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 - June 14, 2017

Reconsideration of gay bishop ruling sought

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (UMNS) — The Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops filed a motion asking the Judicial Council to reconsider part of its ruling concerning a gay bishop. The motion contends that the ruling unlawfully changes the definition of “self-avowed practicing homosexual.” Kathy L. Gilbert reports. 
Read story 
First openly gay bishop ordains first elder 

'Golf-cart granny' still serving 

CLIFTON, Texas — As her 100th birthday approached, Faye Wallace drew TV coverage as the “golf-cart granny” of Clifton. The United Methodist woman had to give up driving a car a while back, but now drives her street-ready golf cart to Meals on Wheels, where she helps prepare the food. She’s also “the heart of the congregation” at First United Methodist Church of Clifton, according to the pastor. KXXV reports.
Watch story   

Learning from biblical fathers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMC.org) — As the U.S. prepares to celebrate Father’s Day, what can biblical fathers teach United Methodists? The Rev. Joan LaBarr looks at how God uses biblical fathers, despite their imperfections, in the creation and salvation of the world.
Read story 

Commentary: A response to the opioid epidemic

QUAKERTOWN, Pa. — Bishop Peggy Johnson, who leads the Eastern Pennsylvania and Peninsula-Delaware conferences, has made a point of learning more about the effects of opioid addiction. She offers church leaders advice on bringing “the words of life to this drug world of death.”
Read commentary 

2017 Ethnic Young Adult Interns start work

WASHINGTON — Nine young justice seekers have been selected as the 2017 Ethnic Young Adult Interns sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
Meet the interns 

Jesus House at 1209

GREENVILLE, N.C. (RETHINK) — House number 1209 sits on what was formerly considered to be the most crime-riddled street in Greenville. Aaron Saufley, who shepherds the flock that meets at 1209 on Sundays, is giving the house a new purpose. Rethink Church, part of United Methodist Communications, has the story. 
Read story 

 

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.

Thursday, June 15-Saturday, June 17

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference — The theme of the conference is “Rise Up and Pray.” Details

New England Conference — Radisson Hotel, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire. The theme for the annual conference is “Vital Conversations: Race.” Details

Thursday, June 15-Sunday, June 18

Rocky Mountain Conferences — Marriott Denver Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse St., Denver. The theme of the conference is “Living Into the Beloved Community.” Details

See more United Methodist events


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 16, 2025

5 United Methodists killed in floods; Church springs into action after hurricane; Heritage Sunday

UM News Digest - May 14, 2025

Church provides pampering for unhoused women; Hawaii United Methodists preserve local traditions; An annual conference primer for new delegates

UM News Digest - May 12, 2025

Minneapolis chosen for 2028 General Conference; Planning more help for Haiti; Churches raise funds to house flood survivors

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved