"I know the burden of food provision falls on the woman, and she has to work twice as hard to put food on the table. Chaya will lessen the burden of women having to travel long distances to fetch water." — Margaret Tagwira, Africa University agricultural researcher, on drought-resistant chaya.
Vegetable sows hope in parched Zimbabwe
CHIVI, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Margaret Tagwira, an agricultural researcher at United Methodist Africa University, is promoting a nutrient-rich, drought-resistant plant in a country dying of thirst. Kathy L. Gilbert and Mike DuBose have the story and photographs.
Read story
Commentary: Christian ethics in volatile times
LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) — What should a United Methodist do when there is a conflict between church law and moral conscience? The Rev. Darryl W. Stephens looks at how that question has been answered in the denomination’s history.
Read story
Biking the Nebraska plains for hunger relief
BIG ISLAND, Va. — On June 24-28, 150 bike riders will cruise the plains of Nebraska for the 22nd annual Nebraska United Methodist Bike Ride for Hunger. The 250-mile ride raises money to support hunger-relief organizations, including the Society of St. Andrew.
Read story
For the love of five daughters
NEW YORK — Anyone who knew “Mark” had heard of his quest to bring his eldest daughter to the United States to reunite with her four sisters. Although “Mark” has died, the daughters will finally be reunited, thanks to TJ Mills, an attorney with the New York Justice for Our Neighbors chapter.
Read their story
Chinese international church thriving in new space
EDMOND, Okla. — Edmond-Chinese International United Methodist Church opened a multi-purpose space two months ago. Now, people are playing basketball, volleyball, even badminton, as well as worshipping and fellowshipping in the Agape Family Center. The church now holds both Chinese- and English-language services, too. Holly McCray has the story for the Oklahoma Conference.
Read story
Is using marijuana for medical reasons acceptable?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (InfoServ) — The United Methodist Church has long supported abstinence from illegal drugs, but is the church’s stance on medical marijuana different? InfoServ, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has the answer in the latest installment of Ask the UMC.
Read more
Ask the UMC
Looking ahead
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.
Wednesday, June 14
Call for action on gun violence — 11 a.m., Eastern. United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society and Heeding God’s Call will host faith leaders and others in a “call for action” on gun violence, racism and homophobia. This week marks the two-year anniversary of the shootings at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and the one-year anniversary of the shootings at Pulse Nightclub.
Wednesday, June 14-Saturday, June 17
Shared Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences — Red Lion on the River, Jantzen Beach, 909 N. Hayden Island Drive, Portland, Oregon. The Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences of The United Methodist Church will meet together in a shared annual conference session. The conferences will meet through the session in both joint and individual plenary meetings as well as sharing worship, laity meetings, workshops and mission experiences. Details
California-Pacific Conference Conference — University of Redlands, 1200 E. Colton Avenue Redlands, California. The theme of the annual conference is “From Here to There.” Details
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.