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 8, 2014

“We invested in people, and we listened, and we didn’t judge. And we loved, we loved, and we loved some more.” — The Rev. Leah Hidde-Gregory, whose rural church saw 59 professions of faith in six years.

Church vitality: Professions of faith rise

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N. C. (UMNS) — For the first time in 11 years, United Methodist annual (regional) conferences in the United States reported an increase in total professions of faith in 2012. Learn how some United Methodist churches are nurturing new Christians.
Read story and post a comment

United Methodists offer hope in South Sudan turmoil

ALCOA, Tenn. (UMNS) — As continuing violence has increased tensions across South Sudan, United Methodist congregations there are providing both haven and hope.
Read story and post a comment

Central conference education grants deadline

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Thursday, Jan. 30, is the deadline to apply for Central Conference Theological Education grants, which are awarded for projects to improve United Methodist theological education in the central conferences in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
Apply

Young Clergy Initiative grants deadline

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Wednesday, Feb. 5, is the deadline for the Young Clergy Initiative grants, which will be awarded to applicants who develop innovative projects that could attract young people to ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church.
Apply

Arkansas church reaches people with special needs

JONESBORO, Ark. (UMNS) —First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro offers a form of Christian education program unlike any in its area: a therapeutic Sunday school setting that provides learning and activities designed for individuals with special needs. The program “has given our clients a place to worship where they feel comfortable,” says a local recreation director.
Read story

Moving forward and looking back — transparent communication

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — In the first part of a blog series, the Rev. Larry Hollon, top executive of United Methodist Communications, reflects on how the intersection of technology and communication is shaping the church.
Read blog


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