“We save lives in so many different ways — not just by the way we give and are in mission together, but the expertise and the gifts that are in the body, and that’s scriptural. That preaches.” — Sally Vonner, top executive of United Women in Faith
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Women in Faith
Vonner reflects on first year on job
NEW YORK — Sally Vonner has visited more than 2,000 women in her first year as top executive of United Women in Faith. She took the helm of the organization last July and since then has attended in-person meetings, worship services and Zoom calls to get a feel for the mood of United Methodist women. “I can see God’s movement among us, and that gives me hope,” Vonner said. Audrey Stanton-Smith has the story.
Read story
UM News: Women’s group celebrates past, present, future impact
Texas Conference
How to support people in Beryl’s path
HOUSTON — As Texas communities assess the damage left by Hurricane Beryl, the Texas Conference has shared how United Methodists can help with relief. Beryl, which came ashore in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane, unleashed heavy rains and powerful winds that killed at least seven people and left more than 2 million homes and businesses without power. The United Methodist Committee on Relief has issued an emergency grant to the Texas Conference and has reached out to the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas leadership to offer support.
Read Texas Conference update
CNN: Beryl leaves millions without power
Donate to UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response
Dakotas and Michigan conferences
Church members help after Midwest flooding
MITCHELL, S.D. — Flood victims across the Midwest are getting help from United Methodists. Members at Canton United Methodist Church in South Dakota have packed sand bags, opened the church to visitors who need a break and helped clear rubble from flooded basements. Midwest Mission, a longtime partner with The United Methodist Church, is sending disaster relief to hard-hit areas in Iowa and Minnesota. The mission also is seeking help to replenish supplies. Doreen Gosmire and Mallory Webster report.
Read Dakotas Conference story
Read Michigan Conference story
Donate to Midwest Mission
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Digest commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
New England Conference
Change energy use habits this summer
METHUEN, Mass. — Summer is a great time for people to change energy habits and look at how they heat and cool their buildings. In her “Go Green, Save Money, Save the Earth” blog, the Rev. Kim Hornung-Marcy shares some easy and quick changes that will save money and reduce energy use and carbon emissions.
Read commentary
RESOURCES
Resurrection, a United Methodist Church
Leadership Institute registration open
LEAWOOD, Kan. — Resurrection, a United Methodist Church will hold its annual Leadership Institute for clergy and lay ministry leaders Sept. 26-27 with a pre-conference on Sept. 25. Speakers include the Rev. Adam Hamilton, the church’s senior pastor; Kara Powell of the Fuller Youth Institute; the Rev. Candace Lewis, president of Gammon Theological Seminary; and Brian McLaren, public theologian. Super early-bird rates end July 15.
Learn more and register
United Methodist Communications
Join church leader engagement panel
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Since 2017, United Methodist Communications has been working with church leader engagement panels to foster ongoing dialogue, address common challenges and develop strategies to help local churches. Panelists participate in online surveys and focus groups throughout the year and are compensated for their time. Those interested in being on a panel can complete a brief survey. Qualified participants will receive a $5 Amazon gift card and an invitation to join one of the agency’s panels.
Take survey
Lake Junaluska
Retreat center holds summer worship series
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Lake Junaluska is holding its annual summer worship series featuring United Methodist pastors and theologians. Preachers include the Revs. Jasmine Smothers, James Harnish, Alma Tinoco Ruiz, Michael Adam Beck, Sandra Richter and Jack Shitama.
See schedule
RECENT HEADLINES
2 new U.S. bishops to be elected this week
2024 United Methodist annual conference reports
EVENTS
Sunday, Aug. 4-Wednesday, Aug. 7
School of Congregational Development: See/Create/Disciple
Monday, Aug. 19-Friday, Sept. 27
Online course: Engaging the Bible in Rural Ministry
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.