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 5, 2016

“Dan Damon and John Thornburg are two of the most respected and eloquent Wesleyan poets of our time, and their work has embraced the fullness of the global United Methodist Church.” — The Rev. Jackson Henry on two United Methodist elders honored for hymn writing.

 

Hymn-writing pastors honored

REDLANDS, Calif. (UMNS) — Two United Methodist elders who are much-published hymn writers have won the highest honor given by The Hymn Society in The United States and Canada, an ecumenical group. The Revs. Dan Damon and John Thornburg were elected fellows of the society at its recent annual conference. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story 

 

United Methodist campers inspired by Malala

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (UMNS) — About 180 United Methodist campers were inspired by hearing Malala Yousafzai, the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. The shooting of Yousafzai, an advocate for education and for women, sparked an international outcry and support for her work. The director of the New England Conference’s Camp Aldersgate planned the trip to “widen the view” of the campers. Beth DiCocco reports for the conference.
Read story 

 

Deacon revisits journey to clergy status

OKLAHOMA CITY (UMNS) — As a high school senior, Emma Mae Richardson knew she was called to a Christian vocation, but not to be a pastor. Part of the first group of ordained deacons in the Oklahoma Conference, she reflected on what it means to have clergy status. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Order of Deacons. Holly McCray of the Oklahoma Conference has the story.
Read story 

 

2016 annual conference reports

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist News Service has posted reports from all the annual conference sessions in the U.S. New reports this week include Tennessee and Yellowstone.
Read reports 

 

New course on religion and the presidency

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Wesley Theological Seminary announced a new hybrid course focusing on how religion and faith shaped our U.S. presidents. Mike McCurry, a former White House press secretary and distinguished professor of public theology at Wesley, will teach the class, which will be a mix of in-person and Skype meetings.
Read press release 

 

New time for Daily Digest

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist News Service Daily Digest is moving to a new time. The e-newsletter of news from around the United Methodist connection is now sent at 6 a.m. CDT. Beginning Aug. 9, the digest will be sent at 6 p.m. CDT.
Subscribe to the Daily or Weekly Digests 

 

Looking ahead

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.

 

Monday, Aug. 8-Monday, Aug. 29

 

Called to Teach: A “Practical Resources for Churches” online course — This three-week course will look at teaching children from preschool through sixth grade as a calling and ministry. Participants will be able to access this course at their own convenience. $45. Practical Resources for Churches, an ecumenical training organization, is offering this through BeADisciple.com. Details

 

More upcoming 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 12, 2025

Minneapolis chosen for 2028 General Conference; Planning more help for Haiti; Churches raise funds to house flood survivors

UM News Digest - May 9, 2025

African women speak against gender violence; Los Angeles church sees renewal under new pastor; Top stories from the week

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

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved