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 - February 13, 2020

“She created a set of stories that allowed her … to tell what had happened, but framed it theologically in a way that was about life, not death.”Ken Guest, about his mother, the Rev. Frances Helen Foley Guest.


NEWS AND FEATURES

For this pastor, storytelling became a ministry

NEW YORK (UM News) — The late Rev. Frances Helen Foley Guest spent three and a half years with her Methodist missionary parents in a Japanese prison camp. Guest, the denomination’s first Crusade Scholar in 1945, made that experience the foundation of her lifelong ministry. Linda Bloom has the story.
Read story

Conference acts on protocol, Christmas Covenant
TAGAYTAY CITY, Philippines (UM News) — The Philippines Conference Cavite has endorsed and sent to the 2020 General Conference legislation for the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation and for the Christmas Covenant. Both proposals foresee major change for The United Methodist Church. Gladys P. Mangiduyos and Sam Hodges report. 
Read story

United Methodist Communications
Ham radio boosts disaster preparedness

DUMAGUETE, Philippines — Ham radio is a hobby around the world. United Methodists have found amateur radio also can be a lifesaving tool in the Philippines, a country beset by typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic activity. Feb. 13 is designated by UNESCO as World Radio Day. 
Watch video
UNESCO World Radio Day

Memphis Conference 
Layman offers Plain Grace Plan

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Conference layman Frank Holbrook has submitted to the 2020 General Conference his own Plain Grace Plan for the future of The United Methodist Church. He says it “focuses on the means of multiplying witness and not the underlying disputes” about doctrine or social issues. Lane Gardner Camp reports on the effort by Holbrook, a retired lawyer and certified mediator.
Read story
 

RESOURCES

Religion and Race

29 ways to participate in Black History Month
WASHINGTON — No matter a person’s heritage, culture or racial background, black history is everyone’s story. For the 29 days of February 2020, the Commission on Religion and Race has put together 29 ways United Methodists can celebrate and participate in Black History Month.
Read list


RECENT HEADLINES 

UMW project helps rural girls stay in school

Faithful giving in a time of change


EVENTS

Wednesday, March 4-Saturday, March 7

Black Methodists for Church Renewal General Meeting


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 28, 2025

Joy of singing aids people with Parkinson’s; Asian American clergy affirm roles at gathering; Reflecting 5 years after George Floyd’s death

UM News Digest - May 23, 2025

Ohio leaders mark 140 years of Korean mission; Bishop, pastor deal with tornado’s wreckage; Explainer: Voting on constitutional amendments

UM News Digest - May 21, 2025

United Methodist ‘sisters’ blend Christian traditions; Church supports flood survivors in Burundi; Sharing the Gospel through creation care

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved