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Churches respond to storms in Philippines

A series of typhoons and storms have brought heavy rains to parts of the Philippines, causing widespread flooding.

United Methodist churches in the Philippines Central Conference, including Good Samaritan United Methodist, Kamuning First United Methodist and churches in the Bulacan Philippines Conference, have been leading relief efforts in their communities.

News media contact: Julie Dwyer at [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

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Theology and Education
The Union Theological Seminary choir, under the direction of Deborrah Reyes, helps lead closing worship for The United Methodist Church’s Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters meeting in Manila, Philippines, in 2019. Bishops are planning a one-time special offering next year to support the endowment fund for theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. File photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

Big push planned to fund pastoral education

United Methodist bishops are planning a one-time special offering next year to better support pastors’ theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
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.
Mission and Ministry
Bishop David Bard, who leads the Michigan and Illinois Great Rivers conferences, talks to Volunteers in Mission leaders about the theology behind regionalization, a package of amendments to the denomination’s constitution up for possible ratification this year. Joining Bard in discussing regionalization were Mountain Sky Conference Bishop Kristin Stoneking (left) and Bishop Robin Dease, who leads the North Georgia and South Georgia conferences. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

What regionalization means for mission

Three United Methodist bishops discussed what regionalization would mean for the denomination’s global mission work if ratified.

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