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 22, 2018

"I talk to Jesus every day and I thank him for these people and ask him to bless these people each day of their life now and forever more.” — John William “Captain Bill” Miller on the church volunteers who have helped repair his home in the Florida Everglades.  

John William “Captain Bill” Miller surveys the rebuilding of his home, which was heavily damaged when Hurricane Irma struck Florida Sept. 10, 2017. Miller, 76, has been a charter boat captain in The Everglades for 40 years. Photo by Gustavo Vasquez, UMNS.
Photo by Gustavo Vasquez, UMNS


NEWS AND FEATURES
 

 

Irma survivors grateful for church’s help

THE EVERGLADES, Fla. (UMNS) — The news crews are long gone, but The United Methodist Church is still helping Floridians recover from the historic storm. “It lets us know someone out there really does care about us,” said one resident. Joey Butler reports.
Read story 
Watch video  

Next: United Methodists are committed to Irma recovery work for the long haul.

Mission workers briefly detained in Philippines

ATLANTA (UMNS) — Two mission personnel with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries were among five people detained briefly Feb. 21 at a police checkpoint in Koronadal City, Philippines, the agency said. Linda Bloom reports.
Read story 

Michigan Conference
Church response to Flint water crisis enters 3rd year

FLINT, Mich. — Water delivery is still an important part of the response to the Flint water crisis, but relief doesn’t just come in a bottle. As The United Methodist Church’s involvement enters its third year, Greg Timmons, executive director for Flint Restoration for The United Methodist Church, is developing a broad model of sustainability and growth. Kay DeMoss has the story. 
Read story 

Church gives doctors in DRC technology tools

KAMINA, Democratic Republic of Congo (UMNS) — The North Katanga Conference is helping improve health care here with support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Conference executives delivered computers, mobile phones, modems and motorbikes to doctors in the area to elevate patient care. The mission agency’s Global Health unit provided funding for the equipment. The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau reports.
Read story 

Indiana Conference
Modeling respect, dialogue through Lenten study

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Bishop Julius C. Trimble kicked off his 2018 Lenten study in a live-streamed conversation focused on ways to model respect and open dialogue.
Read story 

 

COMMENTARIES
 

 

Church separation calmly considered

DALLAS (UMNS) — A breakup of The United Methodist Church could produce surprising realignments and defections, and could well have “deeply adverse effects” on accomplishing missional priorities, writes the Rev. Ted A. Campbell. He’s an elder in the Texas Conference, professor of church history at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology and a self-professed “Wesleyan nerd.”
Read commentary 

 

RECENT HEADLINES

British church stays alive through service

Cleggs Lane as a case study
 

EVENTS

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, Feb. 26-Saturday, March 17
 

Online Lay Servant Workshop: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection


Tuesday, Feb. 27


Live Q&A: Social Media for Churches


 

Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].

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 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