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 - March 6, 2019

“Although March 1871 is the date the church was officially established on the property, its congregation is thought to have worshipped there for many years before in a secluded space called a hush harbor.”The Rev. Angela Ford Nelson.

NEWS AND FEATURES

South Carolina Conference
The message of the hush harbor

CAMDEN, S.C. — The origin of Good Hope Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church dates back to a time when its congregation had to worship in secret. What was the hush harbor? And who were some of those who risked it all to worship the God of their ancestors and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? The Rev. Angela Ford Nelson has the story.
Read story

Minnesota Conference
Lay speaker delivers 500th sermon

MINNEAPOLIS — With prompting from his pastor, Jack Rogers went through lay speaker training. Now, 15 years later, he recently completed his 500th lay sermon. “I find great joy serving Christ and being a part of so many lives,” he said. Christa Meland reports.
Read story

New Haven Register
Pastor helping inner-city youths get to college

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — The Rev. Herron Gaston is helping at-risk teenagers work their way to college admission through the Youth with a Purpose program. Gaston is senior pastor of Summerfield United Methodist Church and associate director of admissions at Yale Divinity School. Ed Stannard has the story.
Read story

Greater New Jersey Conference
Karaoke raises money for church van

NEPTUNE, N.J. — Hamilton United Methodist Church usually offers others a helping hand. Its community returned the favor. Denise Herschel reports. Read story

PRESS RELEASES

Foundation for Evangelism
Texas lay pastor named distinguished evangelist

HUMBLE, Texas — Pastor Davidson “Danny” A. Hernaez, a charter member of the Texas Conference’s Laity Unleashed program, is the Foundation for Evangelism’s distinguished evangelist for 2018. He is president of a nonprofit that supports the distribution of Bibles and other resources to seminaries, colleges and churches in the Philippines. He also was instrumental in bringing The Walk to Emmaus to the Philippines.
Read press release

RESOURCES

World Council of Churches
Praying for women’s empowerment

GENEVA — The World Council of Churches is encouraging its fellowship and partners to join the Lott Carey “31 Days of Prayer for Women’s Empowerment” this month. The seventh anniversary Global Women’s Prayer Guide features 31 days of prayer supporting justice and equality for women. See resource

Religion and Race
Help with deepening the Lenten season

WASHINGTON — Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. There are resources available to help create a meaningful period of self-examination and reflection.
Read story

RECENT HEADLINES

Reaction to GC2019 remains strong

Amid struggles, deaconess movement flourishes

EVENTS

Monday, March 11-Friday, March 22

Online class — Writing Your Christian Testimony


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 28, 2025

Joy of singing aids people with Parkinson’s; Asian American clergy affirm roles at gathering; Reflecting 5 years after George Floyd’s death

UM News Digest - May 23, 2025

Ohio leaders mark 140 years of Korean mission; Bishop, pastor deal with tornado’s wreckage; Explainer: Voting on constitutional amendments

UM News Digest - May 21, 2025

United Methodist ‘sisters’ blend Christian traditions; Church supports flood survivors in Burundi; Sharing the Gospel through creation care

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved