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: January 16, 2014

“We thank you for the great gift and privilege of preaching and for your calling upon our lives and energy and wisdom that we have from you to fine tune our craft.” — The Rev. Alyce McKenzie, pastor-professor-coach.

Preaching professor turns ‘player coach'

DALLAS (UMNS) — In an unusual, possibly unprecedented, experiment, the Rev. Alyce McKenzie of Perkins School of Theology is serving as preacher-in-residence for a local congregation. McKenzie is providing coaching on preaching to the clergy at Christ United Methodist Church in nearby Plano and is preaching there herself once a month.
Read story

Church and Society opposes new sanctions for Iran

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is among more than 60 organizations that signed a letter to U.S. Senators urging them not to support new sanctions that could “critically endanger” possibility of a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear standoff with Iran.
See letter

Religious hostilities reach six-year high

WASHINGTON (UMNS) — The share of countries with a high or very high level of social hostilities involving religion reached a six-year peak in 2012, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center. The sharpest increase was in the Middle East and North Africa, which still is feeling the effects of the 2010-11 political uprisings known as the Arab Spring.
Read story

Church building gets new life as homeless agency

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Church closings are sad, but Annette Spence, editor of The Call in the Holston Annual (regional) Conference, reports how church property in Knoxville will now serve homeless families.
Read story

Latin American, Caribbean women leadership gathering

LIMA, Peru (UMNS) — The first Latin American and Caribbean Methodist women leadership conference will be January 22-25 in Lima. The theme of the event is “Afirmación de la Dignidad de las Mujeres en América Latina y El Caribe y el Rol de las Mujeres en la Iglesia” (Affirmation of the dignity of Latin America and Caribbean women and their role in the Church). The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is a co-sponsor.
More information


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