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!

Daily Digest - April 09, 2013

"That's the cool thing. They lost their home, and the next day they were serving other people." - The Rev. Andy Stoddard, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church, talking about his youth pastor, Jeff West.

In wake of personal loss, they served others

PETAL, Miss. (UMNS) - "We were just thankful that no one was hurt," said Jeff West, 27, a youth pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church. The Hattiesburg American reports that West and his wife, Ashlie, helped others before they turned to picking through their badly damaged home after a Feb. 10 tornado devastated the area. Now, the crew of the HGTV show, Catastrophe Inc., is on site helping to put hammer to nail so the Wests can get back in their home.
Read full story

British Methodists remember Margaret Thatcher

LONDON (UMNS) - The Rev. Mark Wakelin reflected on the late British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, noting on the website of the Methodist Church of Britain that "her roots in a personally responsible Methodist tradition were greatly admired by many."
Read full statement

Keep your church website engaging

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Once you have covered all the basics of your website - location, worship times, staff bios and events - you need to keep things fresh and engaging if you want visitors to come back often. Learn how to keep the content relevant, inspiring and maybe a little edgy.
Read more

Argentina sustains historic flooding

NEW YORK (UMNS) - The United Methodist Committee on Relief is assessing damages and relief needs in the province and city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, after record rainfall last week caused severe flooding that took the lives of 57 people and shut down power for more than a quarter million.
Read story

Children's home in Japan offers safe haven

FUKUSHIMA, Japan (UMNS) - The Horikawa Aiseien Children's Home is helping children recover from Japan's 2011 "triple disaster" of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. Read how the United Methodist Committee on Relief is lending support.
Read story

Growing German church in online competition

BREMERHAVEN, Germany (UMNS) - The United Methodist congregation in Bremerhaven, Germany, takes church to the people to worship beyond church walls once a month. In three years, the congregation has grown from 12 members and almost closing its doors to having 80 people at worship each Sunday. The church is competing in an online competition in Germany to raise funds for their work. Voting is daily through April 15.
To vote. Then click Abstimmung and look for the Bremerhaven church in the list.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now

UM News Digest - May 28, 2025

Joy of singing aids people with Parkinson’s; Asian American clergy affirm roles at gathering; Reflecting 5 years after George Floyd’s death

UM News Digest - May 23, 2025

Ohio leaders mark 140 years of Korean mission; Bishop, pastor deal with tornado’s wreckage; Explainer: Voting on constitutional amendments

UM News Digest - May 21, 2025

United Methodist ‘sisters’ blend Christian traditions; Church supports flood survivors in Burundi; Sharing the Gospel through creation care

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved