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 - December 15, 2016

"Let us live to the standard of ministry set by Jesus. This is the call to every United Methodist." — Filipino Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco.

Filipino bishop honored for sheltering poor

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (UMNS) — United Methodist Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco gave sanctuary to thousands of poor and starving farmers when a peaceful demonstration turned deadly outside the gates of the Spottswood Methodist Mission Center. United Methodist News Service is honoring him as United Methodist of the Year. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story

 

Emphasizing unity in Christ over divisiveness

WICHITA, Kan. (UMNS) — A Kansas church is charting a middle course amid theological divides, disagreements about homosexuality and the possibility of schism. Tim Tanton reports on Aldersgate United Methodist Church, a thriving suburban congregation.
Read story

 

Agency report: Higher Education and Ministry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry wants to make a seminary education more affordable for those called to ministry and increase availability of quality theological education worldwide. Part of a series of reports on the work each general agency accomplished in 2016.
Read story

 

Hearing familiar hymns with new ears

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — Charles Wesley wrote more than 6,000 hymns used by the early Methodists. Among them are hymns still used today to teach about the preparations of Advent. Throughout this season of waiting, Joe Iovino has devotions based on Wesley’s hymns.
Born to set thy people free
And God himself is born
Glory to the newborn King

 

Luce grant to fund seminary environmental initiative

DELAWARE, Ohio (UMNS) — The Henry Luce Foundation has awarded a three-year, $425,000 grant to Methodist Theological School in Ohio to support the establishment of the Seminary Environmental Leadership Initiative. The grant will be shared by MTSO, the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, and the Green Seminary Initiative, a project of United Methodist Drew Theological School and GreenFaith.
Read press release

 

42 years of making a difference

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Marilyn Dunnaway is retiring from the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry after 42 years of service. “I hope people remember that I care about everyone,” she says.
Read press release

 

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.

 

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Webinar “Healthy Families Series: (Social Health) Tackling Challenges of Clergy Families” — 2 p.m. CST. This webinar looks at the unique stresses for clergy families, including sexism and racism, and how the church can be supportive and demonstrate God’s love for families across many experiences. Details
 

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