Theology and Education

The parking lot of the United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville, Tenn., stands empty at midday on Friday, May 1, 2020. The agency announced it will lay off nearly one-fourth of its staff, partly due to declining sales in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Publishing house laying off about 70 workers

The United Methodist Publishing House predicts a loss of up to 50% in sales partly due to congregations suspending regular activities during the coronavirus.

Marshall Greene (center) is baptized during the Annual Inlet Baptism in Murrells Inlet off the Belin Memorial United Methodist Church's seawall. Holding him is (left) Austin Bond, director of youth ministries and (right) Walter Cantwell, associate pastor. Photo by Benjamin Coy.

Ask The UMC: How far back does Christian baptism go?

Christian baptism has its earliest beginnings in the church. It was related to the water rites of other religions.

Disaster Relief

A tire swing sways in the wind from Hurricane Rita over the remains of a beachfront home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in Ocean Springs, Miss. Rita made landfall in East Texas Sept. 24, 2005, nearly four weeks after Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Ask The UMC: How do we understand suffering from disaster?

When tragedy strikes, it is common for us to ask why. We turn to our faith for answers, but answers don’t come easily.

Theology and Education

Students and staff practice social distancing in order to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus as they wait to enter the dining hall at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The cafeteria has changed serving and seating arrangements, and meal times have been extended to three hours so those on campus do not all have to be served at the same time. Photo by the Africa University office of Advancement and Public Affairs.

AU shifts to online classes, some students stay on campus

The United Methodist university is practicing social distancing to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

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