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 - August 21, 2017

“One of the great things about this conference is to be able to sing songs in different languages.” 
— Angela Bullard, a member of the Lakota Sioux tribe, on the Native American Summer Conference at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. 


Native Americans gather at summer conference 

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — Several generations from 10 tribes gathered at the Native American Summer Conference to share prayers, songs, stories, fellowship and heritage. Kathleen Barry has a photo essay and story. 
Read story and see photos 

Board raises bishops' pay, starts budget work

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The board of the denomination’s finance agency approved a 3 percent pay increase for most United Methodist bishops next year. The General Council on Finance and Administration board also reviewed plans for the 2021-2024 general church budget. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story 

More than 30 bishops issue statements against racism

WASHINGTON — More than 30 United Methodist bishops have issued statements condemning racism after the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. Many called on United Methodists to pray and stand against hatred of any kind. 
Read press release 

Bishop's team helps churches in crisis

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A new 19-member Bishop’s Response Team now stands ready to support congregations across the Alabama-West Florida Conference in times of crisis. The conference’s Kari Barlow reports on how the team will help during traumatic events.
Read story 

Ministry focuses on IDs for homeless

WASHINGTON — With help and spiritual support from Foundry United Methodist Church, Cleveland Thompson got an ID. Now he has a new car, an apartment and a job working for the government. Amber C. Strong of CBN News reports on the church’s ID ministry with the homeless.
Read story 

Global Mission Fellow's response to tragedy at home

FRANKFURT, Germany — Yvonne Agduyeng, a Global Missions Fellow from the Pacific Northwest Conference, was working with refugees half a world away in Germany when she learned of the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. She writes that listening to sermons online and reading blogs by fellow United Methodists has helped her feel not alone. 
Read commentary 

 

Looking ahead

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.

Monday, Aug. 28-Saturday, Sept. 16

Online Lay Servant Workshop: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs — This online workshop explores the history, heritage, beliefs, mission and culture of The United Methodist Church for anyone — newcomer or longtime member — who wants to know what’s distinctive about being a United Methodist Christian. This class is one of the core Lay Servant Ministries classes, but everyone is welcome. This class has been approved by Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries and is the “heritage” class required for Lay Speaker certification. This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU. Price: $70. Details

See more United Methodist events


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 7, 2025

Bishops work to put new vision into action; Church ‘gives sight’ to 250 in Guatemala; Helping Native American groups honor a hero

UM News Digest - May 5, 2025

Bishops respond to same-sex wedding ruling; ‘World shifted’ with full inclusion; Banner gifted to Korean Methodists

UM News Digest - May 2, 2025

Conference moves toward fossil-fuel divestment; What’s new in the Discipline churchwide?; Oregon-Idaho’s first Tongan church chartered

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved