Alabama reaching out to Oklahoma tornado survivors

First United Methodist Church is joining with the United Methodist Committee on Relief to reach out to the people of Moore, Okla. Alabama knows what it feels like to be hit by tornadoes and also what it means to have UMCOR come to their aid. Alabama was last lashed by tornadoes in April 2011.

“Oklahoma is so far away, but we’re able to have people up there immediately (UMCOR), looking at the needs, coordinating with other organizations and telling us, the local churches what we can do,” said Rev. John Blount, the minister of missions and outreach at First UMC.


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Mission and Ministry
The Rev. Ayoub Samuel Ali Kori, district superintendent in Nasr City-Ramses United Methodist Church, joins church members during a joint Christmas carol service organized by Arbawnus United Methodist Church at a rented venue in Zahra, Egypt. Despite not having any physical church buildings, Arbawnus and two other United Methodist congregations in the region have become a sanctuary for refugees fleeing war in Sudan. File photo by Fifiana Ayoub.

Churches help refugees in Egypt find belonging

Despite the lack of facilities, three United Methodist congregations near Cairo provide physical and spiritual nourishment to those who need help.
Disaster Relief
The Rev. Godfrey Gaga (right,) Malawi Provisional Conference superintendent, removes the ribbon from the door of Annie Katumbi’s new home in Ngabu Village in Chikwawa, Malawi. The house was built as part of the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Phase 2 recovery efforts after Cyclone Freddy devastated the area in 2023. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.

3 years after cyclone, recovery continues in Malawi

Phase 2 of the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Cyclone Freddy recovery initiative is delivering long-term shelter, clean water and agricultural support across cyclone-affected districts.
Church Leadership
Andrew Q. “Andy” Hendren. Photo courtesy of Wespath.

Clergy get second chance for Social Security

With broad bipartisan support, new law provides an opt-in window for clergy.

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