NEWS AND FEATURES
A snapshot of United Methodism in Madagascar
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (UM News) — A delegation led by Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala, head of The United Methodist Church’s Mozambique Episcopal Area, made a historic visit to Madagascar earlier this year. The bishop formalized the opening of the first United Methodist church in the country, baptized and confirmed nearly 100 new members and administered Holy Communion for the first time in a United Methodist service there. The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez offers a photo essay of this new moment in United Methodism.
See photo presentation
Read UM News story: Bishop makes historic visit to Madagascar
United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina
‘Hot dog church’ serves up lunch, hospitality
GREENSBORO, N.C. — For more than 20 years and far too many helpings of chili to count, members of Gethsemane United Methodist Church have served up hot dogs and fellowship each Saturday to people from all walks of life. The church offers Christian hospitality and serves as an economic difference-maker in its community. The United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina has the story.
Watch video and read story
Florida, Holston and Oklahoma conferences
Conferences approve 374 church departures
LAKELAND, Fla. — Three annual conference special sessions, meeting on April 22, ratified the disaffiliations of 374 churches. The Florida and Oklahoma conferences each approved 55 church withdrawals. The Holston Conference, which encompasses eastern Tennessee and parts of Virginia and Georgia, approved the departures of 264 churches. The Florida and Holston conferences report on the special sessions.
Read Florida Conference story
Read Holston Conference story
Disaffiliation tally by conference
Dakotas Conference
Churches combine efforts for youth
PARK RIVER, N.D. — Park River, a United Methodist federated church, has combined efforts with two other congregations to serve youth in the area. Dubbed Lighthouse, the youth group is housed at Park River and connects its members with young people from Victory Free Lutheran Church and Bethel Baptist Church. The group rotates planning and leading Bible studies and activities. A local high school English teacher provides music. The Rev. Eric Van Meter reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
Celebrating World Press Freedom Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In honor of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, United Methodists are invited to learn more about UM News and support its mission. The official newsgathering agency for The United Methodist Church has been championing objective reporting and freedom of expression since 1940. “As society faces the growing threat of disinformation, trustworthy news reporting is more important than ever,” says Tim Tanton, chief news officer for United Methodist Communications.
Read press release
Learn more
United Theological Seminary
Training for laity offered
DAYTON, Ohio — Four online courses to help laity understand God’s call in their lives and learn new leadership skills will be offered this year on April 29, July 29, Sept. 30 and Dec. 9. The courses are “Discover Your Spiritual Gifts,” “Soul Reset,” “Charter for Racial Justice” and “101 Leadership.” The 2023 Laity Leadership Institution is sponsored by Black Methodists for Church Renewal and the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary. The courses are free, but students are encouraged to make a donation if they attend.
Read press release
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Western Pennsylvania Conference
Clergywoman shares calling as military chaplain
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — CH (CPT) Brittany Wooten, who serves in the U.S. Army as a military chaplain, feels that women, especially clergywomen, are underrepresented in the military. “I have met and served alongside such remarkable clergywomen, and I believe that the military needs more of our sisters to continue doing God’s work,” she writes.
Read commentary
RECENT HEADLINES
Missionary remembered as a light for vulnerable children
Kids help plant trees to fight climate change
EVENTS
Monday, April 24-Friday, May 26
Online course: Your Ministry of Planning and Leading Worship
Wednesday, April 26-Monday, May 2
Congregational Leadership: Time Management
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.