure church’s doors are open to all

The Richardson family’s desire for their son Powell to become a full member of the UMC led to a change in the Book of Discipline that paved the way for others with disabilities to join.
Faith Stories
Lindsey Dye pauses to wipe away Laura Smotherman’s tears as the couple renew their wedding vows during a service for three gay couples June 8 at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. Officiating is the Rev. Eric Mayle, Edgehill’s senior pastor. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Wedding ban gone, church honors 3 gay couples

Edgehill United Methodist Church held a vow-renewal service for three couples previously unable to wed in their church home under denominational restrictions that ended last year.
Faith Stories
“The Memory Garden” is the first in a series of Christian contemporary novels by Jessica Brodie, editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate and a member of Mount Hebron United Methodist Church in West Columbia, S.C. “United Methodism is woven into every element of this book,” Brodie says. Flower photograph by congerdesign, courtesy of Pixabay; book cover and portrait, courtesy of Jessica Brodie.

Author weaves United Methodism into novel

United Methodist Jessica Brodie takes inspiration from stories she shared as a writer and editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate.
Church Leadership
The Rev. Myung Sun Han. Photo courtesy of the author.

‘Not-so-obvious introvert’ on church’s new vision

Words such as “boldly,” “joyfully” and “courageously” are rooted in an extroverted ideal, but pastor offers another way to view the vision statement.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Loading

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved