“I became an orphan following this natural disaster, and I cannot do anything because it is the will of God.” — United Methodist student Herve Cibugi Eli, who lost his parents and 11 other family members after his village in eastern Congo.
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodists killed in Congo flooding
KALEHE, Congo (UM News) — Over 175 people, including 15 United Methodists, died after torrential rains overflowed the Chibira River in South Kivu. One church family lost 13 members. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
Read story
North Texas Conference
Bishop addresses mass shooting
PLANO, Texas — Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., who oversees the North Texas and Central Texas conferences, issued a statement about the May 6 mass killing in Allen, Texas. Saenz said United Methodists “will not only weep with those who weep but also work to remove the causes” of such tragedies.
Read full statement
Arkansas Conference
Church spreads out ‘Book Buffet’
MENA, Ark. — Mena First United Methodist Church sponsored a “Book Buffet” for the entire third-grade class of a local elementary school. Over 190 age-level books were purchased and donated by the congregation to help with third-grade literacy. Day Davis has photos of the event.
See photo essay
Missouri Conference
What next after church leaves you?
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Conference has its share of faithful United Methodists who have unhappily witnessed their local church deciding to disaffiliate. Fred Koenig interviewed a handful of them about what that was like and about their plans for finding a new church.
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Michigan Conference
Church marks 200th birthday
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — One of Michigan’s oldest congregations celebrated its 200th birthday in April. Utica United Methodist Church was founded by five Methodists, including a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Speaking at the church, Bishop David Alan Bard praised Utica’s long commitment to ministry and expressed appreciation for their witness. James Deaton has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Bishops take on varied issues
CHICAGO — The bishops of The United Methodist Church completed their spring meeting on May 5 in a gathering that aimed at the betterment of the worldwide denomination. About 100 bishops were in attendance, and about 20 participated online during the meeting, which included reports on the continuing work to fight racism, promote discipleship and strengthen mission strategies. The bishops also requested that a General Conference be held in 2026.
Read press release
UM News: Amid rupture, bishops called to renew church
RESOURCES
Finance and Administration
Webinar to address clergy discretionary funds
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bryan Mills, general counsel for the General Council on Finance and Administration, will host a Zoom webinar on clergy discretionary funds at 11 a.m. U.S. Central time May 23. Discretionary funds can cause clergy to unknowingly run afoul of Internal Revenue Service regulations, resulting in unintended tax consequences. Mills will explain what churches and annual conferences need to know to protect their donors and ministry.
Learn more
RECENT HEADLINES
Suspended bishop moves toward church trial
Korean leaders voice hope for church, despite exits
EVENTS
Monday, May 15-Monday, June 26
Online course: Leading Like Nehemiah
Monday, May 15-Monday, Aug. 14
Online course: Passionately Christian, Compassionately Interreligious
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