Daily Digest - January 2, 2020

NEWS AND FEATURES

Clergyman retires ‘under complaint’ of abuse

WORTHINGTON, Ohio (UM News) — The Rev. Donald “Bud” Heckman reached a resolution with the West Ohio Conference after facing formal accusations from four women of sexual misconduct and abuse. However, the women who filed the complaint expressed concern about the resolution. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story

Florida Conference
Church extends from tattoo parlor to dog park

WILDWOOD, Fla. — Wildwood United Methodist Church aims to bring Jesus to wherever people are. The result is the rise of new Christian communities in places as varied as a tattoo parlor, burrito restaurant and dog park. Eileen Spiegler has the story. 
Read story

South Carolina Conference
Music minister starts food ministry

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Herb Thompson spent two decades in music ministry before switching to feeding people based on his background in the restaurant business. Now his team delivers 85 meals a week with help from two Timmonsville churches. Jessica Brodie reports.
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

World Council of Churches
Take action on climate now, says WCC head

GENEVA — Expressing urgent concern over the world’s climate emergency, the top executive of the World Council of Churches has called upon churches and individuals everywhere to take action now. “In fact, our futures, the well-being of our common home, and the very existence of our species are at risk,” writes the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit in a pastoral letter. “The call to our churches and ourselves could not be clearer; and our unity, solidarity, and determination have never been more needed by the world.”
Read press release


RECENT HEADLINES

2019: Remembering church newsmakers

Special general conference tops the news in 2019



EVENTS 

Monday, Jan. 20-Friday, Feb. 28

Online course: Spiritual Disciplines for Personal and Parish Renewal

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 - March 21, 2025

United Methodist hospital staff attacked in Congo; Amid war, central conference practices ‘shalom’; Church in the Wild connects faith, nature

UM News Digest - March 19, 2025

United Methodists react to Duterte arrest; Borehole offers hope to Burundi town; Youth respond at IGNITE

UM News Digest - March 17, 2025

Africa Central Conference elects 4 bishops; Church faces storm’s damage with hope; Men’s organization launches new website

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved