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Faith Stories
The Rev. Andy Oliver (left) of Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Fla.,  prays with Luis Blanco in front of the Tampa immigration office on Jan. 30, 2018. The congregation supported Blanco and his family during his deportation proceedings. Oliver continues to be in ministry with marginalized communities in Florida, including helping to lead weekly protests at detention centers in the state that are housing suspected undocumented immigrants. File photo courtesy of the Rev. Andy Oliver.

Pastor emulates Wesley in Florida

The Rev. Andy Oliver’s journey from burnt-out pastor to passionate activist has taken some interesting stops, including public relations and tending bar.
Worship
Mary Spurgeon stops to listen to the sounds of nature during Wild Worship, an outdoor gathering offered by her church, First United Methodist of Omaha. Video image by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Taking worship into the wild

Individuals are heading to the woods to connect with God in nature. This unique worship experience is a ministry of First United Methodist Church of Omaha, Nebraska.
Disaster Relief
Photo courtesy of the Louisiana Conference.

Louisiana Conference: Hope Beyond the Storm podcast series

A special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices and pastoring from church leaders, volunteers and neighbors who rebuilt together twenty years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

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